Help! I'm suffering from writing burn-out, but I still have so much left to do!?

Question

My job requires me to research and write articles, mostly historical and some dealing with contemporary issues arising from historical events. For my last assignment I was given 32 to write, and I still have 10 left. I've been coming in to work, writing for seven hours a day, and starting the same thing next day. I'm exhausted mentally. I love the feeling of finishing big assignments like this but it sure is taxing getting there. Any suggestions?

I'm worried because my deadline is this week and the articles are taking me forever, much longer than I expected. Part of the reason is, for each one I have to start my research from scratch, and they are mostly contested issues such as Aboriginal land claims and Aboriginal relations with the government.

I'm stressed out beyond belief! I keep dreaming about work, and I've started procrastinating because every time I start writing again my brain goes into overload!

Any suggestions from you writers out there? Especially journalists?

Answer 1

It must be difficult to not have the time to express you in your writing.
With the time you have and the amount of assignments you have left,it sound like you read the facts,you rearrange the facts you write the facts down.Are you regurgitating facts or are you able to digest anything?
I guess this is what is referred to as "working through the pain!"
Get the assignment done.That's what writers do.You know that old saying about inspiration and perspiration.And it sounds like you're sweating right about now.
Let your perspiration inspire you!
Hang in there,pressure turns coal into diamonds.

Answer 2

I think you need to get away from your computer. Do something you like to totally take your mind off of it for at least one hour. If you are mentally exhausted maybe you could watch some tv, something very light that doesn't involve much thought and will draw you in maybe make you laugh even. What works for me (although I am clearly not a writer I get blockage) is I go do dishes and throw in a fav CD and sing as loud as I can and bebop around.
After you give yourself a break try to start each story/assignment. When you don't know what to write next, jump to something else until you can't write anything more on that subject. Give yourself mini deadlines to have 3 done this night and 3 tomorrow for eg. and cut your overall deadline in half. If you tell yourself you are going to be done early and way more than prepared it sometimes helps to stop stressing which is part of why I think you get blocked in the first place. Plus you will have time to edit yourself.

Answer 3

I write alot as recreation, maybe 10 pages a day if I'm really into it. I write for other people, for fans who like my stories, requests, and they all expect it asap. Writings awsome at first, but if people expect you to get it to them by a certain date and all those other stuff, yeah I know man, it can get mighty stressful. You should just take a break, chill and go find something relaxing to do. If not I can only assume your procrastinating will get worse. Procrastinating is a way to distence yourself from doing a task you don't like, and it never gets easier. Just try to take a step back, and a deep breath. If you still feel stressed, go get yourself a hobby to keep your mind busy with things besides work. If you've got a love interest, go spend some time with them. Hope it works out for you.

Peace out.

Answer 4

only thing i could suggest, is to take a break, i know you said that the deadline is about a week away, but the more you stress the less chance you have of getting it done

take a half/full day off and go do something relaxing, even if its just sitting in the park watching the day pass by

i am sure you will get inspiration from somewhere,

ps take a notebook or something with you to jot anything down

Answer 5

I think you should take a small break every hour. During your break, do something creative, and work the artistic side of your brain. Try listening to your favorite song, doodling, anything. I find that when I do this, ideas for my paper start to subconsiously come up, and when I get back to work, I am fresh and chock-full of new things to write about! And with hourly breaks, you won't get so totally overwhelmed. =)

Answer 6

when you sleep don't dream of completing the assignment but dream
the satisfaction you receive after you finished it. that will keep you going.

Answer 7

take this line from peter de vries;

"I write when I'm inspired, and I see to it that I'm inspired at nine o'clock every morning."