Something that isn’t discussed much in our industry (but probably should be) is feeling “burnt out”. No matter what type of work we do it’s very easy to forget to take care of ourselves and our mental health. It’s important to recognize when we need to take a step back, assess, and take action when it comes to dealing with burnout. What does it mean to feel “burnt out”? How do you know the symptoms and what can you do about it? This week we discuss some symptoms we noticed in ourselves and how each of us dealt with it, and things we do now to keep burnout at bay.
Hosts Present:
- David Blackmon – Aspen Grove Studios / FB / @aspengrovellc
- Kathy Kroll Romana – Viva Design Studio / FB / @vivachick
- Cory Jenkins – Aspen Grove Studios / FB / @aspengrovellc
- Josh Hall – JoshHall.co / FB
- Tim Strifler – Divi Life / FB / @timstrifler
- Nathan Weller – Elegant Themes / FB / @elegantthemes
- Sarah Oates – Endure Web Studios / FB / @endureweb
- Leslie Bernal – A Girl and Her Mac / FB / @agirlandhermac
- Terry Hale – Mizagorn Ink / FB / @mizagorn
Resources:
- Maximize Energy, Boost Creativity, & Never Burnout Again
- WPHugs
- Cory Miller: Managing Your Iceberg (WordCamp US 2016)
- Iris: Software for Eye Protection, Health and Productivity
- How to Use a Blue Light Filer on a PC or Mac
- 6 Blue Light Filter For Desktop Windows PC, Apple Mac and Chrome Browser
I always listen to your podcasts and they are always excellent and useful, but this one whilst not being totally Divi related has been so useful.
I would have thought that having got to over 50 and having been working in web development with my own business for 20 years I would have learnt how to run my work and personal life by now but the fact is that it is very easy to slip into a rut and stay there.
I found your discussion highly informative and very useful and would recommend that everybody should return and listen to it from time to time, just to remind themselves how to keep themselves running and their businesses. Sometimes you don’t recognise that you are “burnt out” whilst your in the middle of it and this came as a useful wake-up call to me.
Thank you everybody.
Hey Paul,
I couldn’t agree more, we seem to be of the same generation. I will turn 50 in January and it’s very hard for me still to balance work and personal time. I participated in the episode and found immense value for myself as well. I love the idea of revisiting the episode from time to time for a reminder.
Thank you so much for listening and taking the time to send us a note.
Best,
David
Hi, Paul! Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback. You have no idea how much we all appreciate that!
I also think your idea of ‘refreshing by revisiting’ is a great idea. I’m at your age, and with many years of experience, but only 3 years or so with my own business. Your share here is a big boost of encouragement. Sharing is caring, if you will, and most of us will probably never know the full impact of just a few thoughtful words.
So glad you’re spending time with Divi Chat.
Cheers and best wishes!
Terry
This podcast resonated strongly with me.
My wife has been over seas for about 2 weeks now and I thought this would be the time where I would really knuckle down and do some great work with design, programming and learning. But what have I done? Suffered from insomnia, possibly partially due to my wife being away, and hardly touched the keyboard. Instead there’s been couch/tv time and forcing myself to get outside and walk or ride a bike. I actually think I’ve been suffering some sort of depression. Hence the pushto get outside and walk/ride more.
And as the deadlines approach the anxiety builds! yikes! (Corey I feel for you man!).
I work full time in my real job and then come home to web design. its probably not a smart move. Most of you have described how you are at your most focused and creative first thing in the morning. Getting up earlier and doing design before work has been a game changer for me. Motivated by my good friend Olga I now get up around 5:30am, do a few stretches and then get into it. (well, I don’t know if Olga does the stretching, but she sure gets up early!).
But even the exercising has fallen by the way side lately. I’m just in a funk. lol. And I’m procastinating!!!!!
But at least I know now that it hits you guys too. I’m going to double down on my own tactics and bring in some of yours as well.
Thanks for sharing such personal detail with the world. It makes a difference.
All the best,
JA.
Thanks for being willing to share such personal feedback, John. I’ve always admired who you are, and honestly a bit envious of your travels and the excitement you share. Inspiring every time.
We are all just… people. What’s great about this community is what you (and Paul above) have done – sharing humanity to encourage. Cheers, mate.
Hey Divi Chat Team!
I love watching you guys. Just some of the banter and the fun you have, while at the same time helping aspiring web developers like myself. It’s really uplifting and inspiring.
Anyway, I watched this episode today. In particular, I took real notice of the part where you were discussing to do lists and how you manage them. I have used different kinds of to-do lists. I’ve tried the standard list, crossing each one off as you complete them. I’ve tried apps on my phone or iPad. I’ve even used web-based apps like Work Flowy, but I just haven’t found what suits me best.
The tips given in this episode have certainly helped me plan my day. Awesome tip about blocking out parts of the day for emails or reactionary work.
I’m interested in the to-do list templates that I think Sarah and Nathan mentioned they use. Any chance of checking these out? 🙂
Hi Andrew,
I have had an ever evolving system. I generally use a proper system like Asana (though have just moved to Plutio) for my overall task management.
But I find it useful to actually write down and have in front of me what are today’s tasks.
I used to use a notebook. Recently moved to iPad using goodnotes with a template I made for myself. I don’t know that I can post them here. But perhaps in the fb group I could post some of my digital layouts.
But after all of that I’ve found a paper diary for next year that looks like it will do what I want. I really wanted to make digital work. But I think I just really love pen and paper. I gave it 6 months. But I just love how paper feels and having it there in front of me while I work.
Thanks for the reply Sarah. I totally get what you mean with the ol’ pen and paper.
Recently I’ve been trying out Trello and I like it how you can move the to-dos from categories (such as to-do, doing, and done), but being digital, I find it difficult to always have it open and in front of me.
Maybe I just can’t beat pen and paper, with the right layout that suits me the best.
Nice Article…
Very useful article…