Preventing Burnout: Self-Care Tips for Artists and Business Owners
Weather Landscapes, 2023
Nicole Helen Brunner
Being an artist and owning a business can be a super rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be equally stressful and draining. The pressure to constantly create, market, and sell your art can easily lead to burnout, which can have a seriously bad effect on your mental and physical health, as well as your creative output. I’ve lived it!
If you're feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it's important to take steps to prioritize yourself. Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself when you're starting to feel burnt out as an artist and business owner:
Eat well, like for real
Taking care of your body is super important when it comes to preventing burnout. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein can help boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and keep you focused throughout the day. Take breaks and nourish yourself throughout the day. And don't you forget to take a break for lunch, even if it's just 15 minutes to eat something nourishing. Your body deserves it, hun.
These are some of my favorite recipes: Green Goddess Salad, White Bean Soup, Breakfast Tacos, Quinoa Kale Salad
Get enough sleep, like for real real
Getting enough restful sleep is essential for your mental and physical health, as well as your creative output. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule that you can stick to even on weekends. Consider winding down before bed by reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation. You don't want to wake up feeling like a zombie, do ya?
Make art for yourself, not just for cash
It can be super easy to get caught up in the business side of being an artist, but it's important to remember why you started creating in the first place. Set aside some time each day or week to work on projects that are purely for your own enjoyment, without worrying about how much money they'll make. This can help reignite your passion for art and remind you of why you started this journey in the first place. Do it for the love of the art, ya know?
Take walks, like really take walks
Getting outside and moving your body can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase creativity. Take a break from your work and take a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park. Take in the scenery, breathe fresh air, and let your mind wander. When you return to your work, you'll feel more refreshed and focused. There’s a reason I moved to the woods! Trust me, it works wonders
Stretch it out, baby
Stretching is a great way to take care of your body and prevent burnout as an artist and business owner. Long hours sitting in front of a computer or standing to work on art can cause stiffness and soreness in your muscles and joints, which can lead to fatigue and burnout. Incorporating stretching into your daily routine can help you stay flexible, reduce tension, and improve circulation. You can do simple stretches at your desk or workstation, or take a break and do a more comprehensive stretching routine.
So, there you have it, folks. These are just a few tips to help you take care of yourself when you're feeling burnt out as an artist and business owner. Remember, you gotta take care of yourself first, so you can create your best work and be happy doing it.
Feel free to add your own ways to deal with burnout below.