As the first month of 2018 comes to an end, it’s about that time when I start feeling a little burnt out.
2018 started off with a bang: I was motivated by the new year, and felt refreshed after a few days out of the office. And now that the positivity has somewhat faded, I need to start overcoming burnout.
Things are definitely ramping up at work: We have NYFW Men’s coming up, so I’m responsible for making sure those samples are coming in time for our Creative Director and team to style looks. In addition to that, we are prepping for Holiday 2018 market. We have a ton of samples coming in, and my showroom looks like a bomb went off. Oh and this is in addition to the million other things that need to get done.
And then on the blog side, I thought January was going to be a slow month. SURPRISE! It wasn’t. I landed a few campaigns right off the bat and have a few lined up through April, which means I’m busy shooting quality content for these brands. I’m not just taking photos of my outfits and posting my thoughts. I have to make sure I’m really brainstorming ideas that will help me create the best content for brands that are paying me to do so.
So yeah, while these are all good things, I’m definitely overcoming burnout feelings. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, so I wanted to open up a bit and see how everyone else deals with this. Here are some ways that work for me!
Put on a good outfit
A good outfit automatically makes me feel more motivated, and just better about myself. So if I show up to the office wearing something nice, I’m going to be in a better mood right off the bat. If I styled a good look, I’m going to want to shoot it and put it on my blog to share with you.
Cut out the distractions
When I’m stressed or feeling burnt out, I often find myself playing the comparison game. Whether it’s feeling like I’m not doing enough at work, or just comparing myself to what other bloggers are doing, I’m just more likely to get down on myself during this time. Here’s where a digital detox works its magic. This past weekend in Kennebunkport was SUCH a nice getaway. Even though I was creating and posting content, I wasn’t mindlessly scrolling through social media all day. I left the weekend feeling refreshed and ready to jump back into the work week!
Do something you enjoy
For me, I really enjoy treating myself. Sometimes a little too much, but that’s a fault that I just have to live with;) Sometimes the smallest things are what make me the happiest. A fresh manicure, that venti cold brew from Starbucks, or even just staying in bed all day even though you have some things to get done. Any of these things are necessary for my happiness. These things allow me to take a step back from “real life”, and just enjoy myself!
Embrace it
I’ve fully embraced that I’ve been feeling burnt out because a lot of cool opportunities have come my way. So yeah, my plate is filling up a bit, but I still know when to say no. I have to remain thankful for my life and the fact that I have two jobs that I absolutely love. It helps me get back to a positive mindset and find reasons to be motivated.
Now let me in on your secrets for overcoming burnout feelings!
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Totally agree! Putting on a good outfit always helps and I’m never opposed to treating myself! Can’t wait to see your upcoming campaigns! Love that glam outfit too! xo Bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
Right? A good outfit is always a good idea! xx Thanks for stopping by, Bryn!
Great advice! I’m going to be taking a social media break this weekend. Feeling far too overwhelmed and burnt out by that whole thing. Excited to see how I feel after that.
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
YES! I’m planning on lots of family time this weekend and putting together my new bed — with the help of Matt, my dad, and my brother in law 😉
Burn out is so real! I’ve def been dealing with that myself this month. When I’m feeling super overwhelmed or burnt out I try to give myself a Kacie Day where I only do things that I want/love and give myself time to relax + recharge. Can’t wait to see your campaigns in the coming months!
Xo, Kacie
http://www.theprettylittlehustler.com
YES! I love the idea of a YOU day! Thanks so much for stopping by today, Kacie! xx
I’m starting to feel that way too, I think a new month will be good. I also try and switch up my routine when I feel closed to being burned out – maybe get takeout on Tuesday and cook Friday unlike normal, or go to bed early or have a date night during the week. xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Yeah I’m hoping all the motivation comes back on 2/1.
I love the idea of switching up your routine — that’s a great idea! xx
This time of year the burnout feeling is seriously SO real! Definitely feeling the slump over here ? I’m fighting burnout by trying to experiment with a ton of new trends – and I LOVE the long skirt + tall boots pairing that you’re wearing here!
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
I knew I wouldn’t be alone! Also I LOVED your look with the boots and skirt, so it gave me some inspo! xx
Have definitely been feeling burnt out lately and haven’t had much motivation! But I completely agree that putting on a cute outfit (decided to ditch my leggings today haha) makes me feel much better, and treating yourself to tiny things! And congrats on all your upcoming campaigns!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Always tough to ditch the leggings 😉 But yay! And thank you, Lauren! xx
love this and we definitely allllll feel the inevitable burn out! great write up dana!
SO INEVITABLE! Thanks for stopping by, friend! xx
Embracing it. Hard to think about doing that when you’re in a rut – but so TRUE! Sometimes it’s good to just take a step back and re-focus when you come back to it!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
YES! A shift of focus allows you to see the good parts of feeling overwhelmed and also figure out what you need to work on!
Perfect timing for this post girl! I feel you. I like the recommendation about cutting out the distractions — that’s currently what I’m attempting to do. We shall see how it goes!
Xx Taylor
http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com/
YES! Let me know lady! I’m doing a little Internet detox this weekend for lots of family time!
Oh yes, as much as it’s great to be busy and do what you love and are the best at, it can all be too overwhelming as well. It’s “easy” to get a burnout and not even realise it, so if we can do some small things to prevent it, before it goes too far, it’s always so beneficial!
Your skirt is pretty awesome, I like it a lot!
https://lartoffashion.com
Yes! The small things really add up!
AH!! I feel you!! Your burn out is so positive though, girl! You should be so proud of yourself!! I get the teacher burn out a lot with grading/planning, but what I do is take a night to not do schoolwork. I watch old episodes of The Office or go to a Pure Barre class. I don’t grade, I don’t plan and I don’t stress about neither getting done. It is a nice refresh!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Aww thank you, Mary! And I gotta try Pure Barre. It’s nice that you can completely disconnect yourself from work, even if it’s just for a night! xx
This post is SO TIMELY – I am majorly struggling with motivation right now. I think, though, that I need to stop treating myself because that excuse is only valid so many times… 🙂
Aww I’m so glad, Heather! Also, never stop treating yoself 😉
I super agree with you on “put on a good outfit”!! I work from home these days, and I definitely miss getting dressed up and going to work. I want to start dressing up, even if I’m going to be at home! Great job on kicking butt in January! Congrats on the brand campaigns you’ve landed! I think it would be really cool to walk your readers through how you come up with amazing content for brand campaigns. That would be super fun and informative to read!
It’s so easy to fall into the busyness of life, and just rush through our to-do lists. These are truly the best days of our lives, the busyness of it all. It is great that you’re reflecting, and truly embracing it. You’ve got a great head on your shoulder, Dana! 🙂
Lisa
I agree – you should “dress up” when you’re working from home. Or maybe you can work from a cool coffee shop?
Also THANK YOU! I love that post recommendation, so I’m definitely adding that to my list!
xx
I can totally relate to the feeling of burn-out and comparison as I’m sure many bloggers can. The digital detox combined with some inspiration gathering works wonders for me. That could mean a trip to the Whitney or the Met, picking up some international fashion magazines or watching an old movie. I find I return with a fresh set of ideas that I just can’t wait to try to out.
Treating myself always helps too!
http://www.fizzandfade.com
I love the idea of just finding inspiration – so smart! Definitely need to make it a point to find things that make me feel inspired! xx