The Green Bean Podcast Episode 62: Let's Talk About Burnout 

Allow yourself another good 6 months time to settle into your new house, location and life. It took me almost 2 years but now things get easier. It is good to detox from social media and keep things private or to yourself. I hope with the decisions you make, your energy comes back and your batteries will be recharged! Best of luck 😊

Dear Katie, I have watched you for a long time now and I bought your book to try to understand and support a friend whose daughter was struggling with body image issues, depression and eating disorder. Your description of the times we live in as, of rage and injustice and the constant pressure from some in social media, echoes with me and must echo with many others. Your sharing the walks with Jack, any other creative things you do is always a joy to watch please, even if you had to stop all together for a time ,we will be here waiting and doing our own work till you feel rested and more at peace. Sending much love and thanks!

Oh Katie, why can’t people just be people, how ever you are? I pray, someday, we can all live in peace! Thanks for all you give to us, watching your podcasts and creative sole. I feel the same way about knitting and crafting. Saves my sanity over and over again! ❤️🧶🍄🐸

Dear Katie, as a fellow introvert I think you are amazing and very brave getting yourself out there as you do. I actually start to shake when I talk about myself to others (childhood mess). I totally understand the need to draw in. If you take the time to be as kind to yourself as you are to us you will be fine. Why do we always put ourselves last? ❤

Walking my dog and quiet, repetitive crafting are my answer to most things. Give yourself time and and all the care you need and deserve x

A BIG warm WOOLY hug to you dear Katie. I always look forward to your episodes. I always appreciate your honesty about your thought process about how you take care of yourself in a healthy way and your plan. Take whatever time you need. We will be here to visit with you whenever you are able. Kindly, Stephanie from California. PS: give Jack a hug from us- your crafting PEEPS :)

I recently found your lovely podcast here on RU-vid. You know what... I am an illustrator living in the countryside in Sweden... in an old little house that needs a lot of care. And I have a big garden that also take its time. And I have a little dog too! 😊 I work on my own and nowadays always on remote. I used to travel a lot but after the pandemic I was able to change my business in a direction that is better suited for me and my big BIG needs of quiet and peaceful time on my own. That to be able to create and work in a sustainable way. It takes a lot of energy to create and I have learnt the hard way how important it is for me to always take care of myself and make sure to have enough space and place for thinking and... breathing. I quitted social media a couple of years ago too and it was absolutely one of the best decisions I have made in my business. I save a lot of time and can work with my commisions without interuption of taking photos, filming and answering comments on social media platforms. Now it is just me, the drawings and the creative process. When I am done and finished I sometimes decide to share it on my own site. It lowers the pressure and don't disturb the creative process as much. To many social activities and I get really excausted too and it takes long time to recover. So yes... I listen to your chat about your burnout and recognise every single part of it. And I know that worries over renovations of an old house takes a lot of energy too. Specially in the beginning when you just moved in and doubt that you can deal with all that is. But I have lived here for five years and things are a bit easier now. You kind of slowly grows into it, if you can put it that way? I craft a lot too. I am knitting every day, spinning sometimes and I have just learnt a bit about tapetsry weaving - very exciting. Well... Sometimes it can help just to know that you are not alone feeling in a certain way so I wanted to post this comment to you. Take your time and find the way that is right for you. Greetings from Sweden 😊

Dear Gentle Soul, take care of yourself. Honor your limits, down time is essential. Love your work and your walks.

You are such a treasure. Time with Jack, mountains, therapy cleaning, straightening, and building house will all come together. I moved house the same week you did. I thought I would explode from the stress. As a creative introvert myself, I believe that there are more people than u realize who have followed a similar path as you have experienced. Know that as one comes out on the other side of chaos, creativity blooms. ❤

Do whatever you need to do to reenergise. If it means a podcast with you just taking Jack out for a walk in the lovely Brecon Beacons we will happily come with you. No explanation needed.

Katie, your podcasts are so soothing to we watchers! For those of us across the pond, could you let us know sometimes where you and Jack are walking? The landscape is drastically different than when you first moved there. Just whenever you think of it. Take good care! ❤️

My house move across the country and a shock diagnosis for my husband has made for the most difficult year of my life....take time and care for yourself xxx

I knit and crochet some needlepoint.I wouldn't know what to do without these things!❤ I love your podcasts so soothing and restful!thank you!

Moving and renovating a property is very hard work and those of us who have undertaken this kind of project always underestimate the energy it takes! You must take the time to look after yourself and we’ll all be here when you are ready to return to us. Your making is always exquisite and technical and that takes a toll. Give some time to walking in your beautiful countryside with dearest Jack until you feel revived and thank you, as always, for your honesty and integrity. We appreciate you dear Katie.

Aww, sending hugs. You must do what is right for you. 'Self Preservation' Love seeing Jack out and about. Tc x

Thank you so much for talking about burnout and all the contributing factors. It is such an important topic and helpful to many of us who struggle with mental health issues. Watching you Katie is like your last shawl giving me a big warm hug❤ your voice, the pace of your video, your projects are all such a comfort. Thank you again for what you do here. I think you are helping more people than you know.✨🙏✨

First, that shawl! Holy moly. It will be amazing but wow that is an intense knit! Regarding burnout: thank you for sharing your experience. You have so much going on right now, and it sounds like your home situation isn’t providing the grounding anchor it usually would. It is so commendable that you see what you need and that you’re doing what you need to do to emotionally and energetically support yourself! ❤

PS, I have just received your beetle sweater knitting pattern and slalamander stickers. They were so exquisitely packed and a complete delight to open. For anyone else's information these are quality products with Katies unique style imprint and approach. Her shop is an absolute delight and really worth a visit. Quirky, playful and very professional. Well done Katy and thank you, the world needs more people like your good self.

Love your beautiful walks with Jack. Whatever feels right for you is correct to care of yourself.

Hi Katie, I've been awed by your willingness to share your artist process-- your unfinished drawings, for example. It's your right to step back from that if you wish. Your introductory remarks all seemed so relevant to the challanges we face at this time.

Hey! Thank you for your honesty! Take care of yourself and do what and how you want ❤ Lovely Inese Sang's shawl!

I am sending you a big hug Katie ❤ take the time you need and do what feels good to you! I enjoy your podcasts very much and appreciate your honesty so much.

I’m not so good with words so sending you a great big virtual hug! ♥

One of your best videos.

Thank you as always for your beautiful honesty and vulnerability ❤️ Huge appreciation and love for the you and the way in which you show up in the world 🙏🏼

This episode really resonated with me - the move, the energy required to create and to be visible, the state of chaos in your living situation. I really enjoy your podcasts for their honesty, openness, countryside and the parts of your creative process that you choose to share. I hope that the changes you make will restore some energy and balance to you. ♡

Time with self is soooo special and very essential for us sensitives. The world is crazy as corrupt structures reveal themselves and crumble for the new to emerge. We are all in this together and will come out the other side ❤

Take your well deserved break and recharge. We all need it sometimes. Settling into a new home is always challenging and renovating is even more so. Take your time and enjoy the process were you can.

Construction zone… my kitchen has been under construction for over 6 months now. It’s not finished because I needed to be with my mom. She recently passed. So my heart goes out to you in not knowing which way to turn creatively. I just picked up needles again and I do love the feel of the fiber, but I see this neglected house so I jump up and tend to it room by room with the exception of the kitchen! Enjoy your break and be refreshed❤️😊

I hear you on so many levels sister. Mind yourself ❤

Dear Katie, just be you and take time to just be. I too have lived in a home where we actually fell through the floor. It was old and grotty but gosh they were such good times. There will always be something to do or something that needs changing in a home of your own, but that’s ok too. Just do a little each day and one day it will be done. You are such an inspiration to me. Bless you. 🙋🏼‍♀️🇦🇺

Hugs, Katie! I hope you get a lot of time for some self-reflection and self-care. Thank you for being so open and honest about your feelings. Hang in! You will find your way through. ❤

Life’s transitions do take so much energy. My mom used to say only bite off what you can chew. Take care

Hi Katie, thank you for sharing your thoughts about burnout, I have been there and I think possibly a lot of other people have too. I really enjoyed your cottage, scenery and the walk with your lovely dog. I hope that you are able to rest and restore your soul and next time we see you, you will be either back to your old self or we'll on your way. Thanks again.

Je vous envoie de chaleureuses pensées de France. Le monde actuel est infiniment dur, surtout pour les personnes sensibles comme vous. Gardez espoir, demain est un autre jour, une autre vie, peut-être... Vous avez un talent immense et j'adore ce que vous faites en matière de tricot car je suis proche de la nature. Je comprends votre infinie fatigue et lassitude, tournez vous vers vos proches, et quand vous vous sentirez mieux, priez un peu si vous le pouvez. Je vous embrasse fort Katie ❤

Katie I feel so much of all of this with you from the lack of social battery and how long it takes to recover from it getting drained, to the big life changes (in my case major health), to the rage and frustration and sadness as a queer person in this moment. Throwing no kitchen for months and general house chaos on top of that is so much. 💚

Really enjoyed ,spending, this time with you,stay safe.

Love what you said about art, and sometimes needing time

Moving is stressful! Renovations are notoriously stressful! Take as much time as you need (and enjoy revelling in your home once it's more comfortably habitable...) ❤❤ x

Thank you for always sharing honestly. Getting ready to move, actually moving, then settling in plus remodeling are certain to take it’s toll. You’re doing the right thing by simplifying until you feel ready to take on more.

thank you for sharing your mindful thoughts Each day is a struggle for alot of peeps(including myself) Sending u warm hugs and happy thoughts

Thanks for yet another soothing, calm and inspiring episode, as well as for sharing your feelings and thoughts on burnout in general and creative dito in particular. ❤

I completely understand the feeling of being overwhelmed in a discomforting way &the need to take a step back . I hope you will find solid ground soon for a new strong beginning

First time viewer here, and i can see what a sensitive beautiful soul you are! I know how you feel, as I'm having a bit of burnout myself. I find the older i get, the less resilient i feel, and things just affect me more. Do what you need to do, do what makes you happy, and come back to the rest when you are ready. BTW you live in a beautiful place... all that nature must be soothing to the heart and soul.

wow you've got a lot going on - good for you that you're creating balance in your life. Creating a home is like creating a sanctuary - it is vital that you allocate good swathes of time to 'be' to watch the light through the seasons so you know how to make best use of the space. Keep going lovely - it will be worth it. And thank you as always for inspiring us all.

You're taking some helpful steps, I think and we, your viewers, want you to take care of yourself. I love going on your walks with you.

What everyone else has said. I also want to add that you don't have to be "loud and proud" if that isn't who you are as a person - the sign you have in the background of you video is a completely valid way to send a message.

Hello Katie, thank you for this and every other episode on your wonderful channel. I admire your honesty and authenticity and can totally relate to all you have said here about burnout. Please give yourself the time and space you need, and enjoy doing some private artwork just for you. Much love x

I’m just waiting for the day when we can love who we want to love (or be single) without judgement. I long for the day when we are not judged on colour or sex or weight or whatever. Just judged for who we are. I also long for the day when kindness wins. I love your podcast. ❤

I have never heard it put so well, that you can’t make energy out of nothing. It made something click in my brain. I have been going through a similar large burnout phase, and again, when I say the reasons why out loud it seems obvious. Yet, I’m still sitting here wondering why I can’t get the ball rolling. My burnout also began with a cross-country move (but there were a lot of other things too!). It’s been four years now and I’m just starting to feel like the energy is in the positive again. I hope yours doesn’t take that long. Much love from across the pond. Rest is the best! ❤️

Thank you for sharing but please don’t feel pressured by social media. Take care of yourself❤️

Hi Katie. It's so interesting and refreshing to hear you talk about your experience of burnout. I've lived with ME/CFS for 18 years, which I imagine isn't exactly the same but it sounds like similar things can trigger a prolonged period of low energy/relapse so this is very relatable to me. I hope you can continue to prioritise your wellbeing and that you start to feel the benefit of some of the changes you're making. ❤

Just found your podcast! Your dog is adorable, and I love finding other queer knitters around the world!🏳️‍🌈🫶🏼

Bless you Beanie, for sharing your life so well. I prefer solitude have to force myself out. Also tackle big jobs. Small steps get me through. One step at a a time. ‘Round about’s and swings’ my mum would say. I’ll enjoy whatever you offer. Thanks for sharing.

I love your late grandmother’s shawl. Is the pattern still available?

Take the time you need. Consider it a healing "incubation" period. When the time is right you will shine and be better and stronger for this inward journey. Have faith in the process. Ebbs and flows. Love your shawls. Just found your channel. I am sure I will visit again. Kudos for all the love you put into your podcast.

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing. I think "burnout" it is a common problem especially when you have several demands upon you that can drag you away from your creative centre. In my experience burn out has always in the end been very beneficial as it made me stop, regroup and look at my life afresh, then the priorities or ability to schedule, drop, include etc., what needs to be adjusted falls into place. Pushing and struggling on frequently makes things worse. My modus operandi in such circumstances is to stop what I am doing, take time out, especially in nature and do what I feel intuitively drawn towards even if it seems time wasting or futile. In that space of peace and inner reflection the answers come. There is always a gift in such situations, we just have to stop and be open to the solutions as they present themselves. Your work is lovely, and your gentle videos are greatly enjoyed.

Feel better soon. Do what's best for you.

Lovely episode, as usual. I think it's so good to bring light to what creative work involves, the ups and downs, as you put it. There seems to be such persistent myths about it. 💚

Take time for yourself is so important. ❤

What a lovely podcast! It was my first time visiting and I truly appreciate your willingness to share so openly and honestly. I enjoy all creatives who are willing to show up and share their stories in whatever way is right for them and I am very pleased to have found your podcast. Looking forward to tuning in again, and watching all of the previous episodes. All the best!

So important to look after yourself. I've had times where I've had to take a step back from things. I find knitting and cross stitch give me lots of joy and allows me to relax and unwind. Along with walking in the countryside it's my form of meditation. I'm British born living in Canada 43 years but still miss the beautiful countryside over there. Appreciate you including this in your u tube.

Moving can be incredibly stressful - having moved to North Wales just one month ago to a property that needs complete refurbishment, although I do have a kitchen! As my husband and I have both been retired for many years, it takes us a lot longer to get things done, as we get tired more quickly and have to take frequent breaks, so I fully understand how difficult it must be for you as you need to earn a living and burnout is almost a given! Take care of yourself, your partner, and Jack, and take all the time you need to recover and enjoy your creativity.

I totally understand where you’re at and it’s so good that you’re going to take time out to work on your home and recognise your need to recharge. Moving home always triggers burnout for me too as it usually goes hand in hand with the stress of buying and selling, then doing up a new home and getting used to new surroundings. The whole process is exhausting, and I believe, not to be underestimated especially if coupled with ADHD! I began all the above about a year and a half ago and it floored me for a year. I feel I’m now coming out the other side. During this time I’ve watched your move too and been amazed at your capacity of energy and resilience and wondered how an earth you were doing it all? You have done amazingly well to juggle everything as you have for months and you will be ok again with a rest and focus on your needs. Best wishes to you Katie and I’m sure we will all still be right here with you when you come out the other side. X

❤ Thank you Katie

Katie, thank you for sharing about your life. I experienced burnout to the point of being a crispy critter and all I can say is that it is/was real. Tend to your needs first and foremost. Trade shows will always be there; your work translates well online so maybe not such a pressing need to attend them. I loved your musing about your easy/difficult projects. As I write this comment, I am working on your Fairy Ring cardigan while we are on our trawler headed up to Haida Gwaii. I purchased the kit and LOVE LOVE LOVE the yarns. But the 3 stranded color-work was challenging enough that I wanted to quit. Then I tried the Ranunculus with needles that aren’t quite right and after doing/redoing/undoing it, I returned to Fairy Ring and now am on the lice section. Anyway, that’s it from Port McNeill BC. Post when you want…no pressure to produce.

Hi Katie. Thank you so much for sharing your honest feelings about your experience of burnout. Funny enough I’ve just added a crochet border along the one edge of a triangular shall and it looks a treat. You could use whatever stitch you fancy. The pattern I used states half trebles. I’ve made the Just Feel Better Shawl by Caleisha Ryan. Her border is only 2 rows but I did loads until I’d used my yarn up. Good luck with it. It will be so cosy 😊

Thank you for sharing all your lovely crafts and snippets of your life. Sometimes life is not easy, have been there, but there will definitely be a way out. You are a strong person , take all the time you need to heal. Love 🍀🌟☀️

Another lovely episode - thank you for sharing and do make sure you look after yourself 🩵🩷💜❤️🧡💛💙💚

💚 sending healing thoughts your way 💚

I really enjoy your podcasts. Thank you for sharing how you are doing. You seem to be such a gentle human...be gentle with yourself.

Thank you for sharing your story of challenges with your creative life. Perhaps you can call this time of change and reflection your sabbatical. It’s a good sign when one can recognize the signs of an issue and address it rather than plow through and ignore it. Take care.

Katie, you are so right when you say you think many of your watchers can identify with your current feeling of burnout, and I hope all our comments at least help you to feel you are not alone. I moved 3 hours away from my family several years ago, and even without the pressure of a home renovation it is a difficult and often stressful life event. Work pressures, health worries, personal relationships, and the state of the world etc can all add in to our general malaise. All I can say is follow your heart and be kind to yourself. Obviously, this will not make your current cares and woes disappear, but hopefully will render you much more able to cope with them. Looking forward to your next episode in whatever form it takes. 🤗

Katie Please do what is best for your health. I only hope that you at least continue your video for all us crafters. We enjoy all of the things you do. I hope that you recover quickly and be well. Thanks for being you.

Taking a break for any length of time is a good thing, walking in nature is a wonderful way to heal from anything, I love your shawls.😊

Enjoy your podcasts so very much ,Thank you . Belly rubs for Mr. jack {the cutest senior doggie ever ]

Wow I remember moving into an As is house and it took years and most weekends before we finally gave up. Hope you take some time to make your home more useable while renovating. Shows are great, take a lot of energy, and require lots of recovery. Glad you realize this and are taking steps to take care of yourself and your life. We all have times where we burn out a bit. Your honest and approach goes a long way with the rest of us.

I was nodding my head in agreement through the whole first part of this episode. I'm glad you are making good choices for yourself and letting go of the burdens you don't need right now.❤

Dear Katie, take your time to get in your new situation, you are such a creative, sensible person. Take care and take a deep breath for your own special creativity to come down and feel the happiness again. xx

I loved it all as usual. And I love the change of music. Thank you for sharing this.

Take care of yourself!!💗

Dear Katie, I feel you on the living amid renovations stress. We've been in an old Victorian home for almost three years now and are still heavily involved in renovations to it that have kept a great deal of our formerly-used belongings in the basement, waiting for rooms to be finished so they can be put away properly. And then we found an even older house that we wanted for our long-term home, so we bought it and are now focusing on even more extensive renovations to IT before we can move in and then finish up and sell our current place. It's hard to make one's energy and creativity stretch to meet the need! I hope your small oasis corner gradually seeps into the rest of your home, bringing beauty and peace as you accomplish your renovation goals.

Thank you for sharing your creativity with us and thank you for being so open about your struggles. Moving many miles away from what was home is never easy and mixed emotions of excitement and sorrow arise and it can be difficult to a find a balance as saying no to things can be hard. I hope you find peace in your knitting- I find concentrating on knitting calms me, and gives me a break from worries for a wee while. I hope things improve for you. Take care.

We all shall be more Patient with ourselves. Great thanks to you from a patreon

Having an old house ourselves with a huge restoration, we have to live a year without kitchen because we had to restore the complete floors. Brace yourself that all will take soooo much more time than you think right now. And thats ok. Taking your time with renovations(if money allows it) is better than rushing and exhausting yourself with it. Celebrate with your partner small home victories.

It may be harder to focus, when being awaken as you are. Makes me smille to hear you saying, at the end of your monologue, that you'll be focussing on what you can do, on your world. I'm doing that too not to loose myself to what's outside of me, of my control. Always a happy/refreshing time watching your videos.

Good for you, take care. Hope you get some more energy to finish off your new home. I love what ever you feel you can share. Take Care. Xx

I'm so glad you are being kind to yourself Katie and giving yourself a well earned break. It's so important for mental health to recognise the cues and respond when we need to. I hope you get to enjoy working on your house even though renovations can seem like a never ending process! I'm a lot like you with regards to my projects. I like to have a more complex one on the go along with a very easy meditative one. Unless I'm knitting a gift or working on items for my grandchildren, which seems to be most of the time these days, I don't really mind how long a project takes me or if I need a break from it and work on something else. I just enjoy the whole process..... researching, picking and/or accumulating the materials, picking a pattern/design, setting it all up with the right tools, physically working on it, doing the finishing touches then finally the end result! I love it all! I live with chronic illnesses and disability from same, and I would go insane if I couldn't be creative in the many mediums I like to work in! The added benefit is I also get to show my love for the people in my life with what I've spent time and effort on to produce and gift ❤

I can relate to much of what you say about burnout. I can't create when I live in chaos either. I hope you are able to get to a better point with the house soon. I also relate to not wanting to show off something that is still in a vulnerable stage. I'm feeling the same with my writing. I'm working through the various traumas of my childhood with my writing. It's not for public consumption, and may never be (and anyway, people will probably find my protagonists kind of samey as they're all young women trying to come to terms with various trauma...) So my books will stay in my computer for now...

Thank you Katie for sharing take care of your self x

Dear Katie, it's so difficult to regain energy, when one is so worn out. I experienced this myself. It will take a long time. The best thing is to do less and to do only the things which are really necessary and important to you. And a good night's sleep helps too. Wishing you patience and some quiet time.

Take your time Katie to recharge your batteries. Life in its self can become very draining without the added pressure of social media . Walking and talking to Jack, what a pleasure, then discussing and creating a happy home with your partner is probably all you need at the moment. Perhaps moving to Wales has sub consciously inspired you to knitting shawls.😊❤

Sending you light and love. You take care of you! ❤️💕✨

Thank you Katie for sharing your experience with burnout. It happens and it is so good you are able to recognise it and make changes that help. I moved last October, changed jobs, changed a lot of things, it is surprising how too much change at once can take its toll. Take care.

Good morning, Katie. I’m also on the low scale lately. I experience these periodically so I’ve learned to go with the flow. I’m glad that the John Arbonne went well. Your stall looked amazing. I love the shawl. The sweater that you’re working on looks challenging. Take care… see you later❤️

I needed to hear this sharing. So relatable.

I broke two fingers of dominant hand and have been unable to do my quilting, embrodery, and sketching. It had forced me to take a look at myself, and to, learn to be more patient in trying to do daily tasks. Also to except help from others. Sounds like you have come up with some good strategies for coping with burnout. I enjoy your videos as they bring both calm and boost my feelings of creativity. Blessings.

You’ve had so much going on Moving in itself is a major life change. Adding all the other events and remodeling gets overwhelming. At times we have to step back and allow ourselves to rest and just review. Take care 😊

Completely understand. Do what you need to do, we'll adjust 😋 I hope you will attend a trade show just as a patron and enjoy it without any obligations. Take care, Katie 💚🤎💚

Dear Katie, you are a very gentle and caring soul with a very brave spirit and a wonderful insight into what you need to put into life and when you need to withdraw from life. I really understood what you were sharing as I am of very similar make up. Your kindness and generosity in giving to all of us in the way you do is to be admired and, speaking for myself, I am truly grateful, but I'm certain that all of your viewing public feel the same as me. So thank you for everything you do. On another note, I have 3 little gifts I would like to send you. Is there any way you could privately share your address with me? Take care Katie. Be good to yourself. Kate from Shetland.