Preventing Content Creator and Gaming Burnout: Lessons from My Journey

Creator burnout is a common topic of discussion across platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and other content creation communities. For those unfamiliar with the term, burnout occurs when a content creator feels mentally and emotionally exhausted from the demands of producing content. A similar phenomenon happens in gaming, where players lose interest in their favorite games, making logging in feel more like an obligation than a source of enjoyment.

Both forms of burnout can leave you feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, unable to find the same passion for something that once brought joy. Back when I was actively creating content on YouTube and Twitch, I received a question during one of my live streams about how I personally avoided burnout. While I answered on the spot, the question stuck with me, leading me to reflect on my own experiences and what helped me stay motivated.

Now that I have stepped away from content creation to focus on my role as a community manager, I want to share what I learned from my years of experience. This article will break down two key areas: preventing creator burnout and overcoming gaming burnout.

Preventing Creator Burnout

When I was actively creating content, I did so for over nine years cumulatively—four of which were as a full-time creator. Throughout that time, I rarely experienced severe burnout because I proactively put systems in place to manage my workload and mental well-being. I also recognized the early signs of burnout and adjusted my approach to prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

1. Setting a Realistic Schedule

One of the biggest mistakes many content creators make is simply doing too much. While consistency is key to growth, expecting to sustain long hours—such as streaming 12 hours a day, seven days a week, or uploading multiple videos daily—is unrealistic. The belief that success comes solely from sheer volume is misleading. Quantity matters, but not at the cost of quality or mental health.

Personally, I pushed myself as much as I could while ensuring I didn’t overextend. At my peak, I balanced content creation alongside a full-time job. My weekly routine included:

Working a 9-5 job (Monday-Friday)
Streaming 4 times per week for 3.5 hours per session
Producing 3-4 YouTube videos per week
Exercising 3-4 times per week
Spending weekends with friends and family

To some, this schedule might seem overwhelming, but for me, it worked because I managed my time effectively. I found the maximum amount I could handle while still maintaining a personal life, and that balance allowed me to create consistently without burning out. Ultimately, this structured approach is what enabled me to transition into full-time content creation. The key takeaway is to be honest with yourself about what you can sustain. Pushing yourself is important, but there’s a fine line between working hard and overextending yourself to the point of burnout.

2. Creating Content You Enjoy

Another common pitfall is focusing solely on content that generates views rather than content you genuinely enjoy making. Content creation is a long-term commitment, and if you don’t love what you’re doing, it will eventually show in your work. I found a balance by dividing my content into three categories:

Passion Projects: Videos I loved making, even if they didn’t perform well.
Community Demand: Content that my audience requested and valued, even if it wasn’t my favorite.
Sweet Spot: Content that I enjoyed creating and that also resonated with my audience.

By spreading my content across these categories, I maintained my motivation and ensured that my work remained fulfilling.

Preventing Gaming Burnout

Gaming burnout is something almost every gamer experiences at some point, and it can be even more frustrating for gaming content creators. When a game starts feeling more like a job than a hobby, it can have a serious impact on your enjoyment and well-being. Here are the three strategies that helped me the most:

1. Diversifying Your Gaming Rotation

Playing only one game for an extended period can lead to burnout, especially if that game becomes frustrating. Mixing things up with other games helps prevent negative feelings from spiraling. Back when I was playing Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) heavily, I started to experience massive burnout during certain patches. Logging in felt like a chore, and I often ended my sessions feeling more frustrated than entertained.

Once I recognized this, I took a break and played other games like Black Ops 4, Destiny 2, and a few other titles. Simply taking time away from ESO gave me the reset I needed, and after a short break, I found myself wanting to return to the game.

2. Changing How You Play

Sometimes, shifting how you approach a game can make a big difference. In MMORPGs like ESO, playing a different class, trying a new playstyle, or setting new personal goals can reinvigorate your interest. For me, switching from my main class to something else brought back the excitement I had been missing. Often, players hesitate to try something new because of the time invested in their current setup—but if sticking to the same thing is causing frustration, a fresh start might be the answer.

3. Knowing When to Walk Away

Sometimes, the best way to prevent burnout is to recognize when it’s time to move on. I experienced this with the Elder Scrolls Online after playing the game for almost 5 years. I found myself logging in out of habit rather than enjoyment. I tried switching classes, changing my goals, and even taking short breaks, but nothing rekindled my interest.

At that point, I realized it was time to step away. Even though I had invested years into ESO, I knew that forcing myself to keep playing wasn’t worth the toll it was taking on my happiness. Leaving a game behind doesn’t erase the memories or fun experiences—it just means making space for something new.

Final Thoughts

Burnout—whether from content creation or gaming—is something that many people experience, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By setting realistic expectations, creating a sustainable schedule, and maintaining a balance between passion and practicality, it’s possible to enjoy these hobbies long-term without feeling drained.

Although I’m no longer an active content creator, these lessons have stuck with me and continue to shape how I approach both work and play. I hope sharing my experience helps others recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it.

Enjoy your time in-game, create content that excites you, and most importantly—prioritize your well-being!