Burnout and Creativity: Sometimes You Need to Walk Away

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Ah, burnout and creativity. The two go together like PB&J, milk and cookies, sprinkles and ice cream . . . OK, you get the idea. But just because you’re a creative—a copywriter, fiction writer, whatever—that doesn’t mean you must burn out.

Here’s a question I got from a site visitor about burnout and creativity. . .

Dear Copy Bitch: We’re kindred spirits: I’m a copywriter by day, and at night (for the last three years anyway) I’ve been working on a memoir. Lately, I just can’t seem to do either well, even though I try forcing myself to write through it. I’ll admit that sometimes I work seven days a week, but I’ve always seen this as dedication to my craft. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just blocked. Would love to get your take. Thanks. Love the blog!

—Miami Memoirist

Sometimes, the most important thing you can do when the writing isn’t clicking—be it client copy or creative writing—is to step away from the computer, throw down your legal pad, or cast aside your journal.

Listen, I don’t believe in writer’s block, and I’m the biggest proponent of “Ass in Chair” and banging it out and working through it because I know that nine times out of ten, you can. But then there’s that stinky tenth time. You know, the one that causes neck and back spasms that leave you drooling on the carpet. The moment when you just. Can’t. Write. Another. Word. (Again, I don’t think this is a block; it’s your mind’s way of telling you it needs a rest—there’s a big difference.)

What to do when burnout and creativity clash?

So step away. From the whole gosh-darn thing: from the room in which your computer purrs, from the house in which your writing festers, and get thee somewhere else. Anywhere. The park, the movies, the bookstore, your best friend’s house. Just get out. Leave it alone. For as long as you can manage (ideally 24 hours, but I realize this isn’t always feasible—even a morning or afternoon can do wonders). Try not to think about it (ha!). Seriously, though, give yourself permission to breathe and to take a break and to allow your mind and body a Take Five.

Go back to it the next day and see what happens.

Now, start carving “Take Five” time like this into your schedule. If you draw peace and inspiration from spending one morning a week with the dogs at the dog park, then book it. If you love film and feel that a Wednesday matinee is one of the best things since George Clooney’s birth, then block out that time and don’t feel guilty, either. This is one of freelancing’s perks. Take advantage of it. If you need yoga three times a week to keep the mental muscles happy, do it. Dedication to craft is commendable. But so is dedication to your own sanity and self-care.

And if that doesn’t solve the creative burnout conundrum?

Maybe you need to walk away a bit longer. If you can, take it. (I know this is hard if you’re a freelancer, but if you have to “call in sick” for a few days, do it. Let clients know you’re sick and all deadlines need to be moved out X days. Note: I don’t always follow my own advice. Be gentle with yourself, too.)

If you need help—ask for it. (I also know this is easier said than done. But your mental health is important.)

Sometimes you need to do something more drastic with your creative life. I had a come-to-Jesus moment like this a few years ago when I was spiraling because of my fiction writing life. I stepped away from it for the first time in 20 years, and DAMN, was that hard. But I needed to do it.

I’m not sure how to end this missive. Just know you’re not alone. Try to find those folks who can support you. And do the self-care you need to do.

Need inspo? Here are two of my favorite books on writing.

I use Amazon affiliate links. If you use one of the links to buy something, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission. I only recommend stuff that I believe in. I own both of these books and regularly recommend them to fellow writers.

  • Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. This is a classic. I got this as a Christmas gift from a guy I loved back in the mid-90s. It’s the best thing that came out of the relationship. 😉
  • On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. If you’re not a Stephen King fan, you might be tempted to skip this recommendation. Don’t. You don’t need to be a fan or familiar with his work to appreciate this incredibly honest book.