Why doing this all yourself is a pathway to burnout
By Written by Peter McVeigh
You’re deep into your next album or tour, working round the clock because you can’t afford not to. But this path leads straight to burnout, and it’s particularly dangerous for neurodivergent musicians who often go all in until they hit rock bottom. After reading this article, you’ll understand what burnout looks like and how to avoid it by pacing your projects and reaching out for support.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout isn't just feeling tired; it's a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It’s not just about being overworked it’s about the relentless pressure that can make you feel like you're trapped in a cycle with no end. For musicians, this often means pushing through sleepless nights to get one more track done or squeeze in another show when your body is already on the verge of collapse.
When neurodivergent individuals like many artists go “all-in,” they tend to push harder than most until everything crashes down. This isn’t just anecdotal; studies have shown that burnout can lead to severe depression and anxiety, impacting both your mental health and your ability to create music effectively.
So what can you do? Start by recognising the signs of burnout: constant fatigue, cynicism towards work, and a sense of ineffectiveness. Once you know what it looks like, you can start taking steps to prevent it.
Pacing Your Projects
Pacing is crucial when working on long-term projects like albums or tours. Let’s say you’re planning a 10-date UK support tour this could cost between £6,000 and £18,000 in production and travel before you start earning from ticket sales. Rushing to organise everything at once can lead to burnout quickly.
Instead of cramming it all into a few weeks, break the project down into manageable chunks. Set realistic deadlines for each stage booking venues, arranging transport, sorting out merch and give yourself time in between tasks to recharge. This way, you avoid overwhelming your brain and body with continuous stress.
For example, if you’re making an album, dedicate one week to writing lyrics, another to composing melodies, then a third to recording demos. Take weekends off to clear your mind or engage in activities that aren’t related to music at all. This approach ensures you maintain momentum without burning out.
Working with Others
Working solo is tempting when you have limited funds, but it’s not sustainable. Having a team can significantly reduce the workload and prevent burnout. Let’s consider setting up a tour again - this time, bring in a tour manager to handle logistics like travel arrangements and venue bookings.
The same goes for music production: if you’re struggling with mixing or mastering your tracks, find someone skilled in those areas who can help out. Sharing responsibilities not only lightens the load but also brings fresh perspectives that can improve your project.
For instance, collaborating on artwork with a graphic designer can give your album cover a professional look without draining your energy trying to master design tools yourself. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and delegate tasks when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Managing Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad; it can paralyse your creativity and make daily activities feel impossible. Neurodivergent individuals often struggle with managing depression alongside the pressures of creating music, so understanding its signs such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, or trouble sleeping is critical.
To manage depression, start by talking to someone who isn’t deeply involved in your music career. This could be a friend, family member, or therapist who can provide an objective perspective and support without adding additional pressure. Engaging in activities that aren’t related to music can also help balance your mental state.
For example, if you’re struggling with depression, take time for hobbies like reading, hiking, or painting. These diversions can reset your mindset and reduce the intensity of depressive episodes. Remember, it’s not just about working through the pain; it’s about taking care of yourself holistically.
Exercising and Self-Care
Exercise isn’t just for fitness - it’s a powerful tool against burnout and depression. Regular physical activity releases endorphins that boost your mood and energy levels, making you better equipped to handle stress.
Start small if you’re new to exercise; even short daily walks can make a big difference. For example, aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. You could try yoga or running - anything that gets your heart rate up and makes you feel good.
Self-care isn’t just about exercise either. It includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and taking breaks from work to recharge. For instance, set a strict bedtime and wake-up time, ensuring you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. These small adjustments can make your projects more manageable without leading to burnout.
Reaching Out for Support
One of the hardest things about being an artist is feeling like you have to handle everything on your own, especially when it comes to mental health issues. But reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s a smart strategy to prevent burnout.
Talk to someone who understands your struggles but doesn’t get swept up in them - perhaps a therapist or coach who can provide professional guidance and an objective viewpoint. This person should offer practical advice on pacing projects and managing stress without the bias that comes from being deeply invested in your music career.
For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with deadlines, discuss potential solutions like extending timelines, bringing in additional help, or taking a short break to reset. Don’t wait until you’re already burnt out; proactively seeking support can make all the difference in maintaining your mental health and creative output.
Balancing Music and Everyday Life
Maintaining balance between music and everyday life is key to avoiding burnout. Too often, musicians neglect personal relationships and responsibilities outside of their art because they feel those aspects don’t contribute to success. However, engaging in non-musical activities can be incredibly beneficial.
Spend time with friends who aren’t involved in the industry - people who won’t judge your music or expect you to perform all the time. Engage in hobbies that have nothing to do with creating or promoting music. For example, if you love cooking, take a class and focus on learning new recipes without thinking about songwriting.
These activities help provide perspective outside of the constant pressure of the music industry, allowing you to recharge mentally and emotionally. By balancing your life this way, you’ll be better equipped to handle the stresses that come with being an artist.