How artists can beat burnout

Under pressure Being an artist isn’t always easy. Leading creatives tell Tom May their tips for when stress becomes overwhelming

AT THE CORE OF THE DIGITAL ART COMMUNITY

“Being an artist makes you more prone to burnout because of the constant churning of ideas and techniques,” says Miguel Ycasiano.

Photograph by Gail D’Almaine

You love making art. But one day you wake up, and you just… can’t. What’s happening?

Burnout isn’t just a throwaway catchphrase, it’s a real condition, says Dr Lynda Shaw, a neuroscientist, business psychologist and change specialist. “It can be caused by periods of additional anxiety or pressure, difficulty separating work and personal life, or a work/life balance that’s out of kilter,” she explains.

“Working too many hours, spreading yourself too thin, and especially at the moment, facing pressures of an uncertain job market, will all contribute. Feeling burnout can influence every aspect of your life, from your work to relationships, to your physical and mental health, and can leave you feeling you have very little left to give.”

“Poor management of energy is what leads to a lack of productivity, fatigue and burnout,” says Alex Beddows.

“Sometimes I have the drive to create until 2am. Other times, I don’t want to pick up a pencil,” says Jill Becker, aka Paintixir.

“With no other hobbies to turn to, art block often leads to feelings of failure or guilt,” says Domareen Fox.

In medical terms, burnout relates to the release of cortisol, a stress hormone from the adrenal glands. “We need the right amount of cortisol to survive,” says Dr Shaw. “But cortisol can become toxic if allowed to continue for long. Persistent and overreaction of these stress systems can be detrimental to our health.”