What do you do if you're experiencing burnout as a designer?

An incredibly important skill as a creative is the ability to self reflect. Being aware of yourself, your feelings, your ability, and your limits will not just allow you to see the signs of burnout when they rear their head, but will also allow you to find areas where you can improve and grow.

Ultimately, as is the case in every area of life, the outcome or result that we achieve or are involved in are functions of two factors. One is, that which is in us in terms of aptitudes, faculties, interest, passion and so on in line with the objective under discussion which in this case is, recognising the signs and, the second is, how much actual or real experience we've had in trying to become knowledgeable of recognising the signs. The two will determine how well we are able to if at all. I can only speak based on my personal experience which is relatively extensive because I've been on the journey for close to 28 years now and, it hasn't been a walk in the park by any means. I get to that point where I just feel overloaded.

Be aware of the signs of burnout, which may include chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, decreased creativity, irritability, and physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent overworking and exhaustion. Schedule regular breaks, prioritize self-care activities, and avoid working excessive hours.

I've experienced two burnouts, both as a consequence of stress accumulation and not taking breaks, not respecting my body, not setting limits. Be attentive to your body's signals; allow yourself to have good hours of sleep, eat well, and do not exceed your body's limits. If you feel overwhelmed, seek help immediately.

Learn to say no: Be selective about taking on new projects or responsibilities, especially if your plate is already full. It's okay to decline requests or negotiate deadlines to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Don't wait until you're mentally burnt out to take a break. Take mental breaks throughout the day. Always take your vacations, if possible, at least one per semester, and on weekends, try not to engage in anything other than leisure activities and personal tasks. Allow your body to disconnect from work at the end of each day.

Delegate tasks: If possible, delegate tasks or collaborate with team members to lighten your workload. Effective delegation can help distribute responsibilities more evenly and prevent burnout.

Learning new skills: Take up a new hobby or learn a new skill unrelated to design, such as cooking, playing a musical instrument, or learning a new language. Engaging in lifelong learning can keep your mind sharp and expand your horizons.

After two episodes of burnout, I reassessed my goals and realized that working for companies that value quality of life and provide enhancements for my well-being is the ideal place to be. Sometimes, global companies, high salaries, and top positions conceal burnouts and lead to significant losses. Therefore, prioritize your quality of life and well-being.

Creative hobbies: Explore creative hobbies outside of design, such as painting, photography, or crafting. These activities can provide a refreshing break from your professional work while still allowing you to express your creativity.