DM Lane (@tyrennii)
As a Dungeon Master, I spend a lot of time thinking about Dungeons and Dragons. I want to keep my game interesting for my players, and as primarily a home brewer I often make all of my plans, story lines, dungeons and so on, from scratch. After a while though, it can get to become enough and this can lead to DM burnout.
DM Burnout is where I just don’t want to get to as a DM. I have a game to run; and, as I tell my players, D&D is a commitment, one where I also feel that I have to uphold my end of the bargain. I, as a DM have to turn up as well. My players are setting their time aside for me to run them a game, and they have expectations. It’s also important however to remember that you, as the DM, are meant to be having fun in this game as well.
Therefore, I want to keep my DM burnout to a minimum. Here are my strategies for limiting DM burnout.
Know Your Limits
This has to be rule number one. I’m getting older, I am a father of two, a husband, I work full time, I try to exercise, I play D&D, I play MtG, I craft, I write this blog and I DM D&D. I also try to keep up with my favorite TV shows, read, cook, and do all those other ‘living life’ things. I also suffer from mild depression. It can be a lot to take in and deal with. I try to balance my life and I’ve become quite good at knowing where my limits are. At the moment I DM once a fortnight. Occasionally I push this to once a week (if I’m on holidays or doing a one shot), however I think I’ve found my balance. If you’re suffering from DM burnout, maybe your just taking on too much, too quickly. You can only go so hard and so fast for so long. Try to find where your balance is at and respect your own internal limits.
Play as a Player rather than a DM
I love DMing. I really do. But about once a month I get to play as a player and I will admit there is a refreshing feeling to being a player. That feeling of not having to organize anything, not having to respond to what my players are going to do. That feeling of only having to turn up with my character sheet, dice and pencil (and snacks!! Always remember snacks!). It really does lift a burden off my shoulders and allows me, as a player, freedom that just doesn’t exist as a DM. Give it a shot sometime. You might even delve into a different system altogether – this can be just the breath of fresh air that you need.
Get one of your players to run a one shot.
Can find a campaign to join as a player? Try convincing one of your players to run a one shot as the DM. Then you get to sit back, relax and enjoy everything I’ve written in the above section. Don’t leave them in the cold though; be there for them, especially if it is their first time. The other cool advantages of this is that you’ve taught someone else how to DM, (which uses a different part of the brain) and so they might want to do it again, next time you suffer from burnout. It also gives one of your players an insight into what you are doing… every session.
Have a Board Games Night Instead
Surprise your players with a different night of board games. Explain to them that you just didn’t have time to prepare this week due to life but you would still like to do something. Life happens and that’s OK. I can guarantee that one of your players have stated that they cannot turn up for some reason and it’s okay for you to do that once in a while as well.
Schedule a Break-Session
If you feel DM burnout creeping up on you, schedule a session off. As my sessions are fortnightly, a session off means that there is a month between sessions and usually I (and my players) are chomping at the bit to roll some die after that period of time. The break will allow your brain to rest and recharge. It is just like any other muscle in the body and needs a break. You can also take some time off between campaigns as well – or even between story arcs!
Start a New Campaign
Maybe you’ve DM’ed yourself into a corner or you just need a fresh start. Hit the pause button on the current campaign and begin anew. Try a pre-made adventure where you don’t have to think of every single thing. It’s all already there for you. Delve into the world of the Waterdeep Dragon Heist and allow someone else’s work make life easier for you. Wiping the slate clean and starting again can be a great way bursting out of that dense fog that is getting you down.
Do Other, Non-D&D Things
Read a book, go to the movies, go fishing, camping, hiking, go-carting or exercise. I’ve just discovered those sensory deprivation floating pods and I love them. I wish I had more $$ to do it more often! Give something new a try that has nothing to do with D&D, or role playing. Allow yourself to be distracted by new and shiny things. Your ideas and passion will come back to you in time. If you must do D&D related something, try crafting your own D&D terrain. (I’ll cover this in a future article) It’s pretty cheap to do and your players will be amazed.
Take a Hiatus
If non of the above works, be honest with your players and tell them that you are having DM burnout and need a bit of a hiatus, a longer break away from the game. Most players, while probably disappointed, will understand and give you the time that you need. As Bon Jovi said, “Who says you can’t go back?” Remember, you can ALWAYS come back.
DMing can be exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time. You need to keep up with the player personalities, the character personalities, the NPCs needs, wants and their personas, keeping all the plots straight, trying to stay on-target and so on…. How dare a DM not know the damage of Shocking Grasp as well! If you feel like you are reaching the stage of burnout, stop before you get there and take a breath. Not only will your brain thank-you for it, so will your players.
UNT
Other Articles
My DM Screen Information (+PDF)
The D&D Escape Room
DM’s Die Rolling for Players Skill Checks
Concentration Q&A’s
Encouraging Players to ‘Roleplay’
Character Creation: Why Adventure? (on d10again)
Metagmaing – Players Looking up the Baddies
Be a Better Role Player (Pt.3) – How to Improve In-Game
Be a Better Role Player (pt.2) – What your fellow players want from you
Be a Better Role Player (pt.1) – What Your DM Wants From You
5e Combat Cheat Sheet
Temporary Hit Points Q&A’s
DM Disappointment: Players Don’t Follow the Story?
Be a Better Role Player (pt.1) – What Your DM Wants From You
Session 0
DM Hints: Beefing Up Combat
Tips for New Players
New Years DMing Resolutions
The DM's Book of Challenges 