Resource List: Books to support design leaders in moments of burnout

In a post-pandemic world, creatives need to prioritize their mental health. We are constantly hearing about "burnout" which greatly impacts people in creative industries. We need to be innovative, work to tight deadlines and pivot quickly when a client doesn’t like our initial ideas. This can take a toll, which is why we need resources that will help support us. 

Here are some books that provide practical advice and strategies to tackle burnout.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life 

by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

This book aims to give the reader the same tools and strategies that designers use to build and support a joyful life. The author states that everything in life was designed to solve a problem and these same tools can be used to create and sustain an interesting career, a loving relationship and a hobby that adds to the overall well-being of an individual. Designers may already know these tools, but this book offers a reframe to better support your life outside of work and be able to thrive.

Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles

by Beth Pickens

This book helps support creatives when they experience obstacles in their work. It stresses the importance of continuing to create even when life gets in the way because when designers don’t create, it can have a negative impact on all aspects of their lives. This book offers solutions to the many challenges we may face including managing time, money and our education as well as dealing with isolation, fear and anxiety. It will inspire you to continue to create because the world needs your art.

Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World 

by Eve Rodsky

This book claims that creativity is an essential part of life. After conducting research into gender equality in the home, the author realized that people still needed something more. Creativity leads to a more satisfying life and the author puts forward a path to reclaim a creative ‘Unicorn Space’ in your busy life. This book encourages you to share your special gifts and talents with the world because it is beneficial for everyone.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us 

by Daniel H. Pink

This book helps us to understand what exactly motivates us in life. When we are feeling burnt out, this book brings us back to the basics to encourage us to continue. The author suggests that the secret to excelling in work and life is our need to direct our own lives, to learn and create and to do better for ourselves and our world. This book will inspire your inner drive and allow you to unlock new levels in your work.

Finding Flow: The Psychology Of Engagement With Everyday Life 

by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

This book offers a simple solution to our anxiety and stresses of work. It asks us to find our state of flow. The author studied thousands of people and realized that they were the happiest when they tackled a new skill that required commitment to learn and was undertaken for their own enjoyment. It put them in a state of flow which gave them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In moments of burnout, it is helpful to return to these skills to offer a new outlet for your creativity and allow time for your mind to inspire new results.