The World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes burnout as a global health issue. It's defined as chronic stress at work that hasn't been managed well. When we're not feeling creative enough and experience anxiety, overwhelm, and fatigue, it's called creative burnout. In this blog, I will share the science and the symptoms of burnout.
Creativity is often linked to a state between wakefulness and sleep called hypnagogia. Pushing creative energy too hard for too long leads to burnout. Just like a well takes time to refill, creative energy replenishes slowly. Overworking creativity can lead to a drained feeling, similar to an empty well.
Burnout not only affects the brain but also disrupts the body's stress regulation system. Prolonged stress affects the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls cortisol release, the "stress hormone." Burnout can result in low cortisol levels, resembling a system breakdown.
If I haven’t scared you enough. Let’s look at the symptoms:
-> Procrastination: Normal delays are okay, but prolonged avoidance and missing deadlines might indicate burnout.
-> Struggle with Basic Tasks: If your to-do list keeps growing, but simple tasks become overwhelming, it could be a symptom of burnout.
-> Constant Exhaustion: Sustained physical fatigue despite adequate sleep may signal burnout
-> Inexplicable Stress: Persistent stress without a clear cause in your creative work could be a sign of burnout.
-> Unhealthy Comparisons: Negative comparisons with others' productivity may be a symptom of burnout.
-> Unbalanced Content Consumption: Excessive scrolling and binge-watching without creating much of your work can indicate burnout.
-> Morning Dread: If you consistently feel anxious and bleak upon waking, it might be a sign of burnout.
-> Harmful Habits: Coping through unhealthy mechanisms like overeating, abandoning exercise, or increased alcohol consumption may accompany burnout.
-> Irritability: Being more temperamental than usual, especially with colleagues or loved ones, can be a symptom of burnout.
-> Self-Doubt: Feeling that your work is never good enough, your efforts are pointless, or lack the necessary imagination despite past success and praise may indicate burnout.
If you find yourself experiencing several of these symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial. Don't ignore the warning signs because you think it's not serious or that you can handle it alone. Work will never go over your health. Remember, burnout can manifest in various degrees, even in mild forms. No matter the level of burnout, we should take steps to always prioritize our health.