You’re in the business because you love writing, but the reality is that that love of writing can only go so far.  The days get long, the words get harder to type out, and you just simply get tired.  Writer’s burnout is a real thing, and it can creep up on you faster and easier than you might think.  Concerned that you may be dealing with a stubborn case of it?  Here are some warning signs that you need to take a step back from the keyboard.

3 warning signs of writer burnout

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are 3 warning signs of writer burnout that come from personal/professional experience.  Sometimes these 3 signs are clear as day, or they’re harder to find, if you’re trying not to think about it.  It may even take you a few days or weeks to realize that you’re feeling them.

1. It takes you longer to do a simple writing task: While some tasks are always tricky, we all tend to have our favourites.  If even these are becoming tiresome and just plain frustrating, it could be a sign that you are dealing with burnout.
2. You’re irritated with every customer/order: Professional, mean, fun, or boring; if you find yourself frustrated at, like, everything to do with your customers and their orders, it’s best to take a breath. No, it’s not them, it’s you.

3. The simple act of sitting down in front of a keyboard makes you want to cry: A bit dramatic, perhaps, but true.  I, myself, have had quite a few days where I quite literally sit down, glance at the keyboard, and cry my eyes out.  When this happens, it’s most likely a more serious case of burnout — unless keyboards normally make you cry — and you should take the time you need to recover.

Deal with writer’s burnout

When you are dealing with writer’s burnout, it’s important to focus on finding helpful tips to give you the space you need to rest that writing muscle and take some time to get those creative juices flowing.  The thing to remember is that you do, in fact, have to deal with it.  If you ignore it, it’ll only end up creating more problems.  Take some time and focus on what you need as an individual (and a professional writer).  You’ll be able to come back to the keyboard feeling ready to go, good as new.

Do you have any other warning signs or tips that you’d like to share?  Any tried-and-tested techniques that give you that energy to get back to the demanding world of professional writing?  Feel free to share them and give other writers the support they need!