Dr. Heidi Davidson is the CEO of Galvanize Worldwide, the world’s largest distributed network of marketing & communications experts.
“I’m an expert on burning out.”
That’s how K started her conversation with me one afternoon—a conversation that would leave a lasting impression. She calls herself a creative alchemist, a title that speaks to her ability to transform ideas, experiences and raw inspiration into something greater than the sum of its parts. This is a process that requires curiosity, courage and the willingness to experiment, much like an alchemist refining base metals into gold.
Over time, I’ve learned invaluable lessons from her about balance, burnout, recharging and self-care—lessons I desperately needed as someone working in creative services who hasn’t always done the best job of looking after myself. As I reflect on what I’ve learned and how I’ve applied it, I thought I would share some of those lessons in the hope that others might benefit as well.
1. Recognize the warning signs early.
Burnout rarely happens overnight. It builds gradually, disguised as extra hours, shrinking breaks and an ever-present sense of guilt when stepping away. K described burnout as ignoring the whispers until they become shouts. For me, those whispers were fatigue, frustration, lack of creativity and a creeping loss of passion. Learning to recognize those early signs allowed me to course-correct before reaching a breaking point.
2. Embrace your rhythms.
I’ve also learned about the idea of living in alignment with the body’s natural energy cycles. Some days, your energy is meant for deep focus; other days are better for brainstorming and creativity. Instead of forcing productivity at all costs, I’ve started paying attention to when I felt most energized and when I needed to rest. Surprisingly, this shift didn’t decrease my output—it improved it.
3. Micro-moments of recovery matter.
I used to think recovery meant long vacations or weekends away, but true balance is built in small, consistent moments: five minutes of breathwork before a call. A quiet walk around the block between meetings. Drinking water and stepping away from the screen instead of pushing through. And most importantly, giving ourselves permission to take this time. These micro-moments have been game-changers in my daily routine.
4. Protect creative energy.
Creativity thrives when you’re not constantly emptying your tank, so I’ve learned to set boundaries with clients, establish clear timelines and resist the urge to over-deliver at the expense of my well-being. By protecting my creative energy, I not only produce better work but am also finding more joy in the process.
5. Recharge with intention.
Recharging isn’t just about rest; it’s about doing what genuinely fills you back up. For me, that’s watching my kiddo’s baseball game without phone distractions, reading for pleasure, cooking new recipes and spending time with friends without a looming deadline or constant phone checks. It’s these joy-filled moments that create a ripple effect and lift our energy long after. The more we nurture those positive experiences, the more they seem to multiply, infusing even ordinary moments with a sense of lightness, clarity and calm.
6. Self-care is a practice.
Perhaps the hardest lesson K taught me is that self-care requires intentionality. This stuck with me, and I realized that my well-being deserved the same level of commitment I give to my work and relationships. Scheduling self-care like scheduling meetings has helped me stay accountable not just to my calendar but to myself.
7. Embrace imperfection.
Some days, you’ll do it all right, and some days, you’ll crash and burn. The key is to forgive yourself and start again. This mindset shift has helped me be kinder to myself on the hard days and celebrate the progress I’ve made.
These lessons have changed how I approach my work and my well-being. As creatives, we often pour ourselves into our clients, projects and teams, leaving little energy for ourselves. I’ve learned that true creativity flourishes when we prioritize our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Thanks to K, I’m no longer on the path to being “an expert on burning out.” I’m learning to be an expert in balance, recharging and creating a sustainable path forward for myself and those around me.
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