So I set a goal to finish my revisions by May 25th.
Ha. Hahaaha. HA!
I set the goal because I was having a hard time getting motivated. But in this case, a deadline just made my problem worse. I wasn’t 
having a hard time focusing and working because I was lazy or distracted. I was shirking because I was on the verge of burning out.
Burnout, for me, happens when I push myself too hard just for the sake of being done. I find myself completely blocked. If I do may any progress at all, it’s just throwing something on the page so I can move on and be done with it, often not really improving the problems (or simply noting them and moving on).
I can work quickly, especially when I’m really excited about a story. But if I’m not excited about the story at the moment (or just overwhelmed by it), I need to allow myself to slow down. So I am. I might flirt with a story I shouldn’t be writing if something strikes me. I might just work on my crafts or play the piano, or explore another creative outlet.
How do you avoid burnout?
Photo by Patricia Espedal
Originally posted May 2011
I have trouble avoiding burnout but I fix it the same way you do. I brainstorm ideas for short stories and out line a couple of them. I draw, refurbish old furniture or visit with my girlfriend for a girll’s day out -facials at my daughters spa. She always inspires me.
Love it! Being creative, rest and relaxation—great ideas!
I think the most important thing people like us writers can do is to listen to ourselves. That may mean not writing for a while. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with watching tv, listening to music, reading, going to one’s house of worship, out for a long walk, or doing something else that will help “reset” a writer’s mind in a healthy way. In this “over-programmed” society we sometimes forget that we just need some downtime. Some call this mindfulness, though I call it self-monitoring, but both words mean the same thing.
In my case, spending fun-time with the three family cats quite destressing for me. The enjoy it too. I read something recently (source not available) about a cat’s purr being therapeutic and calming for humans, and I think I believe it.
I’d like to hear from other writers too. Am I the only writer who uses feline or purr therapy? 😉
Debby
I don’t use feline therapy, but I use a lot of canine therapy. Nothing calms me more than giving a warm puppy a nice belly rub. So soft! As a Sims 3 player, I liken burn out to having your fun meter glaringly in the red. So when that happens, I have to take some time to play: with the dogs, with my friends, catching up on movies and books, and playing games! 🙂
-Brook
LOL, great visual and fun ideas!
Exactly!
I don’t have a cat anymore, but I love the feline therapy idea 😉