Burnout is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, but until you experience it, it’s kinda hard to understand the depth of its impact. For me, burnout was a gradual descent, a slow unraveling of the things that once brought me joy and fulfillment.
As an artist, I've always thrived on creativity and passion, but I found myself facing a period where even picking up a paintbrush felt like an insurmountable task.
The Beginning of a Downward Spiral
The signs were there: constant exhaustion, a pervasive sense of dread, and a disconnect from my work. I was pushing myself too hard, trying to meet endless deadlines and maintain a facade of productivity. Eventually, I reached a breaking point and knew something had to change.
The Road to Recovery
My journey to recovery was neither quick nor easy. It involved a lot of introspection, self-compassion, and the willingness to make significant changes in my life.
The things that made the biggest difference:
Acceptance I had to acknowledge that I was burnt out and admit that I couldn’t keep going at the same relentless pace. Once I did, it was like I could allow myself to begin healing.
Slowing Down I made a conscious decision to slow everything down. This meant setting some serious boundaries, saying no to extra commitments, and allowing myself time to rest and recharge.
Journaling I started journaling daily, brain dumping my emotions and thoughts without judgement and releasing pent-up stress and anxiety. It was through these pages that I began to untangle the mess of my mind and I was better able to reflect on my days, set intentions, and prioritize what truly mattered.
Art As Therapy I returned to my love of art, not as a job, but as a form of therapy. I slowly started painting for the joy of it, without any expectations or deadlines. I reminded myself of why I became an artist in the first place.
Gratitude Recognizing and appreciating the small joys in life each day helped shift my perspective from stress to serenity. I made a pact to list 3 things I was grateful for each day, no repeats.
Slower Living I learned to savor each moment, finding beauty in the mundane and living more mindfully. I made an effort to enjoy life outside of technology. I went on walks outside, read books, and actually paid attention/tasted my meals. Total game-changer.
Through these practices, I gradually found myself again. I felt more connected to the real me and who I am as an artist. Burnout stripped away my joy and passions, but I'm rebuilding and believe I'm on the path to becoming the best version of myself!
If you’re struggling with some burnout, know that it’s okay to slow down, to take a step back, and to seek support. You’re not alone, and there’s a path to recovery that’s filled with hope and healing.
The information and advice I provide in this blog and in my capacity as a coach, are based on personal experience, education, and general knowledge. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner for personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment related to any health concerns. My role as a coach is to offer guidance and support in areas such as lifestyle, motivation, and goal-setting, but it should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Chloe believes designing a beautiful life begins with heartfelt intention. Encouraging those around her to enjoy life like a fine art gallery, slowly, with emotion and purpose. Guiding away from overwhelm and into living and working from a place of rest.
Having spent the majority of her career as a bespoke wedding stationer, in a high-end and fast-paced industry, burnout struck in 2018 and almost led her to quit. Instead, she rested and did the deep work of understanding why women and creatives are more susceptible to the continual destruction of overwhelm.
Her mission is to eliminate the shame around creative suffering and bring joy back to our days. Offering 1:1 coaching sessions, tailored Clear Mind coaching programs, VIP days, and speaking engagement content, learn more about Chloe here.
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