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How to Bounce Back from Burnout as a Writer Working from Home
Many people dream about quitting their stressful day jobs and working as a writer, producing copy for exciting brands or crafting compelling stories for publishers. But writing can be stressful, too! As the lines between your work and personal life blur within the confines of your home, watch for burnout. When you work and live under the same roof, your home can quickly morph into a breeding ground for exhaustion and mental fatigue. Today, J.D.R. Hawkins will explore the intricacies of burnout among writers, examining its underlying causes, manifestations, and – most importantly – the strategies that can help you bounce back!
What Causes Writer’s Burnout?
Burnout is a state of complete mental and emotional exhaustion stemming from your occupation. Feeling chronically frustrated, irritable, anxious, and unfocused are hallmarks of the condition. But what causes burnout for writers who work from home? According to Peoplelogic, distractions are a common cause of burnout among remote workers. Distractions steal our attention and place a greater demand on our cognitive resources, draining our productivity and making us feel discouraged. Here are a few other reasons home-based writers may suffer from burnout:
- Blurred boundaries between work and personal life.
- Isolation and a lack of social interaction.
- Your perpetual availability and the relentless pressure to stay productive.
- A nagging sense of guilt when you're not working.
- The absence of regular feedback, which fuels self-doubt.
- The tireless pursuit of creativity.
It’s crucial to recognize these underlying causes so you can take proactive steps to combat burnout!
Get Out of the House
Getting outside and moving your body is one of the best antidotes to burnout. Spending time outside is a great way to declutter your mind, as it encourages you to be present. If you start to feel tired during the workday, a brisk walk outside could be just what you need to regain your mental and physical energy. Look for pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that make for good walking.
Look for a New Job
Crafting a compelling cover letter can significantly increase your chances of standing out to potential employers. A cover letter should not only introduce you and your professional background but also demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the job description. It's an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you're the best fit. Look for detailed guidance on creating an effective cover letter, from addressing it to the right person to emphasizing key accomplishments that resonate with the job you're applying for. For a step-by-step guide on writing a cover letter that makes an impact, including tips on structure and content that captures attention, click here for more info.
Automate Tedious Work
Boring, tedious work is often the most exhausting. Why? According to Cleverism, boredom is your brain telling you that what you’re doing is not adequately challenging or rewarding. Fortunately, mindless tasks can often be automated, freeing up your mental resources for what you do best: writing. Take advantage of apps and online tools to streamline administrative tasks such as project management, client communication, and bookkeeping.
Shut Out Distractions
Distractions are the bane of any writer who works from home. When you’re interrupted, it takes a long time to get back on track and refocus your brain on writing, using precious brain power and derailing your creative flow. One way to shut out these distractions is to block social media, email, news apps, and any websites you find yourself opening when you’re in a writing slump. If you have a home office, shut the door when you’re working and hang a sign asking other members of your household not to interrupt. Clutter can also be distracting, so keep your desk clean and organized.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks from writing is a pivotal strategy not only for maintaining productivity but also for recovering from burnout. Breaks, especially when short and scheduled at regular intervals, serve as essential mental rejuvenation sessions. For instance, pausing to rest your brain for just 5 minutes every 25 minutes can work wonders. These breaks allow you to step away from the intensity of writing, clear your mind, and recharge your creative batteries.
Don’t let burnout get in the way of your writing career. Understand what causes burnout and take proactive steps to prevent stress, boredom, and frustration from eating away at your creativity. Whether it means venturing outside to recharge or fortifying your focus by removing distractions from your home office, overcoming burnout can take your writing career to new heights!