The Perfect Summer Evening…
It was the perfect summer day—around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with just the right breeze and barely a hint of humidity. My favorite local band was scheduled to play at a beachfront venue, and the evening would end with fireworks lighting up the sky. I had a smile on my face the entire time. I felt present, alive, and—most importantly—rested.
A few years ago, I’m not sure I would have let myself go. I probably would’ve convinced myself I needed to work late, meet another deadline, or “earn” my fun. I would have stayed glued to my laptop, watching the sunlight fade from behind a window instead of dancing barefoot in the sand.
But after learning the hard way what burnout truly feels like, I no longer believe rest is something we must justify. I’ve learned that taking breaks is not only okay, it’s essential.
Taking Breaks Prevents Burnout
I’ve shared before that I experienced serious burnout during a time when I was running my writing business full-time. I had clients to please, deadlines to meet, and a growing list of responsibilities I was proud to keep up with. But behind all that “success” was a relentless drive to do more, respond faster, and never slow down. I prided myself on being productive, but I ignored one crucial truth:
I am not a machine.
The real issue wasn’t just the workload—it was the lack of recovery. I rarely took time to reset. I skipped meals, declined social invitations, and dismissed any activity that didn’t feel “productive.” Eventually, I hit a wall. I couldn’t even look at a blank page without feeling physically ill. The creative spark I once thrived on had completely disappeared. The burnout was deep, and it lasted for years.
During that low point, I made a quiet promise to myself: never again. I would never push myself to the point of collapse again. If I wanted to keep writing—and loving it—for the long haul, I needed to take care of the person behind the words.
Plan Fun Outings Regularly
One of the most transformational tools I’ve discovered in my creative recovery is the concept of the Artist Date, introduced by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way. She describes these solo outings as “assigned play”—not for productivity or performance, but purely for pleasure. She even encourages mischief over mastery.
I now see these playful breaks as essential to my creative process. Whether it’s wandering through a museum, going for a scenic hike, or dancing at a beach concert, these experiences give me something to write about. They fill my cup. They remind me to live first—then create.
Rest Fuels the Work
Instead of feeling guilty for stepping away from work, I now look forward to it. Last night, I laughed with friends, felt the sand beneath my feet, and watched fireworks explode above the ocean. Today, I’m writing with ease and joy.
The secret to sustained creativity isn’t hustle. It’s giving yourself permission to rest, to play, and to simply enjoy being alive.