Lately, there’s been a storm of digital stars posting “Why I’m Taking a Break” videos on YouTube. Although it’s become a trend in recent months, it’s not something that’s being done as clickbait just to rack up millions of more views or wind up on the Trending page—it’s a crucial decision many YouTubers know they need to take for their mental health. And the most recent big name to open up about her time off? Lilly Singh, AKA “Superwoman.”
In an emotional video to her fans, the YouTuber—who’s been on the platform for the past eight years and is one of the highest-earning creators—said she’s so drained that it’s affecting her well-being on many different levels, and she needs some time off the platform to recharge. “Why do I want to take a break? There are many reasons. First and foremost: my mental health. I’m mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted,” she said. “I want to be honest with you, I could be happier. I’m not my optimal happiness right now, I could be mentally healthier. I don’t feel like I’m completely mentally healthy. There’s a lot going on up here that I need to address and I’m not able to constantly pumping out content.”
Obviously, this isn’t forever. Singh says her break could be a week, a month—she’s just feeling it out and won’t post any more videos until her “soul feels ready to do so.” And she definitely isn’t alone. Other big names have made similar decisions over the past year: Shane Dawson is currently taking time for himself post-Jake Paul docuseries, Grace Helbig said she “needed some space” last month because of the anxiety she felt from making content, and Alisha Marie took a break in May because of how burnt out she felt.
“Why do I want to take a break? There’s many reasons. First and foremost: my mental health. I’m mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.” —Lilly Singh
YouTuber or not, there’s a lesson to learn from these videos. It’s so important to know when your health—either mental or physical—isn’t where it should be and to make the necessary changes to ensure you don’t have any long-term damage. Sure, it might be scary speaking up, but after you start feeling like yourself again, you’ll be so glad that—maybe for the first time, ever—you finally decided to put yourself first.
Are voice memos the antidote to text-message burnout? Or, take this quiz to find out if you’re experiencing burnout at work.
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