Recognizing burn out

This week, I wanted to talk about the importance of taking a break and how it can benefit you going forward by recharging your energy and reigniting your passion for projects. For me, I love the sport of ice dance and working on IDC, but when I start to suffer a creative block or from symptoms of content fatigue or disinterest, I'm getting burned out and I know it's time to step back. For the first decade after starting ice-dance.com, I really didn't take time off from running the website, but several years ago, I realized that time away (even from something you enjoy) can be a good thing.

For the past few years, I have taken planned breaks from all of my web projects, including IDC, to give myself a chance to relax and regroup. These intermissions usually take place at in April and May and I do it whether or not I feel it's needed at that time. Usually, I'm exhausted creatively, but in some instances I'm really not as drained, but I've learned that forcing myself to step back will benefit me so much later on.

With the conclusion of the World Championships, April 1-8 started the first of my three scheduled breaks. Because this was an exceptionally long and busy figure skating season, I found I was ready to be disconnected when April 1st arrived.

I use this time to catch up on Netflix, do some spring cleaning or spend extra time with my fiancé and our four-legged family members. If I have an idea for a future article or website/graphic design, I write it down. This past week, I made a list of everything I want to accomplish when my break is over. Not only do I feel much more refreshed and creative, but I'm also more organized to attack my to-do list on Monday.

Even when you're passionate about a fun hobby like photography, sports, etc. it can lose its luster if you don't take time to remember why you love it in the first place. If you find that you're struggling to get through tasks that would normally have been a cinch to complete or feeling that your brain is blocked creatively, force yourself to step away for a few days. It might be just what you need to break through it. It's not the amount of time that matters most; only that you're disconnected.

On a side note, I chose the image for this blog because it reminded me of tranquility. In actuality, it snowed here in Maine yesterday and since it's gone, I'm hoping that it was Mother Nature's final winter scream.

Until next time,

Daphne