In burnout your creativity drops to what feels like beyond return; your performance goes up and down, your mood feels stale or unpredictable and your own mind isn’t a safe space anymore. 

It is now a full time jungle of intrusive thoughts and negative self-talk. Then it seeps into your social life, you start canceling plans, feeling depressed and stuck in mud.

I’ve recently clawed my way out of a deep depression that lasted three months. “Simple” things like showering proved hard, as well as holding a long conversation. 

During my time sitting next to depression I noticed it had a handful of similarities to burnout, and I discovered a new way of thinking that literally pulled me out of burnout and depression.

To disclaim, this worked for me individually and was in conjunction with many things (going to a doctor, taking time off of work, selfcare and working out again). 

There is no one quick fix to anything, nor mental health, and consulting with a doctor or therapist is an awesome first step. 

However, I still wanted to share this mindset shift with you!

The Secret: What Is A Project?

Ask yourself: what even is a project? It might feel like a basic question, I mean surely, at this point we know what quantifies a project, right? 

Actually, this was one of my later personal discoveries: I didn’t know what a project was…and I had way more than I realized. It ended up being a core element of my burnout seasons.

By definition, a project is, “an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.” 

But many of us have gotten into the headspace that a project happens in strict environments and instances. 

A work assignment, a classroom project, a singular home construction need, or a creative endeavor from start to finish. 

But, If you’re feeling burned out, it may be because you actually have more projects than you realize.

Here’s the thing, our minds are constantly working through macro and micro projects. We’re problem solvers, overthinkers and dreamers. 

Regardless of how busy or organized you consider yourself personally, I can bet that if you have a creative spark within you, you’re juggling a lot of balls; of all different shapes, sizes and colors. 

If you feel like you’re dragging your feet through mud with your “main” creative project, like finishing a novel, or your embroidery lessons, chances are your mind is overloaded with other micro projects.

Projects actually include; things of any size that need problem solving, daily chores and life essentials, controlled or uncontrolled deadlines, family needs, charity/volunteer work (note that overworking at your job, or putting in extra unpaid hours can be considered a form of charity, in a way), creative endeavors, training and lessons, and self maintenance and health.

Take Action:

Take some time to write down things in your life that might be projects. Take inventory of what’s on your plate. 

It will give you a better understanding of the true timeline of YOUR process, and also more ammunition if you need grace and gentleness as you try to achieve some of your endeavors. 

It’s okay to tell a project, “not yet.” It’s also okay to plan out a project as we’re doing together now, knowing that it’s intended for the future, and not for this exact moment. 

It’s okay to say not yet to the new diet, instead, make one small change. 

It’s okay to focus on washing your face every day, not buying the entire new skincare line. It’s okay to recognize you are doing a lot as a human being.

I have a lot of mental health issues that I struggle with, so flare ups or bad weeks is something I am no stranger to. 

It’s hard to not expend energy on grieving where we could be in the creative project or part of life if we didn’t have mental struggles or illnesses. Something that I find helps me when I go through this period of time is if I don’t have the energy to create, I will brainstorm or plan when I feel like I have enough strength. 

It gives me the feeling of progress and helps me process slowly at my own pace.

Don’t be afraid to build mental health fortification into your human process. Do you need walks every day to think? Is there a coping skill, like music or a certain type of show that gives you a sense of rest? 

Do you want to reward yourself with certain activities or creative inspiration, like bookstores, museums, etc? Keeping our mental health at the forefront of how we go about our week will strengthen us, not weaken us.

Don’t be afraid to ask yourself: Why do I love my life? Why are you grateful to be awake today? Doesn’t have to be anything huge. Stay small. 

Small is how we slip into the cracks and heal deep wounds. Small changes in thinking doesn’t mean small outcomes.

Focus on what you love, just take five minutes. Maybe it’s your dog, or you're really happy to have that new outfit, or dinner with your spouse. Maybe revisit a goal you’re working towards that you’re pumped about. 

Then take action on that - then double it. 

Take ten minutes to play with your dog today. Organize your closet like you’ve been wanting to for weeks towards your minimalism goal, or take some new pictures for half an hour because it brings you joy. 

Text your spouse and say Thursday you’re going to plan a dinner, or you’re going out to your favorite restaurant. 

Maybe even make things consistent, like weekly times you cut out for the things you love. Of course, there are many things we can do while in burnout to alleviate stress; changing our diet, sleeping, working out, creating a more regimented schedule, and boundary setting. 

But for now, start with what you love. You don’t need to punish yourself. If your productivity drops, you don't need to be hard on yourself and say you don’t deserve love. 

Burnout means your body needs to be re-grounded into what really matters, and that’s the little things.

Written by Sarah Edwards. Want to get to know me? Say hi! https://liinks.co/setapartcompany

This article was originally posted for Set Apart Magazine at www.setapartcompany.com

Disclaimer: Sarah Edwards is not a certified or licensed mental health professional. Rather someone sharing real life experience and findings for others to find commonality and seek actionable steps needed for them.