Avoiding Freelance Burnout

by Guest Writer Kristen King

Freelance writers are more susceptible to burnout than those in a lot of other professions.  We tend to be driven perfectionists, which means that we often push ourselves too hard to make it just right.  But it’s possible to strive for perfection without overdoing it.  Preventing freelance burnout is easy with just a few precautions.

Take Breaks From Writing 

For every 60 to 90 minutes you work at your desk, take a 10-minute break.  Sometimes you may not get to a good stopping point until closer to two hours, and that’s okay.  Just make sure you keep an eye on the clock and try to avoid sitting in one place for more than an hour or two at a time. 

Change Your Writing Scenery

Whether you work outside your home or in a home office, sometimes you just need a little variety.  Work can start to feel like a chore if you’re doing the very same thing in the very same place every day.  Mix it up a little by putting in a few hours with your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or café once or twice a week.  If it’s nice out, try editing your latest draft outside on your deck or at the park.  Even moving from your desk to the kitchen table every now and then or turning your chair to face a window instead of a wall can make a big difference.

Keep it interesting 

Working on the same project for eight hours can be both exhausting and boring.  Change your focus a few times throughout the day to keep your mind engaged in what you’re doing.  Break larger projects up over a few days.  If breaking the project up isn’t an option, schedule your time so you’re writing in the morning and editing in the afternoon—anything to refocus your energies so you stay fresh. 

Take Advantage of the Freelance Writing Lifestyle 

Writing is a solitary business.  Make sure you give yourself opportunities to interact with other people outside of work at least every other day, if not daily.  When you make your own hours, you can block out time in your day to take a class at the gym or attend a reading at your local library.  Meet friends for lunch or dinner once a week, and try to go for a 20-minute walk every day.  Consciously taking yourself out of the must-work mindset gives you the chance to recharge emotionally, psychologically, and even physically.   

Develop a Support Network

Other freelancers can be a source of inspiration and perspective.  Join (or start!) a writer’s group or participate in an online discussion forum with like-minded freelancers.  Sharing your writing triumphs and successes with someone who can both celebrate and sympathize with you can help you stay grounded in a profession that depends heavily on the abstract.  Other writers can also be a great resource, too, making it easy for you to find the information you need to run your business.

Burnout prevention out is all about finding balance in your daily life.  Don’t be afraid to say no or to take a mini-vacay when you feel yourself slowing down.  Trusting your instincts and being aware of your limitations and your needs is key to avoiding freelance burnout. 

Virginia-based freelancer Kristen King has appeared in local, regional, and national publications, both in print and online.  Visit her at www.kristenkingfreelancing.com or www.editingforeveryone.com.