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Burnout—it’s a word we hear often, but what does it really mean, and how can we prevent it from taking over our lives, especially as wedding photographers? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I open up about my own struggles with burnout, how I’m learning to incorporate more intentional rest into my routine, and practical steps you can take to protect your mental and emotional well-being.
What Does Burnout Look Like?
Burnout can look different for everyone, but for me, it’s the constant feeling of being overwhelmed and emotionally drained. As photographers, we’re often balancing so many tasks—shooting weddings, editing, managing social media, and responding to client inquiries. On top of that, we’re running a business, and for many of us, the lines between work and life can easily blur.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re pushing through just to get things done, or you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll rest once I finish this last task,” then you’re probably familiar with burnout. For a lot of us, especially high-achievers, rest tends to be treated as a reward rather than a necessity.
The Realization: Rest Isn’t a Reward
One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had to make is understanding that rest is not something we earn—it’s something we need. I used to think, “Once I finish editing this gallery, then I’ll take time for myself,” or, “After this busy season, I’ll take a break.” But the truth is, when you’re running a business, the work never truly ends.
As photographers, we’re constantly seeing what other people are posting, whether it’s new photoshoots or business updates. It’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind if we’re not always “on.” But the reality is, we’re not meant to work 24/7, and pushing ourselves to the brink only leads to burnout.
How I’m Scheduling Rest
A key step I’ve taken recently is scheduling intentional rest into my week. I grew up learning about the concept of Sabbath, but I never fully embraced the idea of taking a full day off from work. Now, I’m working on implementing rest into my weekly routine by blocking off specific times—whether it’s a couple of hours or a full day.
And here’s the thing: that time is sacred. If something comes up, I don’t cancel my time off; I reschedule it. This small change has been a game-changer for my mental health, allowing me to recharge and show up better for both my clients and myself.
Batch Content Creation to Free Up Time
Another way I’ve been easing the pressure on myself is through batch content creation. I use tools like the Preview app to schedule social media posts in advance, so I’m not scrambling to post something new every day. By setting aside time to plan out content for a few weeks, I’m able to take a break from the constant hustle of social media while still maintaining a presence.
If social media stresses you out, I highly recommend trying this approach. Whether you’re posting three times a week or once a day, having your posts ready to go allows you to step back and focus on other aspects of your business—or better yet, focus on rest.
Delegate and Outsource
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself: what tasks can I delegate or outsource? Luke and I have hired help for certain aspects of our business, and it’s made a huge difference. Whether it’s outsourcing editing, hiring someone to manage emails, or delegating social media, letting go of some responsibilities can free up time for you to rest and focus on the work that truly excites you.
Take a full assessment of your business and personal tasks. What gives you energy, and what drains you? By identifying areas where you can delegate, you’ll create more space for yourself to rest and recharge.
Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time
As wedding photographers, it’s easy to feel like we have to be available at all times, especially during busy seasons. But setting boundaries is crucial to preventing burnout. I’ve started blocking off time in my calendar for myself, whether it’s for rest, creative work, or spending time with friends and family.
If you struggle with setting boundaries, start small. Block off an afternoon or a few hours and commit to using that time to recharge. And remember, your clients will appreciate you more when you’re well-rested and fully present for them.
Looking Ahead
Rest isn’t something that comes naturally to many of us, especially when we love what we do. But finding a balance between work and rest is essential for our long-term well-being. I’m still learning how to navigate this balance, and I hope by sharing my journey, you feel encouraged to prioritize rest in your own life.
So, take a moment today to look at your calendar and ask yourself: where can I schedule time off? Whether it’s a full day or just a few hours, make rest a priority, and don’t wait until you’re burned out to give yourself the break you deserve.
Thank you for reading! If this post resonated with you, connect with me on Instagram, and let’s continue the conversation about balancing work and rest.
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