Dealing with Burnouts

Burnouts can be tough both mentally and physically. It’s important to recognize the early signs of burnout such as fatigue and exhaustion. Check out these strategies that might be able to help! 

1. Take Breaks

Often overlooked, taking a break from your artistic practice can help reset your mind and give you the space you need to recover. This can involve taking a few days, weeks, or longer, depending on your needs.

2. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Reflect on why you started creating art in the first place. Revisiting your purpose can reinvigorate your passion. Sometimes burnout occurs when the focus shifts too much to external validation, and revisiting your internal motivations can help you reconnect.

3. Engage in Other Creative Outlets

Sometimes a different kind of creativity can act as a restorative practice. Try engaging in other creative outlets like writing, music, cooking, or crafting. These can help you feel productive and creative without the pressure of your usual medium.

4. Seek Support

Talk to other artists who may have gone through similar experiences. Sometimes, sharing your feelings with a creative community can make you feel less isolated and help you gain fresh perspectives. SKS is here to provide this support. Feel free to contact us! 

5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness can help you stay in the present moment and reduce anxiety about the future. Practicing meditation or mindfulness exercises can help clear mental clutter and reduce stress. Using Gurbani as your compass, you can space time to do some Naam Simran. Gurbani says:

ਨਾਉ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਨਾਉ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਨਾਮੇ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧॥

naau dhiaaieeaai naau ma(n)geeaai naame sahaj samai ||1||

Meditate on the Name, worship the Name, and through the Name, you shall be absorbed in intuitive poise. ||1|

—-

ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥

salok |

Salok:

ਦੀਨ ਦਰਦ ਦੁਖ ਭੰਜਨਾ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਨਾਥ ਅਨਾਥ ॥

deen darad dukh bhanjanaa ghatt ghatt naath anaath |

O Destroyer of the pains and the suffering of the poor, O Master of each and every heart, O Masterless One:

ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਮੑਾਰੀ ਆਇਓ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਾਥ ॥੧॥

saran tumaaree aaeio naanak ke prabh saath |1|

I have come seeking Your Sanctuary. O God, please be with Nanak! ||1||

_____

ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਖਿਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਉਧਾਰੀ ॥

har ko naam khin maeh udhaaree ||

the Name of the Lord shall rescue you in an instant.