Where Is My Head At Today? Refocus & Check-In

How burnt out are you? Have you drank water or taken a shower recently? Take a minute to check in with your mind and body with this mini-quiz. The results will leave you with a clear analysis of your mental and physical fatigue and how to handle it.

Refocus Check-In

1. When was the last time you took a break?

   1. Last week, I think?

   2. It's been a while but I'm fine, really...

   3. What's that?

2. How's your personal pace holding up?

   1. I get things done but not as fast as usual.

   2. Consistency is spotty but I'm holding out

   3. We keep going until it's done.

3. The creative are juices flowing like...

   1. A slow stream of consciousness.

   2. A trickle from a leaky faucet.

   3. A drop in the desert.

4. How do you feel about your project overall at this point?

   1. I want to keep going and finish strong.

   2. I'm dragging myself forward until the last word.

   3. Let's finish this s$%$ already so I can finally sleep.

5. What do you need the most at this point?

   1. A snack break.

   2. A fun outing.

   3. A three-year nap.

Results

Mostly A's: You would benefit from a short break before continuing. A good nights sleep and a hearty meal should fix you up in no time at all. Throw in a good bath and a fun activity and you're good to go.

Mostly B's: You're tired and you know it, but you want to keep going. Find time to step away from the project for long sprints so you can recharge and maybe do a few chores that you've been neglecting. Sometimes doing the simplest things can rejuvenate us on a deeper level and fuel us to keep going.

Mostly C's: You're burnt out. Keeping your bleary eyes open isn't going to cut it anymore. Go pass out somewhere for a few days and then come back to finish this out. I know it seems easier to keep going until the end but you need to prioritize your health if you want to present a top-notch project.

Mostly A's & B's: You're teetering into tired territory. Slow down before you overdo it.

Mostly B's & C's: Burnout is on the horizon if it's not already creeping up on you. Take a break before you hurt yourself.

Mostly A's & C's: You're in denial that you're not tired. Like a toddler fighting sleep, you convince yourself that you can keep going just because you drank a cup of water for the first time in a week and remembered to take a shower. Go pass out somewhere and come back later.

Sleep, water, food, and personal hygiene go a long way for any storyteller. To do your best work you have to be your best self. The starving artist image is great for fiction but not the best lifestyle if you plan to make high-quality art. Take breaks, listen to your body, and be bold in your finish! You've got this!

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About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who writes dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. Born as Angelica Cabrera, she is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA NYC, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. Crystal has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. While she tries to keep up with her social media accounts, the best way to get to know her is over a cup of tea or a good plate of food.