If you’ve ever been involved in an activity long term, you’ve probably heard of or witnessed the alleged “burnout”. You may even have come face to face with the beast itself.
Burnout: when you’re just not sure that you can physically and mentally handle any more.
I think everyone experiences burnout differently, and at different times. But one thing is constant: the uncertainty.
Burnout is especially hard when you’re facing it as part of an activity that has become so ingrained in your every day life that it quite literally feels like it is a part of you.
As my last semester of college began, I, along with some of my peers faced a grueling 4-5 day rehearsal process. We spent approximately 8+ hours a day in the studio, barely even leaving for meals. Our days were spent drilling choreography and exploring movement as quickly and efficiently as possible. It seems dramatic, but it was necessary.
As I fought through these long days, I asked myself some of the overbearing, omnipresent questions dedicated people ask themselves:
“Why am I doing this?”
“Do I want to keep doing this?”
“Can I keep doing this?”
They’re all horribly broad, and are applicable to almost everything in life. And they’re not going away any time soon.
Needing some guidance, I turned to the most reliable and truthful place I know.
Social media.
Ok, I kid. We all know social media is reliably unreliable and truthfully untruthful. But my social media network of friends had some amazingly insightful pieces of advice. I’ve enclosed a few – identities omitted – in hopes that they will benefit anyone struggling with burnout, or just potential burnout. I want to extend a massive THANK YOU to all those who commented on my post and offered their words of wisdom. I honestly and truly appreciate your words and thoughts.
Advice From Friends:
1. Find an outlet/hobby not related to your current field.
2. Take time off when you need it, not when it’s just convenient.
3. Set boundaries for yourself.
4. Expand your horizons – try something new within your field.
5. Find other things you’re passionate about. Discover new skills and a new mindset.
6. Volunteer within your field, and share your passion/hobby with others who might not have access to it.
7. Exercise!
8. Indulge in simple pleasures; like movies, TV shows, books, crafts/DIY, tea, and ice cream!
In a conversation with a teacher and mentor about my struggle with burnout, I had to face a tough question. If I walked away from this activity, no this passion, would I be happy with the way my life had changed? I had to look internally and ask myself if I am ready to walk away.
Guess what?
I don’t have a solid, resounding, confident answer.
But I know, that because I don’t currently have an answer, it is not time for me to walk away just yet. I’m not finished on this particular path, and maybe this is just a bump in the road, or greater than that, a fork in the road. Only time will tell.
