Whether you are a video editor, filmmaker, videographer, motion graphics artist or any kind of freelance business, there’s one aspect to your career you should prioritise above anything else: your mental well-being.
You likely work long hours, no paid holiday and the constant mental strain of searching for the next project.
This can inevitably take a toll on your mental health.
Burnout is a very real thing, so what are some ways we can avoid this happening?
Regular Breaks
Discipline can have negative connotations, however, it may be what it takes to keep yourself accountable for taking regular breaks and days off.
Even with deadlines looming, it is essential to schedule in breaks at points in your day. Set alarms, ensure you step away from your workstation, and be sure to maintain consistency with this.
It can be tricky to allow yourself time to step away from your work, but everybody needs it to sustain focus and concentration over the course of a working day.
Water 
Never underestimate the power of good ol’ hydration!
Get into the habit of always having a bottle or glass of water on your desk, you’ll end up drinking far more, and as a result, should see an improvement of your overall health.
Water helps clear out toxins, helps your brain cells communicate better, and can prevent headaches, especially crucial if you are facing a screen all day.
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Exercise
In addition to taking regular breaks, it’s important to get plenty of exercise in. It has long been known that exercise is an ace way to keep your mental health in good knick, so don’t skimp on it.
If you don’t have time to get out the house during the day (we know how it is with deadlines etc.) then hop off your desk, drop and do some sets of push-ups. Literally any little exercise you can squeeze in will be better than doing nothing.
It’s also a great way to maintain your physical health, providing you with more energy to hit your work goals.
Organisation
Let’s be honest, for many of us, organisation is fairly low in our list of priorities. As a freelancer though, it is essential to help prevent stress down the road.
Keep track of everything: upcoming deadlines and projects, invoices, finances, anything your can apply organisational systems to will give you a deeper sense of control over your freelance business. And I don’t know about you, but the biggest source of stress for me has always been feeling like I have zero control over my career.
So take back that control, and establish yourself as an organisational machine!
Social Contact
It can be a lonely job, working for yourself.
Sure there may be times you are on set or get to collaborate on projects with other like-minded creatives. However, there will be times where your social interactions are at a minimum.
It’s essential to combat this by ensuring you take time out to meet friends, attend networking events, call family members, anything that hauls you out of a lonely mindset.
A simple chat with a friend can really change the course of your day if you’re starting to feel the burnout rising.
Sleep
Arguably, this is the most important component on this list.
There is no greater contributor to exhaustion, stress and burnout than a lack of sleep.
There will be times where you are required to work late to hit your deadlines, but it is crucial that you are strict with yourself and set hard limits so that you can get some rest. A well-rested mind is 10 times more productive than one that has been forced to stay awake.
If you start to focus on these areas, I can guarantee that you will start to feel the burnout subside and you can get back to doing what you do best: crushing your freelance goals!
