Taking Time to Breathe: The Art of Rest for Artists
I’m Priscille Bukasa, a spoken word artist, teaching artist, and arts facilitator at Arts Commons. I’m also a full-time professional artist, and I’ve been reflecting a lot on the importance of rest lately. So, I wanted to share with you about how I’ve learned to be intentional about making time to rest and recoup over the past year.
As artists, we are often caught up in the grind. We’re constantly looking for our next opportunity, the next gig, the next project that will keep us afloat or help us reach new heights. It feels like we never stop working. There is always another poem to write, another class to teach, another event to facilitate. And while this hustle mentality can drive us to achieve amazing things, it can also lead to burnout if we are not careful.
I have been reflecting a lot on the importance of rest lately to recalibrate and not feel pressed to be doing something regarding my art practice. Truly, the reflection came after getting sick a couple of times this year in a short amount of time in between. This was my body letting me know I needed to slow down, or it would force me to. So, then came the thought of how intentional I need to be about making time to rest and recoup sometime in the year.
I used to think that taking time off was a luxury I could not afford (sometimes I still struggle with this). But after a particularly grueling start to the year, I’m realizing that my creativity is suffering because I’m not giving myself a chance to rest. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically. Another important aspect of intentional rest is recognizing the signs of burnout before they take a toll.
In past years, I’ve burnt out after an intense season of gigging, being involved in multiple projects, and juggling whatever else was on my plate at the time. Though I am grateful for the many opportunities I receive to do what I love, I’ve also taken on too much. To the point where the burnout period would last for months. I felt drained and uninspired to reconnect with my art. As a full-time artist, being burnt out for a long period is a luxury I can’t afford.
Most importantly, I do not want to repeat the same mistakes I have made in the past. Being intentional about resting takes planning and action. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. The biggest action I can take is to say “no.” Hear me out, artists: I know we love to say yes to (almost) every opportunity we are given, but if you’re going to rest, “no” must be in your vocabulary. This is why planning is especially important. Know which season is the least busy for you and plan to take your break then. Make sure you have money saved up for this time when you will make less money. Another way, if possible, is to schedule rest time every month to avoid the need for a lengthy break.
Your resting period does not have to be long, and rest looks different for everyone. Do what is best for you because you know yourself best. As artists, our work is deeply connected to our well-being. When we’re burned out, it shows in our art. By being intentional about rest, we can ensure that we are always bringing our best selves to our creative endeavors.
Though I am looking forward to resting, I have come to know that while resting, my creativity does not shut down. Words and inspiration can come anytime, anywhere. I made a promise to myself in my early days as a poet to never ignore creativity when it comes knocking, be it at 2 a.m. or during my rest period. I follow the nudges and impulses and write down what is pressed against my heart until I feel like I have no more. Then I leave it to be revisited once my rest is over. So, I encourage all of you to take a step back, breathe, and make time for rest. Your art—and your soul—will thank you.
Thank you for reading and remember rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Take care,
Priscille
