When was the last time burnout snuck up on you?

For me, it hit hard after our big move from Chicago to metro Detroit. As both a creative and a parent, I'm no stranger to burnout—but this time was different, and honestly, I didn't even see it coming.

Between unpacking boxes, home renovations, helping my kids adjust to new routines (and some health hiccups), and managing endless school events and activities, I told myself I was "resting" by shifting my focus to family priorities.

Spoiler: I wasn't. 😅

I instead traded one overly full plate for another. And I was running on empty. 🫠

Making art wasn’t fun anymore. My usual go-to's – like taking breaks or going outside – wasn't working.

I realized I had to hit pause, take a step back, and address the burnout at its core.

If you're feeling this too, you're not alone. Let's explore the signs of burnout and how to start refilling your creative cup.

5 signs of creative burnout

1. You’re tired all the time 🪫

You feel like your energy is always low. Burnout isn’t just mental—it’s physical, too. When everything feels exhausting, it’s often a sign that something deeper is off.

2. Work avoidance and procrastination 🙅🏻‍♀️

You’re staring at a blank canvas, wondering what to do next. The creative process feels paralyzing, so you put off work or avoid it entirely.

3. Struggles with comparison syndrome 😢

As you avoid your work, it’s tempting to scroll social media, where you start comparing yourself to others. You start to feel FOMO, anxiety, and like you’re falling behind.

4. Art feels like work more than joy 😮‍💨

Creating art feels like a chore now. Instead of flowing freely, your creativity feels dampened by pressure and deadlines.

5. All your ideas seem to suck 🫠

Even when you try to brainstorm, your ideas feel flat and uninspired. It feels like your creative juice has run dry.

How to refill your cup and find joy in creating again

After my usual ways to recover from burnout–like taking a break or going outside–didn't quite cut it, I realized that this time, my burnout was a sign of something deeper happening. So, I tried a bunch of different things to refill my creative cup.

Here’s what really helped:

1. Remember to rest

When you’re exhausted, it’s often a sign that your body and mind are desperate for a reset. When I hit burnout, I discovered that taking a short break wasn’t restoring my creativity like it used to. So, I took the time to rest properly and tend to the basics (food, sleep, movement). That meant allowing myself to relax instead of just feeling guilty about taking time off.

👉Tip: If you can’t take an extended break, schedule intentional time off each week.

Think “do-nothing Sundays” or a quick 30 minutes of guilt-free self-care before the kids get home to recharge and be ready to fill their cups, too.

2. Prioritize peace over productivity

Burnout isn’t always just about workload—sometimes, the noise and constant pressure from outside sources take a toll on your creative energy. Social media and endless deadlines had me feeling like I had to always be productive, and I’d get stressed opening my apps or checking my inbox. When I let go of the idea that I had to keep pushing through, I found peace in pausing and prioritizing my well-being (even if the algorithm might be unhappy about it).

👉Tip: Before committing to anything, ask yourself, “Does this bring me peace or stress?”

Set those boundaries (like getting off social media or blocking out a specific time to check email). Look back at times you said “yes” and regretted it, then let that guide how you handle similar requests in the future.

3. Focus on mini-wins

When you’re running on empty, burnout can stem from not feeling accomplished. Creating feels impossible, and none of your work feels good enough. That’s why focusing on small, low-stakes tasks can help build you back up. During my break, I found satisfaction in the simplest things, like propagating plant babies 🌱and making dumplings from scratch 🥟. These small but meaningful wins outside of art helped me to reconnect with that feeling of accomplishment.

👉Tip: Try a "mini-win" task that feels fun and achievable each week.

It could be testing a new recipe, breezing through an easy read, squeezing in a workout, keeping a plant alive, or completing a puzzle (PS – if you’re looking for a new one, check out my puzzle collection! 🥰).

4. Take yourself on an artist date

Sometimes, burnout can hit if you’re stuck in a routine, especially when you’re too focused on work and not nourishing your creative soul. Inspired by The Artist’s Way, I treated myself to solo outings to spark creativity. While I missed my usual Chicago spots—art exhibits, lakeside walks, plant shops—I found new places to explore in metro Detroit. These mini outings helped me to reconnect with my creative side and gave me space to be inspired again.

👉Tip: Block off 1-2 hours next week to take yourself out.

Bring a notebook (or use your phone’s note-taking app - I’m a Notion fan) to jot down any creative ideas. Visit places that bring you joy, like cozy plant shops, used bookstores, stationery stores, and museums, or sip a cup of coffee with a good book at your local café.

5. Connect with a friend

Burnout can feel isolating, especially when it feels like no one else is going through the same thing. Reaching out to a friend who gets it can remind you that you’re not alone. I’m grateful for the friends I could text and FaceTime after my move. Sometimes, all it takes is a good vent session (or a few 😉) to create accountability and help you show up again, one small step at a time.

👉Tip: Set up some time to meet with a friend who gets it.

If in-person time sounds daunting with your busy schedule, you could even make it a virtual coffee date. A quick 30-minute catch-up can do wonders to combating that feeling of burnout!

One bite at a time

Some final thoughts…

When your plate feels too full, start with just one bite. Be kind to yourself along the way. You’re still an artist, even if you haven't created anything new recently. ❤️ Trust the ebb and flow of your creative process—this lull is only temporary. 🌊

And remember, creativity doesn’t have to happen all at once. Count the baby steps. Your creativity will come back when it’s ready. You’ve got this. 💪

Ready to create again?

If this post resonated with you, I’d love to keep in touch! Subscribe to my newsletter for a dose of encouragement, digital art and lettering tips, and fun exercises to help you recharge your creativity. 🎨