Running on Empty? A Cheeky Guide to Bouncing Back from Creative Burnout

Orange text "Running on Empty? A cheeky guide to bouncing back from creative burnout" on top of a pink background with low battery icon pattern

Creative burnout can sneak up on the best of us. One day, you’re bursting with ideas; the next, you’re staring at a blank page in paralysis, wondering where your spark has gone. The good news? Burnout doesn’t mean your creativity has packed up and left for good.

Feeling worn out isn’t a sign of failure. Allow yourself to admit you need a break and try not to be hard on yourself for it. Many creatives hit the wall at some point, so acknowledging burnout is really just part of the process.

If your usual routine is starting to feel monotonous, experiment with something new. Paint, write, cook, or doodle – it doesn’t need to be perfect, just enjoyable. Switching things up can give your mind a rest and help new ideas spark unexpectedly.

Sometimes the best way to get back on track is to enjoy other people’s work. Read a book, listen to music, watch a film, check out what creative events there are. Inspiration often returns when you’re relaxing and enjoying yourself, not when you’re forcing it.

Don’t isolate yourself during a creative slump. Reach out to friends, family, or fellow creatives for support. A chat, a walk, or simply spending time with others can help lift your spirits and rekindle your motivation. Joining communities can also be really helpful.

Everyone has unproductive days, and that’s perfectly normal. Try to accept those days rather than fight against them. Take a walk, relax, or do something comforting – tomorrow is a new start for you and your creativity.

Give yourself permission to play and experiment without worrying about the results ( I know, this is a tough one!). Whether you’re trying a new art style or writing quirky poetry, letting go of expectations can help refuel your creative energy.

Burnout is only temporary. With rest, variety, and a bit of kindness to yourself, your inspiration will return. Keep exploring, stay connected, and remember to enjoy the process – and don’t forget, a good cup of tea never hurts.

If you liked this blog, why not check out some of our other posts on burnout and mental health!

And hey, give us a shout if you’d like to know more – we love a good chat !

Latest Posts

The hidden AI layer between your brand and your buyers Every marketer I speak to is talking about how they use AI. Very few are talking about the AI they cannot see. While we are all busy playing with tools and prompts, LinkedIn, Meta, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, X, Snapchat and…
Read More
Instagram has rolled out another exciting update, and this one is all about making Reels easier, smoother, and far more fun to create. Whether you use Reels for your business, personal brand, or simply to share moments with friends, these new camera improvements are designed to help…
Read More
How can CMOs stop Q4 paid social costs from spiralling? CMOs cannot change Q4 seasonality, but they can change how exposed they are to it. Instead of leaving all budget in live auctions when CPMs peak, use Meta’s Reservation buying to pre book key Q4 reach at fixed prices, then keep a smaller auction budget for agile tests and trading. Lock creative and plans earlier in the year, use Q2 and Q3 to find winning hooks and formats, and use AI to build CPM and ROAS scenarios. You turn Q4 from a chaotic bidding war into a planned portfolio with clear risk and upside.
Read More