Beyond the Canvas: The Reality of Burnout in the Artistic Community

Overworking oneself and experiencing burnout can have a profound impact on one's relationship with their favorite hobby, especially if that hobby is tied to their career. When we engage in an activity we love, it often provides us with a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment. However, when that activity becomes a source of stress or anxiety, it can quickly lose its appeal.

When we experience burnout, we may find ourselves feeling drained and uninspired. The very thought of engaging in our favorite hobby may feel exhausting, and we may struggle to find the same level of enjoyment we once had. This is because burnout can cause us to associate the activity with negative feelings, making it difficult to separate the joy of the activity from the stress and pressure we're experiencing.

For artists, this can be especially challenging. Creating art is often seen as a form of self-expression, and when that expression is tied to a career or livelihood, the pressure to perform and produce can be intense. This can lead to overworking oneself and eventually experiencing burnout, which can cause one's relationship with art to become strained.

To combat this, it's important to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to address them before they become overwhelming. This may involve taking a break from the activity, seeking support from friends or loved ones, or engaging in self-care activities to reduce stress and anxiety. By prioritizing our well-being and taking steps to prevent burnout, we can continue to enjoy our favorite hobbies and activities for years to come.

The Mediator (INFP-A)

• Idealistic - you can depend on me to be optimistic. I believe most people are inherently good. They may be simply misunderstood, and that idea drives an incredibly resilient attitude in the face of hardship.

• Diplomatic - Mediators have limited interest in having power over others. Thus, I instead encourage working hard to ensure that every voice and perspective is heard.

• Flexible - For me, It is natural to be flexible and open-minded. It feels more reasonable to let go of a fixed path and instead be ready to adapt and overcome any possible obstacles.

• Creative - Mediators combine a visionary nature with open-mindedness to allow us to see things from unconventional perspectives. It’s no wonder that many Mediators are celebrated, poets and authors.

• Passionate - When something captures my imagination or beliefs, I go all in. I can dedicate all my time, energy, thoughts, and emotions to a project. My modesty can keep me from podiums, yet I am the first to lend a helping hand where it is needed.

• Dedicated - Others may give up when the going gets tough. Mediators, (especially Assertive ones, like myself) have the benefit of far-reaching vision to help them endure. Knowing what we are doing is meaningful, furnishes a sense of purpose and even courage when it comes to accomplishing a challenge. Mediators can be hard-working to a fault.