First published in October 2021
Dozens of experts will explain the benefits of creativity every day. This always puzzled me a bit, because I once thought that creativity was a feeling or a state of mind that could magically appear, an automatic feeling of inspiration that you had to grasp. Over time, I have come to realize that art is actually a practiceand flex your creative muscles every day—especially when you don’t feel that way—it’s the key to getting into this habit.
Recently, I started taking only one day off each week myself (a privilege for sure, and one I don’t take lightly). During these daily moments of relaxation, I have realized something about my relationship with creativity—even though I love to be creative, I will often deprive myself of time to engage in creative practices. I’ll scroll through my phone as a way to avoid myself. The more I wonder why I need wisdom again why I avoid it, it’s easy to get into the creative process easily.
Today’s post is about making it easier to get started with your creative habit (because, as I know from a lot of personal experience, getting started is often the hardest part), no matter where you are on any given day. Whether you’re feeling frustrated, blue, or scattered, these short routines can help flex your creative muscle in a way that’s soothing, inspiring, and, best of all, easy to do.
If you’re looking for great creativity but don’t know how to get into that mindset, here are a few of my favorite tips to help you get started.
Whether you’re feeling frustrated, blue, or scattered, these short routines can help flex your creative muscle in a way that’s soothing, inspiring, and, best of all, easy to do.
Before you begin, get into the right headspace.
I like to start by finding a comfortable place to be quiet and connect with my body for a minute or two. Ask yourself how you feel at this moment and listen to the first answer that comes up.
Do you feel stuck and drained from your body? Do you feel confused and confused? Are you feeling tired and down? All of these associations within the body are indicators of what you need.
1. If you feel restless…
…try dancing in your home for a few minutes (or half an hour!).
Or do whatever movement your body wants to do. Sometimes your body just needs some kind of release, and the point of this practice is to make a creative move, whatever that may look like. Favorite song to dance to? “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa.
2. If you feel lonely or distracted…
…try doodling.
Get a notebook made just for doodling so you can have it as your go-to. I’ll find my favorite pen, grab my notebook, and give myself one goal: fill the page.
You can draw pictures or objects, or you can write words that come into your head. I do this in my free writing journal. I get that from a magazine after this process also tends to feel really good because the words that come up often make interesting associations to inspire my writing.
3. If you feel confused…
…try to fill the page with connective writing.
Sometimes when I’m busy, instead of meditating (which, don’t get me wrong, is beneficial in itself!), I like to write by holding my favorite pen. You can write simple phrases or sentences, or, if you prefer, you can write a simple affirmation (eg, “Slowing down is good for you”).
Process is about focusing on your writing and the flow of pen to paper. I tend to find it really refreshing.
4. If you feel down…
…try to draw.
I think that painting can be a wonderful medium, and painting something in bright colors can help you create something really fun. It’s not about the execution or the finished product, but rather about being present with brush, paint, and paper. How does it feel to move the color on the page?
5. If you feel stressed…
…try cooking.
When I’m feeling down, cooking (or just reading cookbooks) makes me feel better. This information may not work for everyone, but I find it really relaxing.
It can be as simple as topping an open-faced sandwich with a sprinkling of fresh herbs and olive oil, and placing it on a pretty plate. Or, you can open a copy of the Teaching the Art of French Cooking and in the afternoon I cooked a feast. Listen to what method feels most comforting to you.
6. When you feel down…
…try to get creative with your closet.
When I feel this way, I sometimes go into my closet and purposely pull out any pieces that don’t make me feel good. Since then, I often find it fun to put together an outfit or two that makes me feel good. Finding new ways to make clothes out of things that I know feel amazing can improve my mood. It can be as simple as pairing your favorite dress with boots instead of flats and adding a scarf around your neck, hair, or bag.
7. When you feel together…
…try your hand at making a flower arrangement.
I love to go out, cut flowers and greenery, and arrange it to your liking. (Go to your nearest Trader Joe’s if you don’t have a backyard to pull from!) You don’t need big, beautiful flowers to make an interesting arrangement. Touch and smell the leaves and pick out any calls you come across. He put them in a vase that made her smile. Take your time planning and let nature do most of the design work.
8. If you feel stuck…
…try to make a shelf in style (or rearrange the furniture in the room!).
I like to rearrange a small corner (or a large room) to refresh my surroundings. Sometimes focusing your energy on a task that’s different from what’s making you feel stuck, like organizing your books on a shelf or rearranging furniture, can help you get unstuck.
Remember: it’s not about being strict with your art. It’s about honoring what you know you need at a certain time and going after it.
Happy creating, folks.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. He is currently learning to play tennis and is constantly testing the limits of his creative muscles. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.