Last week, I shared how to avoid burnout as a creative. As a photographer or creative business owner, falling victim to burnout is a real threat! So if you have fallen into a stage of burnout, I just want you to know that it is okay. Thankfully, it’s possible to regain a healthy mindset and reignite your passion for your craft! These six steps are tried and true ways I have used to recover from burnout.Â
6 Steps to Recover From Burnout in Your Creative Business
Embrace a Mindset Shift
Recovering from burnout starts with shifting your mindset. Recognize that burnout is not a sign of weakness but a natural consequence of prolonged stress and overexertion. Take a moment to understand your body and when you need to pause (and that it is okay to pause!) Embracing self-care and a balanced routine is important for long-term success. Sometimes, all it takes is 10 minutes of meditation and quiet to really start to listen to your body and see what it needs. In addition, cultivate self-compassion by allowing yourself time to heal and recharge before taking on a full workload.
Seek Support and Guidance
After you’ve done the silent work of shifting your mindset, seek the support of trusted individuals. I recommend working with a mentor, coach, psychologist, or close friend to help visualize your goals and identify your past mistakes in a safe space. Invite feedback from this person! Their insights and perspectives will help you recover from burnout more effectively. It’s also important at this stage to be open to listening to their feedback. It can be easy to ignore those around you, but during these stages of burnout, focus on listening and not just reacting.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Write down your mistakes and lessons learned so you’ll remember them going forward. I don’t suggest this exercise to torture you but to help you gain wisdom and avoid similar pitfalls in the future! You’ll grow personally and professionally by identifying behavior patterns and areas for improvement. Take time to write down what went right and what went wrong, and revisit what you’ve written whenever you feel yourself veering toward burnout again.
Take a Social Media Break
Disconnect from social media, and consider taking a break from excessive cell phone use for at least two weeks. This digital detox will help you quiet the noise, reflect, and focus on self-care as you seek to recover from burnout.
Travel or Reconnect With Friends
Reconnect with what truly matters in life by taking a spontaneous trip or visiting loved ones. Immerse yourself in nature (even if it’s cold!) or plan a trip to a destination that brings you joy. Reconnect with local family and friends who will provide you with comfort and support. Engaging in meaningful conversations and quality time with them will remind you that there’s so much more to life than work!
Rediscover Your Hobbies
What would you be doing if you had all the time in the world? Identify your answer, then set aside time to do that thing! Whether painting, reading, gardening, or dancing, indulging in your favorite hobbies and activities will reinvigorate you.
Don’t have any hobbies yet? Take time to explore your interests and find activities that nourish your spirit. Remember, you won’t recover from burnout overnight, so be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey of healing and rediscovery.
Recover From Burnout + Reignite Your Creative Passion
Are you ready to take the first steps on your healing journey of recovering from burnout? No matter how exhausted and stressed you may feel right now, I promise you’ll find your way back to the creativity and passion that compelled you to start your business in the first place. With intentional action and patience for yourself, healing is possible. Use my free downloadable checklist to get started!
