Work and Burnout: Finding the Happy Medium with Creativity

So many people in today's society find themselves reaching for things that are unattainable, unrealistic, or implausible. There are voices telling us to keep going harder in order to reach the "next big thing." But sometimes it seems like no matter how hard you try or how much effort you put in, you still fall short of the goal. You can't quite seem to make it. Burnout is real, and it affects so many people in society today. 

The Stats

According to and article written in BBC, "In the new world of work, large swaths of the workforce still say they’re burnt out. Rates continue to climb: in a February 2023 survey of 10,243 global workers by US think-tank Future Forum, 42% reported burnout, its highest figure since May 2021."

Burnout rates have been increasing since 2020, and continue to rise at an alarming rate yearly. Along with increased hours there are other reasons for longer hours -- "Alongside high rates, some experts believe broader economic concerns mean burnout is likely to stick around longer term. 'Away from work, employees are also having to deal with enormous cost-of-living pressures...Inflation is worse, layoffs are happening and workers are concerned they’ll lose their homes. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if burnout levels are exacerbated even further.'” (BBC) All-in-all, burnout is affecting millions of the workforce, and I'm sure you've experienced it as well. It's not an unfamiliar feeling, and it's one that truly is exhausting. 

My Experience

At the end of 2022 going into 2023, I faced severe burnout at a full-time child education job that I was working. The hours were long, the commute was during rush hour, the management was deaf and indifferent, and, to add to it, precautions were not followed so teachers were getting sick left and right. Many times work was shouldered to 5 people when it should have been dispersed to 20. It was not a happy time for me. I was unhappy, grumpy, and depressed. In other words, the burnout was real and I was experiencing it in major time.

The Happy Medium

After experiencing so much negativity, I knew I needed a way out! So I turned to creativity and furniture refinishing. At first, I couldn't figure out what to do. My burnout was causing some creative blocks and it took me several weeks to break down the walls and really allow myself to feel the creativity and be inspired by it. After a month of refinishing furniture and being intentional about expressing my creativity, I noticed that I was less upset. My burnout was manageable. I was finally taking time for myself and applying one of Stephen Covey's habits for highly effective people: Sharpen the Saw. 

In a study done by a student at St. Catherine University, the relation between creative expression and burnout were studied over seven weeks. "Data suggested that over the seven-week period, sleep became more regular and the subject felt better immediately after participating in creative activities." Other studies were conducted showing that a release of creativity helped to improve burnout and mental health. Creativity was the key to achieving the "happy medium."

In Conclusion...

Creativity may not be your strong suit or even something you are inclined to do--however, it is important. Every human was born with intelligence, and creativity is and expression of intelligence. How you express your creativity is different for everyone, for me, it was furniture. For others it may be music or cooking or dancing. The options are endless! Don't let your burnout fool you into thinking that you have nothing left to give to yourself. Creativity is one of the greatest gifts you can give to both yourself and the world around you.