You’re a creative professional who wants to avoid burnout. What habits should you adopt?

One practice I found helpful is setting non-negotiable, quantifiable (can't stress on how important is this), and qualitative measures of performance and involvement helps create a mutual understanding of expectations. This preparatory phase is key to defining the scope and limits of one's responsibilities and contributions, which in turn supports effective delegation too. Such clarity not only fosters a healthier work environment but also ensures that the creativity and energy we bring to our professional endeavors are sustainable in the long run. This approach has become an indispensable part of my work ethic, fostering a balanced and productive creative process.

Oh oui ! il est important de respecter les horaires définis pour le travail, on a tous qu'une vie et on ne doit pas devenir indispensable (même si parfois on aime ça, c'est dangereux). Avec l'expérience, les heures supplémentaires ne sont pas forcément les plus productives et finalement tout peut être fait en une ou plusieurs journée(s) de travail normale(s) si le timing ( deadline) a bien été pris en compte dès le début ⌛️ - Il faut aussi habituer les clients dès le début, et donc ne pas dire oui à tout n'importe quand (je sais, là aussi c'est compliqué mais c'est une éducation 💪). Il faut apprendre à rassurer et échanger tout au long du processus de création.

Taking time to rest and recharge is so important for sustaining your creative process. Setting aside time to take breaks, get some fresh air, or practice mindfulness can help you feel more centered and avoid burnout as well. Everyone is different, so it's critical to set boundaries based on what works for you and your work habits, and to do this early.

For sustainable creativity, one has to be able to create space within and outside, and hence setting boundaries is extremely critical. Boundaries between work and personal life, boundaries to inculcate free thinking space and time, and also boundaries in one's own space by saying no to self when needed. What works best is to designate specific work hours and stick to them, and make time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities outside of work.

Take a break! You cannot force inspiration to come to you. What happens when you exercise one muscle a lot? You over-exert it. The brain is a muscle. Let it rest. Let it take its time. Do one or two mindless things and your mind will reboot. BOOM!! Here comes the creative inspiration

En tant que graphiste, j'aime voir ce qui se fait, et comme mon métier passe par l'image, les réseaux sociaux m'aident à rester à jour, à m'inspirer, etc. Aussi, c'est important de faire quelques tutos en fonction des nouveautés sur les logiciels et regarder ou écouter quelques webinaire. Le meilleur challenge aussi, c'est d'accepter des travaux qui nous demande de sortir de notre zone de confort même si ça risque de prendre plus de temps 😉

As an instructional designer, it is important for me to see other IDs' creations and thought processes. This means not only reviewing colleagues' work but also seeking out opportunities in the larger community to see others' work to inspire more creative and better work on my end.

Avoid self-criticism and perfectionism, and instead develop a mindset of self-compassion and resilience. Prioritize your physical and mental health, take breaks to recharge, and find other creative outlets to engage in that can help you destress.

Reflecting on the larger "why" behind our creative endeavors is indeed a potent form of self-care. It acts as an anchor, providing clarity and purpose even when burnout looms on the horizon. Recognizing that the work at hand might be for immediate needs, like monetary gain, is also valid. It's important to acknowledge these moments for what they are—temporary and specific to now, while our overarching purpose stretches beyond the present. This perspective helps maintain a healthy emotional balance, ensuring that our passion for creativity burns bright without burning us out.

Je confirme ! Échanger, s'entourer, demander un avis ouvre des chakras ! La communication c'est le cœur de mon métier qui est la communication visuelle, mon message doit donc être compréhensible par tous et toucher les autres. On a besoin des uns et des autres et s'ouvrir 😊

One common pattern that i see in professionals in creative spaces is the tendency to stretch beyond measure (whenever needed at work/ when ideas are flowing/ or when ideas are not flowing).. And to get burnt out with constant stimulation over time.. Also a tendency to escape some aspects of life (rather than consciously creating boundaries).. The best way forward is to work on self and keep the long term goal and sustainability in mind - always.