by Scott Ashley
Burnout in songwriting can lead to a feeling of disconnect from the creative process, and can lead to a lack of motivation and creativity. Preventing burnout can help songwriters stay connected to the creative process and remain motivated and creative. If a songwriter is able to prevent burnout, it can help them create better songs, stay productive, and be more successful in their career.
Here are 8 Tips to help you prevent burnout in Songwriting:
- Take regular breaks: Are you running into writer's block? Can't think of a good melody? Can't think of a good story-line in the song? Can't think of good lyrics? Make sure to take regular breaks from songwriting so you don’t get too overwhelmed or burned out. Here is an example: Taking a short walk to the nearest park or around the block can help you take a break from your work and clear your mind.
- Be flexible with your schedule: Allow yourself to switch up your schedule for different days, so you don’t feel tied down to a certain creative process. Here is an example: Be open to possibilities. Instead of getting stuck in a rigid schedule, be open to the possibility of change.
- Take a break from technology: It can be easy to get wrapped up in technology while songwriting, so make sure to take breaks and turn off your devices when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking a break from technology can be beneficial for mental and physical health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration and focus, and allow for more time for meaningful face-to-face interactions. It can also give people the opportunity to get outside, get some exercise, and just enjoy the beauty of the world. So, take a break from your iPhone!
- Get inspired outside of music: It’s important to get inspiration from other sources outside of music, such as nature, art, books, or movies. Getting inspired outside of music making can help you to bring a new perspective to your music. It can help you to think of creative ideas that you may have never thought of before. It can also help to open up your mind to different ways of expressing yourself, as well as exploring different sounds and ideas. Additionally, it can help to inform your music and provide you with motivation and a sense of purpose.
- Use a journal: Writing your ideas down in a journal can be a great way to keep track of your progress and get your thoughts out of your head. Using a daily journal can help to promote self-reflection and self-awareness, allowing you to track your progress and document lessons learned. A daily journal can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, and it can be a great way to keep track of ideas and thoughts. Additionally, it can provide a space for creative exploration and positive self-expression, as well as serve as a valuable tool for self-improvement.
- Exercise: Exercise can be a great way to clear your head and stay energized. Exercise and endorphins work together to help improve overall physical and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that act as natural painkillers and can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Endorphins also help to boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, and increase overall happiness.
- Get feedback: Having someone else listen to your work can help you get perspective on what works and what doesn’t. Getting feedback from writing your songs is important because it allows you to gain an objective perspective on your work. It provides the opportunity for you to identify areas of improvement and to gain insight into the songwriting process. Additionally, feedback can help you to identify the strengths of your songs and encourage you to further develop and refine them. Ultimately, feedback from others can help you to become a better songwriter and to create songs that you are truly proud of.
- Talk to others: Talking with other songwriters (or even non-musicians) can be extremely beneficial for a variety of reasons to get creative in many ways. Firstly, it can help to inspire creativity and help with the writing process, as hearing other people’s ideas can spark new ideas in your own work. It can also be helpful for developing techniques and understanding the craft of songwriting, as well as gaining insight into the industry. Moreover, talking with other songwriters can help to build relationships and create a sense of community, which is invaluable when trying to get your music heard and make connections. Also collaborating with other songwriters can help you in preventing burnout too!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). His book "How to Write Better Songs" hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts last year. Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5PLFGKX
For information on the 28th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net
