Annette's Creative Corner

Burnout has a way of sneaking up on us. What once felt exciting becomes exhausting, creativity feels forced, and even the things we love start to feel like obligations. If you’ve found yourself drained, unmotivated, or disconnected from joy, you’re not broken—you’re burned out. And while burnout can feel heavy, finding your way back to fun is possible.

First, Give Yourself Permission to Pause

One of the hardest parts of burnout is the guilt that comes with it. We tell ourselves we should be grateful, productive, or inspired—but healing doesn’t begin with pressure. It begins with permission. Permission to rest. Permission to do nothing. Permission to admit that you’re tired. Fun can’t exist where exhaustion is ignored.

Redefine What “Fun” Looks Like Right Now

Fun after burnout often looks different than it did before. It may not be big adventures or ambitious projects. Sometimes it’s quiet creativity, gentle routines, or moments that feel light rather than impressive. Fun might be crafting without an end goal, watching something comforting, or saying no to plans that drain you. Let fun be easy again.

Follow Curiosity, Not Obligation

Burnout often comes from doing too much of what we have to do and not enough of what we want to explore. Instead of asking, “What should I enjoy?” try asking, “What am I curious about?” Curiosity invites play without pressure. It allows you to dip your toe in without committing to perfection.

Start Small—and Stop Before You’re Tired

When energy is low, small moments of joy matter more than big efforts. Try something for ten minutes. Take a short walk. Create one thing, not ten. The goal isn’t productivity—it’s rebuilding trust with yourself. Ending an activity while it still feels good helps your brain remember that joy doesn’t have to come with burnout attached.

Let Go of the Version of You That Came Before

This part can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Burnout changes us. What energized you before may not fit anymore—and that’s okay. Releasing expectations of who you used to be makes room for discovering who you are now. Fun often returns when we stop trying to recreate the past and allow ourselves to evolve.

Joy Returns Quietly—Listen for It

Fun doesn’t usually announce its comeback. It shows up in small smiles, moments of flow, or the realization that time passed without you checking the clock. Pay attention to what feels lighter. Follow that thread. Over time, those moments stitch together into something meaningful.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve lost your spark—it means it needs care. Finding fun again isn’t about forcing happiness; it’s about creating space for it to return. Slowly. Gently. On your own terms.

If you’re here, reading this, that’s already a step toward joy.