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Have you ever experienced writer's block? Or maybe artist block?
Taking creative rest, or intentionally doing things that make you feel inspired, grateful, or energized, can prevent these common creative blocks that many people experience.
These 5 strategies can help get your ideas flowing again and increase your productivity.
Did you know?
You don't have to be a writer or an artist to need more creative rest in your life. Anyone trying to brainstorm or problem solve can benefit from creative rest!
Why Do You Need Creative Rest?
Life today is filled with the pressure to create. Planning your friend's birthday party, writing up your latest term paper, and brainstorming solutions to a roommate problem all require creativity. It can feel like you never get a break.
The truth is, this overstimulation can actually lead to a lack of creativity!
Photo by Rubenz Arizta on UnsplashThat's why it's so important to take time for creative rest and intentionally disconnect from the pressures of productivity.
1. Spend Time in Nature
Getting creative rest means allowing yourself a chance to see beauty in the world around you.
Although experiencing the wonder of something like the Grand Canyon for the first time is an impactful way to get closer to the natural world, you don't need to go on a big vacation to see how beautiful nature is!
Photo by Jan Kronies on UnsplashDepending on where you live, this might mean having a picnic in a local park, going for a walk around your neighborhood, or taking your morning cup of coffee out in the garden.
Did you know?
While connecting to nature is a wonderful way to experience creative rest, going for a walk anywhere you can is another great option. According to a Stanford Study, even walking on a treadmill while looking at a white wall can increase your creativity!
2. Appreciate Art
Another source of inspiration to give you creative rest is art!
Remember that artwork comes in many forms. You might enjoy visiting a local museum, reading a good book, or even eating out at a nice restaurant.
Photo by Sebastian Svenson on UnsplashThe important thing is that you take time to notice and allow yourself to be inspired by the wonder of what is in front of you.
3. Make Your Own Space Inspiring
If you don't have the time to explore a museum, you can always fill your own space with inspiration.
Start by looking around your room or office. Are there things you find beautiful, interesting, or inspiring? If not, make a change!
You can add plants, artwork, or photos of people and places you love. Designing a space that makes you feel at home can go a long way toward boosting your creativity.
4. Try Meditating
There are many forms of meditation, so feel free to experiment and find what helps you focus on the present moment!
Visualization: close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel peace
Breathwork: pay attention to your breath by doing a specific breathing exercise
Mantras: focus on repeating a word, phrase, or sound that inspires you
Movement: take a yoga class and observe how your body feels
Did you know?
The author of this Byte is a certified yoga and meditation instructor with over 500 hours of training in these practices. She has helped hundreds of adults find creative rest through movement and breathwork in yoga classes.
5. Make Time for Your Passions
Having a low-pressure, enjoyable hobby can be a great form of creative rest. This might be crocheting, cooking, coloring, or doing a jigsaw puzzle.
Experiment with different hobbies and when you find something you like doing simply for the sake of doing it, create space in your schedule to enjoy!
Be sure to choose something fun, with no sense of urgency and no need to make money off of it.
Quiz
Sam is a college student who has sat down multiple times to write an important essay but hasn't been able to start. Which forms of creative rest would you recommend to help him jumpstart his essay? Choose all that apply.
While getting a good night's sleep and removing distractions might be good advice, they're not forms of creative rest. Going for a walk and making music are strategies to boost creativity by enjoying the present.
Take Action
Photo by Thought Catalog on UnsplashIf you're struggling to come up with new and creative ideas at school, work, or in your personal life, prioritize creative rest in your schedule.
This Byte has been authored by
Caitlin Davis
Science Educator