Burn Out: How to notice it, and finding the cure.

So for my first article on here, I thought i would post an article I wrote on Burn Out. I hope you all like it.

Are you playing the same games day in, day out, hoping for a change? Is looking at those 90 unpainted Orks getting you down? Have your dice failed you too many times? Are you thinking about quitting the game?

That's BURN OUT.

We've all been there at some point, and if you haven't... you will? But I thought people should know how to spot it, and how to combat it. It's as I said at the start of this, it could be anything, or a combination of things. Here are a few examples:

• Losing several games in a row, or in general, losing more than you win or draw recently

• What seems to be an endless sea of unpainted models, and finding it a chore to paint them

• Not seeing the hits, but only really noticing the misses

• Accidentally breaking a model, or damaging the paint

• "That guy" telling you that your army is poorly built, or you are playing it wrong

• Finding yourself stuck in your local meta game, playing the same game all the time

• Even waiting for GW to release new stuff, whether it be models, FAQ's, or a new codex

And for all of these things, there can only be one outcome.

DEPRESSION.

Sure it may be of a very mild form, but that is basically what it is. And I'm sure that out there somewhere, there is someone who it can effect more. It can even, in extreme conditions, effect your health. Mentally and physically. So, how do we combat this. There are several things I can think of to help in some way:

• Mix it up!

If you are bored with the games you are playing, then play them differently. This could be done by playing a doubles game. Play a game out of a GW or DLT missions book, or Big Jims Kill Zone. Or if you need to... play a different game system for a change, be it Warmachine, Malifaux, Battletech, or anything else you may of been interested by. You'll be surprised how a change of pace can make you feel better.

• Road Trip!

This is to do with local meta, and getting trapped in repetative games. Find another shop, store, or club to play a game at. Look outside of your local area. You may even want to enter a tournament. The change in tactics will make your brain do some work, stopping you from getting stale in your way of thinking.

• Take One Step At A Time!

All those models may be very daunting to look at, but this can be solved fairly easily. Take only a few models out at any one. This may be something like a single monstrous creature, a tank, or ten man squad. You'll find that not seeing all those other models doesn't bring you down. Get a few friends round and have a painting party, as painting alone can get very... well... lonely. Also taking breaks helps. Stand up, walk around, or make yourself a drink. We all know what its like being stuck in the same hunched position for a long time.

• Read!

Pick up a Black Library book. Read battle reports. Check out forums. You may get inspired and want to play a game, or finish that project.

• Listen!

Podcasts are great to listen to, and there plenty out there, as I'm sure you know. And the more the merrier. Listening to all those people who share the same love as you do will help re-affirm your faith in the game and the hobby.

• Take A Break!

I don't like saying this, but maybe taking some time away from the game completely will give you the chance to get over your slump. And finally...

• Friends!

They are always there for you when you need them, to lean on, and to talk to. Friends will ALWAYS help you personally feel better about yourself.

Anyway, that is all I can think of for now. I hope this is of help to people, and that anyone out there is having a bad time gets over there rut.

Remember, this is a game, and is meant to be fun.

And as for "that guy"...
FUCK YOU!