Did you know "I'm tired" is a hot search on Google? It's like we're all part of a secret club we didn't sign up for.

For those in the creative and business worlds, this might sound like a no-brainer. But what if we flipped the script on this tired narrative?

Recently, my energy levels have been like a phone on 1% battery – functional, but barely. I even got blood tests to check if I was missing a secret energy-boosting nutrient. Turns out, it's just my typical Virgo, overachieving, small business owner persona taking the driver's seat.

This was a wake-up call for me. Remember the good old days when working non-stop seemed like the only way to success? I once worked myself into a bout of pneumonia while planning an event for lululemon. Despite sounding upbeat on the phone, I was actually more of a walking flu advert. It wasn't until I showed up, complete with hives and a cough, that everyone realized I wasn't just playing hooky.

Fast forward to now, I still work hard, but I've learned a thing or two about balance.

This year, my resolution is simple: Do Less, but with more impact. Do it better, with a clear mind and purpose.

I'm also on a mission to lower my cortisol levels from 'perpetual panic mode' to 'calm and collected.' This means welcoming new solutions and treating stress as a serious business – whether it's the exciting or hair-pulling kind.

Don't worry, I won't throw inspirational quotes at you and expect miracles. My friend Des and I often talk about our rollercoaster from inspiration to exhaustion. We know we're in the red zone when we daydream about drastic life changes, ignoring the fact that they're just band-aids on burnout.

That's where the concept of creative rest comes in. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, in her book "Sacred Rest," highlights the importance of various rest types, including creative rest. If the idea of creating something makes you sigh louder than a teenager asked to do chores, it's time to step back and recharge creatively.

Creative rest could mean swapping your studio for an art gallery or a book nook, giving your creative muscles a much-needed breather.

I understand the fear of stepping back, especially in a world where your success seems tied to your social media presence. But let me assure you, running on empty isn't the secret ingredient to success.

I'm not offering a universal cure here. For me, avoiding new projects in January, embracing yoga over high-intensity workouts, and enjoying the simple pleasure of sunny runs and leisurely baths has made a world of difference.

If you are building your own unique path towards a fulfilling, creative life – one free from constant yawns – I encourage you to reach out and share how you are doing it. I'm eager to connect and hear about what's working for you, what isn't, and to send a digital high-five for your efforts in taking care of yourself (or at least trying to).

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Nick Fancher is not just a photographer, author, and educator; he's an artist who masterfully creates in-camera effects, often weaving bold colors and dramatic lighting into his work. Renowned for his efficient style, Fancher excels in using minimal gear and often chooses unconventional locations for his shoots.

I'm spotlighting Fancher's work to challenge and expand our understanding of what a portrait can be. The selection of images I've chosen emphasizes energy and emotion over traditional clarity and perfection in headshots. While there's certainly a place for those pristine headshots, Fancher invites us to explore the beauty in the blurry, imperfect moments – those snapshots that capture feeling and atmosphere over flawlessness.

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