I always think streaks are useful when getting started. Once you like something I think you should take a break as soon as possible. You quickly get to realize the magical sensation of “oh I miss that” and realize that the thing you found worth doing is way more sustainable than you imagined. I have a mantra “write most days” which gives me some wiggle room to breathe and let the natural flows of creativity guide me.
This was just the piece I needed to read today ❤️ I recently suffered from burn out as well and missing my streak for the first time was part of the anxiety around it. I feel so much better and more creative now that I took some time off. I loved your reflections here and really resonated with you advice. Glad you took some much deserved time off!
Glad it resonated and so sorry to hear you’ve been burnt out, Michelle! I’m glad you took a break. You’re an excellent writer and time off will only help you longterm. Sending you restorative vibes! 💛
Powerful lessons here, Ali. Since leaving my job and navigating burnout; healing from it and still learning to understand it and the ways it persists, I was nodding my head vigorously reading your words.
And your battery analogy hits home. At some point, I realized since the first year of the pandemic, I’ve never really felt like I could recharge fully 100%. I felt like my max had been capped below that. That’s when I realized I wasn’t over my burnout even though I thought I was and it had been over a year. Caring for our minds and bodies should really be taken seriously. Still learning to do that.
Also, this feels like a timely read. Since I've started playing online, I noticed how people like to ramp it up at the end of the year with trying to do more. That wasn't really something I had seen before. This is a good reminder not to succumb to that.
Dang this is a really powerful idea: "When you cram the work you would be doing during your vacation time into the week(s) prior to your break, you kneecap the extent to which you relax and reenergize during your break." Also, I've been reading a lot of Nietzsche lately, so this line especially goes HAM: "You’re the main character in your life . . . "
I always think streaks are useful when getting started. Once you like something I think you should take a break as soon as possible. You quickly get to realize the magical sensation of “oh I miss that” and realize that the thing you found worth doing is way more sustainable than you imagined. I have a mantra “write most days” which gives me some wiggle room to breathe and let the natural flows of creativity guide me.
Great POV. Streaks are a bit like training wheels but once the appreciation and discipline are there, taking breaks is beneficial. Thanks for sharing!
Great article. We all can learn from it. Btw, love the Buddha…so calming
Thanks, Mary Lou! Love the Buddha 😊
So glad you took this time off, Alexandra. You deserved this break. Glad you're prioritising yourself. That is no mean feat!
Can't agree with you more on your point about nature rejuvenating you. I love that picture of the lake and your book.
Thanks so much, Ishan! Appreciate the kind words and it’s always a treat to get positive feedback on my photography from the master himself!! 🙌🏼📸
And I know you share my love of nature as well, hope you’re getting plenty of it these days too. 🌿
Fantastic writing, and great lessons, as always.
Also, whenever someone talks about a "streak," I can't help but think about "momentum" instead.
Thanks, Merott! Great reframe, I’m glad you’re doing work in that area to help people understand the difference. 😊
Excellent advice Alexandra, I’m so glad you took some time off to recharge .I always enjoy your articles ❤️
Thanks ❤️
This was just the piece I needed to read today ❤️ I recently suffered from burn out as well and missing my streak for the first time was part of the anxiety around it. I feel so much better and more creative now that I took some time off. I loved your reflections here and really resonated with you advice. Glad you took some much deserved time off!
Glad it resonated and so sorry to hear you’ve been burnt out, Michelle! I’m glad you took a break. You’re an excellent writer and time off will only help you longterm. Sending you restorative vibes! 💛
Thank you 😊😊😊
Welcome back, rested and restored. ❤️
Thanks, Simone! Your positive vibes are always appreciated 💛
Powerful lessons here, Ali. Since leaving my job and navigating burnout; healing from it and still learning to understand it and the ways it persists, I was nodding my head vigorously reading your words.
And your battery analogy hits home. At some point, I realized since the first year of the pandemic, I’ve never really felt like I could recharge fully 100%. I felt like my max had been capped below that. That’s when I realized I wasn’t over my burnout even though I thought I was and it had been over a year. Caring for our minds and bodies should really be taken seriously. Still learning to do that.
Also, this feels like a timely read. Since I've started playing online, I noticed how people like to ramp it up at the end of the year with trying to do more. That wasn't really something I had seen before. This is a good reminder not to succumb to that.
I'm playing catch-up, but thanks for sharing!
Dang this is a really powerful idea: "When you cram the work you would be doing during your vacation time into the week(s) prior to your break, you kneecap the extent to which you relax and reenergize during your break." Also, I've been reading a lot of Nietzsche lately, so this line especially goes HAM: "You’re the main character in your life . . . "