It is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining to do open mics. Rushing through traffic, finding parking, waiting to signup for the chance to sit around and listen to other people talk for hours before you get a turn. And sometimes, by the time you do, 80% of those other people have already left for the next open mic.
So much of comedy is about just being around, and I understand that the pressure to be out is enormous, but you can't let it dictate how you do comedy.
My advice for avoiding open mic burnout:
-You will get better if you stay home at least one night a week to listen to your old sets while writing down what worked and rewriting what didn't.
-You will have more jokes to tell if you go out and observe the world. Do a non-comedy activity so you have something interesting to say!
-You will have more energy the next night if you stay home quietly watching your favorite tv show and fall asleep on the couch by 10 PM once in a while.
-You will not get better if you're running the same undeveloped 5 minutes 6 nights a week.
-You will not have anything interesting to say if all of your social experiences are at the same open mics with the same 30 people.
-You will not have the energy to be a positive and supportive part of a show if you are exhausted and bored. The most bitter person in the room is rarely the funniest.
- If you you need a break from mics but can't let go of the idea that you need to go put in face time somewhere- go to a show and watch. Don't talk to other comics, don't hang out at the bar, don't look at your phone. Watch the show. You will learn from the lineup (even if it is what not to do), and hanging out just may get you booked one day.