Dear Youtube, I have a burnout 

Hello lovely RU-vid friends! Couple of days ago I sat down to write some things out in a journal and I realised that I kept on neglecting my burnout. Well I didn't know I had it, but I do. I came here as soon as I knew and letting you know that up until now I really loved creating art content for you. I always associated this as a safe place for everyone to come by and feel cozy and welcomed. This was our art corner and place where to find inspiration. I want to keep things as they were but to do so I need my much needed break. I'm sure you will understand! I don't know when I will return, I will keep you updated on community tab for more news. I will also be on Instagram stories and post some content on Patron too. I thought I will return after 1-2weeks, but most probably 2-3 weeks would be much better. I want to come here feeling enjoyment to film, create and share! I might do bi-weekly videos when I return as I feel it would be much better and healthier. :) I am really grateful to have you here, here is for the better future! :)

I totally get this, Kriksis. I had to take last month off from Patreon (thank goodness for the 'pause' feature on there!) and I've cut down a little on the frequency of posting on RU-vid. I had to, as I was getting ill. It's so easy to burn out when we manage so much as creatives. An art career is enough on its own and would easily be a full-time job for me (and you, I'm sure) without YT and Patreon! Take as much time as you need...what's that saying?... "You can't pour from an empty cup". xx

Please take a break and have a rest. We're all very greedy on you tube and love seeing what you're doing, but it's very easy to forget how much work and time goes into each video and art project. I think you tube is designed to make you ill! We'll all be here when you decide to come back, so please don't worry. 💜💙💛

Thank you for sharing Kriksis, you totally need to take some time off from RU-vid , don’t worry we will be still here supporting you and you lovely work💛

Dear Kriksis, so glad to see you're taking some time off. I know it can be really hard to do but so important. Everyone will still be here. Enjoy your film-free time off. Xx

You deserve a break! I have never agreed with the "hustle culture" for artists, and this venue seems to push it to the extreme. You can't curate a cosy art style in the "hustle." Relax and enjoy LIFE, and nature, and the change of seasons. I can see your new book project on the horizon and I understand you need to exist quietly with it alone. Ignore algorithms. Be you. You are a beautiful human being.

You are such a wonderful person and artist! Please take care and rest❤️

LOVE this Kriksis. I have been a blogger / creative since 2009. Rest and breaks are SOOOO important. I'm still terrible at it and always end up in the burnout stage. What you're going through is totally normal. I wish more creatives would talk about it like you did here. Do what you need. Take time away. Rest. And then rest again. The people that love and support you and your work will be here when you're ready.

Kristine - You are such a treasure, do not worry we will all be here however long a break you take and however frequently. Finding you and Melanie on You tube has been wonderful and I am grateful for your work and generosity in sharing all that you do on You Tube. ❤️🥰

I’ve always been impressed by your ability to post so many videos in a second language. It’s really brave and great for fluency, but also a bit exhausting? Take it from an old gal with lots of aches & pains - you have to care for yourself. No-one is thanking me now for neglecting myself! Hope you are able to relax and give yourself the time you need. 💗

I had burnout myself too, don't worry it will go away, just need a rest from you tube, take a break from art completely and when come back you will be another person again. It has happen to me that 3 days later I feel better an back to paint. Do not worry happens to everybody, so rest, relax and I am sure will see you soon !! You were doing so good with your new book in progress !!!! 😘😘

Hi, Kriksis! For me, the whole idea of channels like yours, Sandi Hester's, Natasha Newton's, Melanie Chadwick's, and others I follow consistently is that we're not only fans, but caring friends responding to you guys as people in whose company we also feel cared about. You all give so much of yourselves, and this is appreciated, but if you give too much and give up time for rest and personal "non-productive" time, you WILL burn out, and we'll all lose so much. Please do whatever you need to do for your personal happiness and good mental health! I will always follow you, and don't care about regularity. P.S. I placed an order on your Etsy store last night, and wish I'd taken the opportunity to communicate with you that I'm in no rush to receive it -- because when I found out that you had a store with so many beautiful things on it, I sensed (before seeing that you'd made this video) that you were probably doing too much. I'd like to receive my items in time to send them as Christmas gifts, but if need be they can go out late. Friends need to be flexible and accepting of each other, and you can only do so much! Sending love and a big virtual hug, Maggie S.

Nothing is more important than your health and well being. Find your peace and joy. Praying for rest and fun in your life.

Hi Kriksis, you are a very talented sensitive person, please remember to ‘pencil’ yourself in your own diary. Be kind to yourself, enjoy your well earned break, people like you so deserve to allow themselves time to recuperate 💕 Your knitting will be much appreciated, you have found a good balance. Please stay extra safe 😊 Lots of good wishes to you and your Family x

Enjoy your break! Do you live literally in heaven? Who has a field that amazing right next door with hammocks and a picnic table and sheep and tiny horses? I'm so curious! I've never seen anything like it.

No break for almost 2 years? I’d be ready for a break too! It’s good to let yourself rest and recharge.

We all need breaks. You have been giving so much to this community. Take the time. I so enjoy what you share but want you to be refreshed and healthy. I love you honesty and down to earth outlook.

I totally know where you’re coming from. Even though I’m not a full-time artist (I have a 9-5 unrelated job), I started creating content for RU-vid by the end of last year and quickly realized how much time and effort it requires. I gave myself a bi-weekly publishing target exactly to avoid getting at this burnout stage and so far it’s been ok. My channel is very small and I’m still at the hands of the algorithm to see my following grow, but I think as much as I’d love to have more people looking at my content I am very conscious of getting caught up in a cycle of constant “content creation” that will end up drying my creativity well. I also have this feeling sometimes of, maybe I should be recording this, but I ultimately keep a lot of things to myself, or share just some snippets in Instagram stories if I feel like it. I think it’s absolutely ok, and more than that, needed, to have this personal and private time between us and what we create. We started making art because we enjoy it, it gives us joy, so do what you need to keep that joy alive 🤗

Don't worry Kriksis, we will still love you and be subscribed to your channel. Take the break you need and come back when you'll be ready. It will be a pleasure, as always, to watch your future videos. :)

Totally relate. Happened to me when I first started my design job journey. I thought that I could burn the candle both ends and nothing bad would happen because my job was actually what other people did for a 'hobby'- sewing, card making, crafts, arts etc. But no. Designing is exhausting. I use more maths now than I did when I was a medical scientist! And after writing thousands of words I actually stagger when I get up from my desk. Doing things in the evening just for you is a great idea and knitting is so meditative. Something has to give and your real followers will still be there when you emerge from the other end. 26 years in this business has taught me that too. I love what you do and the inspiration that you give and I hope that you feel more on top of things very soon. 🥰

Just like you plan meals, work, and projects. Social time and rest are just as important. While I appreciate communication to know you are taking a purposeful break, you don’t owe us anything. Take all of the time you need ❤️

Enjoy your break 🤗 and we will be here waiting for you to come back relaxed and renewed 😍

Take your break darling. Everyone needs a vacation from routine to stay inspired. We'll still be here.

Please, take care of yourself :) Everybody deserve a break ! You're such an amazing artist and soul, listen to your friends and yourself, and enjoy this resting time !

Have a lovely, restorative break. We will catch you when you return. Cute ponies. Maybe you'll draw them. :)

Someone really needs to teach algorithms that self-care is important. I hope you have a good rest ❤️

Everyone needs breaks sometimes! It’s completely ok.

Take care of yourself lovely - your health and wellbeing should always come first! You've been working so hard and really do deserve a break to refresh and replenish your creative juices. Sending you so much love x❤

Aww please take as much time as you need … you more than deserve a break. To reenergise and refill your creative cup you need to schedule in time for yourself on a regular basis too xx

This is why I love and enjoy you and the content you make because you are so genuine and real. It's evident you work very hard. You deserve to take the time for self care and also to schedule in breaks and 'no work' days. Time to spend on yourself and do the things that genuinely bring you joy and happiness. There is nothing more important than you, your health and well being, and your own home and significant relationships. Enjoy your holiday. Take as long as you need. Go well my RU-vid friend. Much love. Rachelle, Australia. xo

We all have holidays from work and so think of it like a holiday like everyone else. Rest up and recouperate. We will be here later when you return maybe at a slower pace. X

Take care and take as much time as you need! Everyone needs a break, it’s so important to look after yourself, especially if you’re freelance. Love your content and completely respect your need for a break. Tori x

Oh, Kriksis, you should take a break, definitely! The other day I was thinking that you post so much I can't imagine the amount of work it must be... Your art and your videos are so great and you have so much future ahead of you in illustration, that it would be incredibly sad if you burn out so much you don't want to draw for a while :( So in my opinion, it's better enjoy what you love to do, take time for yourself, and don't worry about us, because we will be back wanting to watch your videos :D By the way! I'm loving the scene with you talking in front of the mic, with the lovely fields behind, you look like a fancy jury in a "The most Beautiful Sheep" contest haha

We will stay ! Just take the break you need , take care, wishing you all the best and thank you for your honesty. Big hug☀️

Take time to yourself recharge your mind body spirit you deserve this you are taking care of yourself that's always wise thanks for sharing your thoughts looking forward to seeing you again when you are ready 😘

I'm not a RU-vid creator, but I can relate. I've had burnout/block for a little over a month. I'm halfway through Inktober, and I have no desire to draw; and I find no joy in creating right now. I'm glad you're able to take time off to find happiness in the small things. Self care is very important.

I'm sorry you feel burned out, please take all the time you need for yourself. Health is more important than always being productive 💖 Sending hugs!

Always love to watch your videos but your own health and well-being takes priority. Enjoy your break. You deserve it. 😉

thank you for your honesty! I am not a youtube creator, but I think you don't need to worry about algorithms etc, as people who are interested in you, are following you and receives updates. Also, at least for me, it's too often to watch video every week. I think 1 video per 2 or 3 weeks are totally fine! and I think I also have had a burnout during my last year in art studies in university, as I didn't take days off. and I was recovering from this burnout for quite a long time, so take as much time you need. Peace

Everyone needs a break, we are like the seasons, winter is a time for rest, and there is always seasons of life x I will be here when you come back, and I’m really glad you are finally taking the time to care for yourself and take some much needed rest xxx

Kriksis, I am not a RU-vid creator. Also, I am fortunate to be retired. I have come to look forward to your weekly videos. I look forward to watching you, the joyful you, the positive and smiling you. I give you so much credit for taking as much time as you need and want for a break. When family and friends ask me to paint a picture for them, I find my self feeling a little guilty and selfish. But then I remind myself why I paint. I paint for me. It is my personal time to create not only lovely paintings, it is my time to replenish joy and peace in my life. And as Natasha said, "You can't pour from an empty cup". Virtual hug to you. ❤️

You are deserving of a much needed break. ❤ A lot of the other channels in the US take breaks from the holidays that come up. I would too if I had a channel. I have burn out myself. It maybe from loosing my mom last November. But we can all get that because of anything going on in our life. So just take care of yourself and take the time off anytime you need it. 💜

Of course I am coming back, take your time, dear girl !

We will be waiting for you.

Be well. I will be here

Enjoy your much needed break, lovely! See you on the other side

I.enjoy your videos and rarely issues one. You are very creative and lovely to listen to. I understand your burnout ( I wrote a knitting blog for 10 years) and I think to have longevity you need to find a pace that works for you. I began with weekly posts too but that isn't sustainable if it it's generating enough income to support you. Enjoy your break and set yourself a less demanding schedule when you resume. Content is king not quantity. Be well.

I'm not doing the half, even the third of what you've been doing all this time and even I feel extremely tired, so that's understandable. Yes, consistency is important to grow on this platform, but the sanity and well-being of the creator is crucial. So, take as much time as you need to get in shape mentally/physically. ** What I usually do in order to deal with burnout is: listening to soothing music while laying on the carpet or couch; walking outside in quiet places without phone and being present; reading fantasy books; exercising - mostly doing yoga, stretching 🙆‍♀️ Take care 🧡

I totally get you! Take care of yourself. 🤗

Hello kriksis...I am a beginner but I really think that taking a break is a good idea otherwise I really enjoy your videos,I looove😍 the farm view and all that you do and my favorite thing about you besides your art is the fact that you and Natasha Newton are so close🦋 my two awesome artists...she advised the break too so I believe it will do you alot of good...we will always be here 👌

take the time you need

Blessings to you Kriksis 🌻I am sorry to hear your are burned out. I understand what it’s like because I too have been burned out, multiple times, but I kept going when my body and mind was telling me to rest. There was no balance in my life. It was all work and with this came poor eating. I got very sick at one stage in my career. It was sickness (e.g., immune problems) that forced me to make changes. I’m a lot better (though not perfect) at saying ‘no’ and listening to that small voice within saying, ‘rest’. It’s good to hear you are going to take a couple of weeks or more to rest and recharge. Hopefully, make time to lie in the hammock, day dream and be one with nature (including continuing to kayak and spending quality time with your husband). When you return we’ll (I’ll) certainly continue to watch your vlogs. I like your content and your art. Take care, self care 🦋

hope you enjoy your break !! We'll be here when you get back :) Idk how you do it, I posted a grand total of 3 videos over a few months and got burnt out LOL

Oh, dear, burnout sucks af, I hope you will be able to take this break and restore your mind and energy. I cannot imagine how much you are doing. I really want to get back to RU-vid but I cannot come up with the idea how to do so without crashing. Taking in account that I have a 5/2 job. I miss you a lot!!

social media is really killing us all creatives and intuitives introverts sensible people, as much as we want to share there are limits to what we can do and social media is just an hungry monster always asking more and more from us, algorithms kill our accounts and really making videos as much as it can be fun there's hours of before and after the video...I had a 10000 community on another channel and after 4 years I just had to quit...could do no more burned to the ground. Happy to have stopped for good but that comes with consequences that we have to be aware and accept...I really do miss back in early 2000's when there was no social media and algorithms but only blogs and real communities coming together in these places and not subscribing and unsubscribing just because we haven't posted a post... I will be here Kriksis, going nowhere take your time for rest.

Es ceru ka tev palīdzēs paņemt brīvdienās un atpūsties. Nestrādā pārak grūti! Esmu drusciņ vecāka nekā tu un es strādāju pārāk daudz manos 20' un es to ļoti nožēloju. Ir ļoti grūti *switch off* kad tu dari kaut ko tādu kas tevi aizrauj un ir tik tev svarīgs. Bet nav nekā svarīgāka nekā tava dzīve, veselība un māksla ❤️❤️❤️ un visam tam vajag atpūta! :)))) Ne viss ir kontents 🍒🌸

Hi Kriksis, I completely understand you. It's exhausting the pressure that all this causes ends up hurting us. So don't feel pressured to come back, take your time and think about yourself. I hope you will be ok.

Your wellbeing is paramount and it’s totally understandable that you feel you need a break. Long overdue! Wonderful as social media can be, it can be so demanding for artists and creatives to keep the content flowing, and I think any artist followers will completely understand that creative inspiration and motivation ebb and flow. I also think the prolonged hot and humid weather took its toll. I’m in the South West too, where it was oppressively humid for weeks. I barely produced any art or music over the hot period, and have also had to cut myself some slack! Wishing you a rejuvenating rest. Xx

Kriksis don't worry we'll all be waiting here!! Take as much time as you need. You know making videos is really time consuming, this is your job, and if I had worked for two years without taking a single week off I'd be ready to explode haha! I think you should take 2 weeks off and promise yourself you won't film anything that you do during that time. That will give you the space and privacy of doing art for yourself. I hope you feel better soon! 🦊❤

Get some rest have some fun

Can you do posts where you go into town? We would like to see the town.

Have you ever watched Sandi Hester? Take a look at her channel. She creates a lot of content but she is not always creating in every video. Sometimes it’s sketchbook flip-throughs, some times it’s chat, other times it’s a vlog. Please take good care of yourself. We will all be here for you upon your return. ☺️

Oh, sweetie, take a break! Of course I love seeing your charming videos weekly, but I would rather see less videos than not see you at all. You have to be your first priority for your health and your art. Spend more time in that hammock and with those adorable ponies and just breathe. I can totally see them appearing in a story later. And Natasha’s quote would make an excellent sticker in you shop - when you are rested , of course. Wishing you relaxation and peace of mind during your break. See you on the other side.😘

also, I have heard good feedback about book "The Happiness of Burnout. The Case of Jeppe Hein" (Finn Janning), but as I haven read it myself I don't know it this is suitable for you at this moment, but maybe this information somehow will be hopeful to you :)