Recognising + addressing burnout, mental health + how to maintain creativity: Candida Part 2

Glowing in Tech

In this episode, the Candida discusses her personal journey of recognising and addressing burnout and the importance of mental health. She recalls attending a talk on mental health and burnout given by a speaker who visited their organisation. This talk served as a wake-up call for Candida, as she realised they were exhibiting several signs of burnout, such as withdrawing at work, neglecting their appearance, operating on autopilot, and feeling down and upset.

Following the talk, the Candida had a coaching session with the speaker who gave the talk. The coach noticed a significant change in the speaker's energy after the session, highlighting how burnout was negatively impacting their overall well-being and work performance.

Candida acknowledges that recognising and acknowledging burnout can take time, but they have become better at identifying the signals for themselves. However, it was the mental health and burnout talk that truly helped them realise that their experiences were not normal and that they needed to take time off to address their burnout.

Throughout the episode, the importance of embracing creativity in daily life is highlighted. We discuss how creativity extends beyond traditional artistic pursuits and can be found in problem-solving, innovative thinking, and approaching different situations. We emphasise that tapping into creativity can bring joy and fulfilment, and it doesn't always have to be tied to generating income or pursuing a creative career. Instead, they encourage listeners to explore and embrace creativity through hobbies, personal projects, and allowing space for creative thinking in everyday life.

The episode also addresses the impact of self-doubt and societal expectations on individuals who identify as creatives. The conversation emphasises the courage and strength required to pursue a creative path, especially when it goes against the expectations of family, friends, and society.

Overall, the episode underscores the significance of recognizing and embracing creativity in daily life. It suggests that by doing so, individuals can experience improved mental health, increased satisfaction, and a greater sense of fulfillment.

Candida also addresses the pressure that can arise from turning creative outlets into a career. They caution against placing the burden of income generation or resource reliance on creative activities, as it can diminish the joy derived from them. Instead, they advocate for tapping into creativity for the sake of enjoyment and personal fulfillment.

Additionally, the Candida delves into the impact of self-doubt on creatives. They acknowledge that societal expectations and judgments can lead many creatives to feel inadequate. They stress the significance of reframing these thoughts and beliefs, and finding the courage and strength to pursue creative endeavors that may defy societal norms. The speaker suggests that self-doubt is an energy that needs to be continually tapped into, and taking breaks from creativity can result in denying a part of oneself. They emphasize the importance of living authentically and aligning with personal values, as denying creativity and not living true to oneself can have emotional consequences.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:01:42] Allowing myself to enjoy work.

[00:05:29] Keeping the curiosity alive.

[00:09:43] What's the tech tea?

[00:13:19] Hybrid working and bias.

[00:17:40] Language and Ambition.

[00:18:07] Different interpretations of ambition.

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