Originally published in October 2021.
Many experts will explain to you benefits of daily creativity. This always used to puzzle me a little, because I once thought that creativity was a feeling or state of mind that magically appeared, a spontaneous feeling of inspiration worth tapping into. Over time, I realized that creativity is actually a practiceand exercise your creative muscles daily—especially when you don’t feel like it, it is key to acquiring the habit.
Lately I have started taking only one day off a week. for me (a clear privilege that I do not take for granted). Through these daily respites, I’ve realized something about my relationship with creativity: Although I love being creative, I often deny myself the time to engage in creative practices. I’ll check my phone as a way to avoid them. The more I wonder why I need creativity and The more I avoid it, the easier it becomes to immerse myself in creative practices.
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 a way that’s 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 suggestions to help you get started.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or a little scattered, these short practices can help you flex your creative muscle in a way that’s healing, 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 still and connect with my body for a minute or two. Ask yourself what you are feeling right now and listen to the first answer that comes up.
Do you feel stagnant and stale inside your body? Do you feel frenetic and mobilized? Do you feel lethargic and depressed? All of these associations within the body are clues to what you need.
1. 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 simply needs some form of release, and the goal of this practice is to make creative movements, whatever that may look like. My favorite song to dance to? “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa.
2. If you feel bored or distracted…
…try to doodle.
Get a notebook that is just for doodling so you have it on hand. I’ll get a pen that I really like, take it. my notebookand set a goal: fill a page.
You can draw pictures or objects, or you can write words that come to mind. I do the latter in my freewriting journal. I find that journaling after This process also tends to be very enjoyable because the words that appear often create interesting associations to inspire my writing.
3. If you feel frantic…
…try to fill a page with cursive writing.
Sometimes when I’m frantic, instead of meditating (which, don’t get me wrong, is beneficial in itself!), 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 (for example, “Slowing down is good for you”).
The process involves focusing on calligraphy and the flow of pencil on paper. I tend to find it really relaxing.
4. If you feel depressed…
…try to paint.
I think painting can be a really wonderful outlet and painting something in bright colors can help you create something really joyful. It’s not about the execution or the finished product, but about being present with the brush, the paint and the paper. What does it feel like to move color on the page?
5. If you feel overwhelmed…
…try cooking.
If I’m feeling overwhelmed, cooking (or even 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 topping an open sandwich with some fresh herbs and olive oil and then placing it on a pretty plate. Or, you could open a copy of Master the art of French cooking and spend the afternoon preparing a feast. Listen to which approach you would find most reassuring.
6. If you have low self-esteem…
…try to be creative with your wardrobe.
When I feel like this, I sometimes go through my closet and intentionally remove any clothes that don’t make me feel good. From there, I often find it fun to create one or two creative outfits that make me feel good. Finding new ways to create outfits with clothes I know I feel great in can really lift 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.
7. If you feel trapped…
…try creating a flower arrangement.
I love going out, cutting some flowers and greenery and arranging them as I please. (Head to the nearest Trader Joe’s if you don’t have a backyard to draw 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 to organize it and let nature do most of the design work.
8. If you feel stuck…
…try designing a shelf (or rearranging the furniture in a room!).
I love rearranging a small corner (or large room) to refresh my surroundings. Sometimes focusing your energy on a task that’s separate from what’s making you feel stuck, like arranging your books on a shelf or rearranging furniture, can help you get unstuck.
Remember: it’s not about being strict with your creative practice. It’s simply about honoring what you know you need at a particular moment and following through with it.
Happy creating, friends.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. He is currently learning to play tennis and is always testing the limits of his creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
