Passions and obsessions are a part of life for everyone, but as we got older, they can be harder to hold onto. With responsibilities like work and family life, we can tire of the things we throw ourselves into, resulting in wasted time, money, equipment, and space. Though there’s no way to guarantee protection from this type of burnout, there are at least some methods that can help you mitigate the problem. To hold onto the activities you love for longer, keep the following ideas in mind.

Why do we Burnout?

Many complicated components contribute to burnout, and not all of them will be equally applicable to everyone. The general idea often centers on unrealistic expectations, which often become exacerbated when we dedicate ourselves entirely to a project. If we love something, we want to be good at it, and if we spend a lot of time on something, then we expect we’ll keep getting better.

Real life, learning, and improvement, unfortunately, don’t work that way. Whether looking at physical or mental hobbies, our minds eventually reach a point of oversaturation. There is only so much we can learn in a short amount of time before we need time off and relaxation. Studies have shown that even smaller breaks can allow us to process what we’ve learned better, as our minds and bodies unconsciously adapt.

If we keep trudging away at something, we don’t allow ourselves to consolidate what we’ve learned. We pile more and more on top, and when we try to use what we think we should have learned, we get frustrated. Over time, this frustration is internalized, and it becomes burnout. If burnout affects us deeply, then even thinking of the hobbies we used to love can bring to mind negative emotions, which can stop us from jumping back in.

Avoiding the Issue

The best solution to burnout is also the most obvious one, but it’s still something we overlook. Simply put, this is taking off to relax. Depending on your hobby, these breaks can be selected when you run into an obstacle, or placed before you begin for situations you think are fair.

Consider the hobby of playing roulette as an example. If we get tired in a game like this, we’re more inclined to make poorly considered bets, so it’s important to set limits before you get started. In this instance, restrictions could come in the form of a betting limit, at which point you leave for the day. Since you set your bankroll before you began, you can be sure this would be a good stopping point.

For something creative like drawing, your limit might have to be more based on emotional self-awareness. As soon as you get frustrated, you might notice yourself repeating mistakes. Rather than power through, it can be best to put your pens or paint away for the day, to start fresh without having your efforts tainted by negativity.

While it would be nice, burnout is not an issue that has a one-size-fits-all solution. Make no mistake, practically everyone can find respite in taking a break, but exactly what form this break takes will depend on you. Look up what others try, experiment, and you’ll be able to spend more time and get even further with the things you love.