8 Creativity Tips I Swear Will Get You Out of a Routine

Many experts will explain the benefits of daily creativity. This always puzzled me a bit, because I once thought that creativity was a feeling or a state of mind that would magically appear, a spontaneous feeling of inspiration that is worth taking advantage of. Over time, I have come to realize that creativity is actually a practiceand flexing their creative muscles daily—especially when you don’t feel like it, it’s key to acquiring the habit.

Lately, I’ve started taking one day off a week only for me (a definite privilege, and one I don’t take for granted). Through these daily breaths, I’ve come to realize something about my relationship with creativity: While I love being creative, I often deny myself the time to engage in creative practices. I will scroll through my phone as a way to avoid them. The more I wonder why I need creativity and why am I avoiding it, the easier it has become to immerse yourself in creative practices more easily.

Today’s post is about how to make it easy to get started with your own creative practice (because, as I know from a lot of personal experience, getting started is often the hardest part), no matter what headspace you’re in on any given day. . Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or a little scattered, these short practices can help you flex your creative muscle in ways that are healing, inspiring, and best of all, easy to do.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or a little scattered, these short practices can help you flex your creative muscle in ways that are healing, inspiring, and best of all, easy to do.

When you want a burst of creativity but don’t know how to get into that mindset, here are some of my favorite pointers to help you get started.

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Before you start, get into the right headspace.

I like to start by finding a comfortable place to be still and connecting with my body for a minute or two. Ask yourself what you are feeling right now and listen to the first response that comes up.

Do you feel trapped and rancid inside your body? Do you feel frantic and mobilized? Do you feel lethargic and depressed? All these associations within the body are clues as to what you need.

If you feel restless…

…try dancing at home for a few minutes (or half an hour!).

Or just do whatever movement your body wants you to do. Sometimes your body just needs some kind of release and the goal of this practice is to make a creative movement, whatever it is. My favorite song to dance to? “Don’t start now” by Dua Lipa.

If you feel bored or distracted…

…try scribbling.

Get a notebook that is just for doodling so you have it handy. I will get a pen that I really like, I will take my notebook and I will set a goal: to fill a page.

You can draw pictures or objects, or you can write words that come to mind. I do the latter in my free writing journal. I find that diary after this process also tends to feel great because the words that come up often create interesting associations to inspire my writing.

If you’re feeling frantic…

…attempts to fill a page with italics.

Sometimes when I’m frantic, instead of meditating (which, don’t get me wrong, is beneficial in its own right!), I like to write in cursive with my favorite fountain pen. You can write simple phrases or sentences, or if you want, you can write a simple statement (eg, “Slowing down is good for you”).

The process is all about focusing on your calligraphy and the flow of pen on paper. I tend to find it really relaxing.

If you feel depressed…

…try to paint.

I think painting can be a really wonderful outlet, and painting something bright colors can help you create something really joyful. It is not about the execution or the finished product, but about being present with the brush, the paint and the paper. How does it feel to move the color on the page?

If you feel overwhelmed…

…try to cook.

If I’m feeling overwhelmed, cooking (or just reading cookbooks) makes me feel better. This message may not work for everyone, but I find it really relaxing.

It could be as simple as coating an open sandwich with some fresh herbs and olive oil, then placing it on a pretty plate. Or, you could open a copy of Mastering the art of French cooking and spend the afternoon cooking up a feast. Hear which approach would be most relaxing for you.

If you have low self esteem…

…try to be creative with your wardrobe.

When I feel this way, I sometimes go through my closet and intentionally remove any pieces that don’t make me feel good. From there, I often find it nice to put together one or two creative outfits that make me feel good. Finding new ways to create outfits with items that I know make me feel amazing can really improve my mood. It could be as simple as pairing your favorite dress with boots instead of flats, and adding a scarf around your neck, hair, or bag.

If you feel locked in…

…try creating a flower arrangement.

I love to go outside, cut some flowers and greenery, and arrange them to my liking. (Head to your nearest Trader Joe’s if you don’t have a backyard to pull them from!) You don’t need big, beautiful flowers to make an interesting arrangement. Touch and smell the foliage and choose what calls to you. Put them in a vase that makes you smile. Take your time organizing and let nature do most of the design work.

If you feel stuck…

…try designing a shelf (or rearranging furniture in a room!).

I love rearranging a small corner (or a large room) to refresh my surroundings. Sometimes focusing your energy on a task that’s separate from what’s making you feel stuck, like putting your books on a shelf or rearranging furniture, can help you get unstuck.

Remember: This is not about being strict with your creative practice. It is simply about honoring what you know you need at a particular time and moving on.

Happy creating, folks.