Move Through Burnout & Get Writing Again!
There are plenty of blog posts out there about how to avoid burnout. But if you’re reading this, chances are you’re already burned out: Maybe you’re trying to break into Hollywood and you know you should be writing, but your desire to do so has totally evaporated. Or maybe you’re a staff writer in a room and lately each day feels like an impossible chore.
Wherever you are in your screenwriting career, burnout is exhausting and frustrating in equal parts. It can leave you dreading even the thought of opening your laptop, but simultaneously angry at your lack of motivation.
The good news is, you’re not alone. At some point most people in a creative career will experience it. But what can you do about it? How do you move through writer's block if you’re staffed on a show? How do you ‘creatively recharge’ when you can’t actually take a break?
Here are 5 ways to move through burn out (when a vacation is not an option) and get back to enjoying writing again:
1. Set Boundaries
If you’re on a deadline, staffed in a writer’s room, or just in the middle of the “Hollywood hustle,” try setting boundaries around ‘work time’ vs. ‘personal time’. It’s not always easy to do, but setting boundaries around work can make us more resilient in the face of stress, as well as more productive and focused when we’re on the clock. So, come up with an end-of-day routine that helps you transition out of “work mode” (like making a to-do list for the next day and clearing off your desk). Or, turn off the email notifications on your phone or watch so you won’t be tempted to check them “off the clock”. Try out some different strategies and find what works for you. Yes, it will take some getting used to (and yes, guilt might creep in), but your brain will be grateful for the dedicated downtime.
2. Do nothing.
Most of us spend our downtime binging Netflix, sucked in by TikTok, or scrolling on our phones. But those types of leisure don’t help replenish our brains, in fact they can make us even more stressed out! So what’s one of the best things you can do for that brain of yours? Absolutely nothing. That’s right— dedicating a bit of time to being still and focusing on your breathing (or as The New York Times recommends, mindlessly gaze out a window) can allow your mind and body a much needed ‘reset’. That said, if staring out a window for 10 minutes sounds way too weird for you, take stock of the activities that actually replenish you (like going for a hike or a few minutes of mindless doodling) and integrate those activities into your routine. Even something as simple as taking your dog for a walk will do a lot more for you than scrolling through Instagram for the 12th time today.
3. Find a new hobby
Find some sort of creative outlet that isn’t governed by deadlines, producers’ expectations, or a paycheck. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of time or money, just something to get you away from your desk and using your creativity in a different way. Maybe it’s a pottery class (I’m starting to make collages), learning a new recipe once a week, or find a group to go hiking with. Anything that intrigues you, is low stress, and might give your creativity a jolt. That said, if a hobby sounds like too much right now, do some household chores. When I just can’t cope with things that require real brainpower, I organize the pantry or my office drawers, do laundry (I know it’s weird, but I love doing laundry) or any other DIY task I’ve been putting off. It can create a much needed sense of momentum.
4. Spend time with people who fill your cup
Downtime doesn’t have to be all warm baths, meditation and herbal teas, it can also involve hanging out with close friends who make you feel energized. Plan a low-key game night with friends, a “Bachelor” watch party, go to a baseball game (Go Dodgers!), or - if you’re in a relationship - plan a date night. If you’re having fun, you’re restoring. Just be careful you don’t push it too far and burn the already depleted candle at both ends. Also, reach out to other writers for commiseration. They might have suggestions to help you cope or even just reassure you that the stress you’re feeling is natural. Maybe plan a weekly hike with a writer friend whose going through something similar. Exercise, social time, and commiseration - a win-win-win.
5. Get away from your industry brain (…just for a bit)
When you do feel like writing again (even if it’s only for 30 minutes a day) try working on projects that have different importance and stakes. For example, if you’re currently staffed on a show, try your hand at writing a short film that’s just for you. Or if you’re constantly writing dark moody feature scripts, try writing a short comedy scene, just to shake things up. If you’re constantly focused on the ‘high stakes’ of a screenwriting career you can lose sight of why you became a writer in the first place. I’m not saying don’t meet your deliverables — but I am saying find ways to make writing fun again. Get away from your ‘industry brain’ for a moment and reconnect to what (and why) you love to write.
What helps you move through burnout? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!
For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:
For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch
To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.
For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.
And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).