[23B1]

When I was burned out I dedicated myself to learning something completely outside of my current context. I plan on doing this regularly now, maybe every 2-3 years. On my docket is:

- Woodworking

- Cooking - especially baking, since it can be extremely challenging to create the 'perfect' baguette or croissant

- Gardening

- Writing a novel

etc.

Best solution for burnout IMO is to completely refresh your mind with something that is challenging but low-stress.

[shaftway]

Not sure woodworking is "low-stress", though I guess it depends on what exactly you plan on making.

I have had a number of failures at all phases of projects. One was 20 hours of work and a grand in materials that I were totally junk (I had to pay more to drop it off at the dump). One was fairly low material cost, but ~40 hours in it was ruined.

Now I make duplicates in case of failures. My last project I got material for 10, was able to actually get 7 blanks due to cracks and knots, 5 didn't get tear out so bad they were worthless, and 4 at the end after a final gluing mistake. One for me, and two that were gifts for friends. One spare, out of materials for 10.

I get anxiety about starting new projects because I worry about how much material to get to account for my mistakes.

[JohnFen]

> I have had a number of failures at all phases of projects.

I have a life philosophy about this: failure is the path to success (I've never learned anything by being right).

It can be hard to maintain the mindset, but it's actually true -- we learn from our mistakes, so nothing is a failure as long as a lesson was derived from it.

If you can maintain that mindset, it takes a lot of the stress out of things!

[shaftway]

In general I agree and I've preached the same. But the moment when you're holding the result of a month of weekends in your hands and you have to drop it in the trash can is tough.

[JohnFen]

Absolutely. That's what makes it hard. It feels like wasted time and effort.

I don't do woodworking, but I do fairly complicated electronics projects as a hobby, and a similar effect happens. I made a special display case where I put those failed projects on display, next to the final successful one. It reminds me that the failed example was just a stage in development and makes me feel better.

[shaftway]

I wish I had the space for that with some of my projects. The expensive one was a desk with walnut, maple and resin. The resin cracked and discolored. The lesson was that when they say you can pour it 2 inches thick, you have to remember that they're liars, and to use a different brand and pour in 1/4 inch layers.

The final product was epic, and I use it every day, but the failed desk was too big to keep.

[mejutoco]

I can suggest pottery.In that case you are dropping it[1] every five minutes, so you get used to it :)

[1] recyclable as long as it is not fired.

[23B1]

Nobody is going to lose their job, die, or start a war because of our bad woodworking projects ;-)

[mr_sturd]

I've been learning the ropes with music production here.

It has come about due to two driving forces; one that I've been on-and-off with learning guitar for years and wanted to record myself and play over backing tracks; the other being that my daughter took a shine to playing piano and I want to improve myself there so I can better help her learn. I've accidentally fallen in love with all of it.

I've ended up looking in to development of audio plugins for DAWs now. The whole thing is quite a rabbit hole...

[cameldrv]

Yep. For me it was flying gliders. Most important things I think are that the activity is challenging, involves learning, and does not involve the use of a computer.

[seabass-labrax]

I'll bet you there'll be RNAV approaches for gliders in a decade or two ;)

[badpun]

Writing a novel is far from low-stress, unless you don't mind writing absolute garbage. The term "tortured artist" exists for a reason.