Creative Rest
5 Evidence-based Tools plus a Challenge
Do you ever find that a little bit of wasted time can lead to the most creative breakthroughs? It’s as if those moments of idleness open up a space for our thoughts to roam freely and ignite our imagination.
Trust me…you Need Rest
Is the weight of the day wearing you down? Do you feel the fatigue setting in? Maybe it’s time to consider a well-deserved break, a moment to recharge and rejuvenate. In a world where over 77% of individuals have experienced burnout in their jobs, acknowledging the need for rest has become crucial. Back in 2019, the World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as a work-related phenomenon.
My Journey to Creative Rest
Reflecting on my own journey, I recall times when I worked relentlessly, pushing myself to the brink. Whether it was non-profit roles or the demanding world of academia, I found myself repeatedly burnt out. At one point, I took a year off from doing therapy, realizing that self-care was a necessity. However, my path to creative rest wasn’t straightforward. It involved experimenting, changing habits, and crafting a routine that truly nurtured my creative spirit.
Unveiling Evidence-Based Strategies
Through years of trial and growth, I’ve uncovered strategies that work for me and turns out, they are evidence-based as well. These strategies applied over the last decade transformed my relationship with rest and creativity. These are more than just my experience or theories — they’re scientifically backed, offering you a pathway to a more fulfilling creative life.
I. Walking: A Creative Journey
Most of my writing ideas come while I am running or walking in San Francisco. I often stop to jot down a note to remind me later of my ideas. It was a 2014 Stanford study that confirmed I was not alone in getting my best ideas this way. In fact, walking increases creativity during and for a little bit after the walk.
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Did you know that a simple act like walking can substantially enhance your creative thinking? Scientific studies have revealed that walking stimulates divergent thinking, which is a form of expansive thinking that aids in generating novel ideas. It doesn’t stop there; walking also encourages a state of enhanced creative flow. By engaging in mindful walking, you open up pathways to innovative thought processes. You can pace around the house for two minutes or increase the benefits by walking outside.
II. Meditation: Nurturing Creative Reflection
Incorporating meditation into your creative routine can have profound effects. Meditation provides you with a powerful tool to quiet your mind and nurture innovative thoughts. Whether through guided meditation or mindful introspection, meditation creates a tranquil space for your creative ideas to flourish. By embracing meditation, you pave the way for a deeper connection with your creative sanctuary. There is no wrong way to meditate — just sitting and observing your thoughts is all that is required. Start by setting your timer for 2 minutes and just breath while noticing your thoughts.
III. Side Projects: Fueling Your Passion
to your daily responsibilities can be surprisingly beneficial. These “labor of love” endeavors provide space for experimentation and risk-taking, free from the pressure of deadlines or success metrics. Whether it’s gardening, playing an instrument, or trying your hand at painting, side projects are the playground of your creative spirit. These side projects like drawing, painting, knitting, crochet, gardening, or learning a new skill are an investment in your brain and creativity. They nurture you in ways that can’t be found in other places.
IV. The Art of Sleep
Sleep, often undervalued, is a cornerstone of creative rest. Depriving yourself of sleep not only hampers problem-solving abilities but also dulls your overall cognitive function. You know all the recommended tips for sleep hygiene (no screens an hour before bed, no alcohol/caffeine, consistent bedtime, cool temperature, etc), but I encourage you to take this up a notch. Craft a creative evening and morning routine — gorgeous pajamas (no old t-shits allowed), relaxing smells, an evening mantra and a journal you want to write in. Feel free to borrow my favorite mantras. My bedtime mantra is: “What is done is done. What is undone is undone.” My morning mantra is: “Thank you.”
Getting consistent sleep seemed impossible to me until I committed to a consistent routine. I thought staying up late was the only time I could get some much-needed solitude. Once I had enough sleep, I had so many more creative ways of getting my needs for solitude met, and eventually, I found far better ways to nourish myself than sitting up at night.
Dreams, an essential part of your sleep cycle, play a significant role in synthesizing ideas and making connections. You are having them, even if you don’t recall them. Dreams are essentially your brain practicing creative thinking. That dream where you went to your old high school with a grizzly bear…links two disparate ideas together that nobody has ever done before. It’s the definition of creativity! Prioritizing sleep is like tending to a garden that blooms with creativity.
V. Sabbaticals: A Pause for Renewal
Imagine stepping away from the demands of your routine, embracing solitude, and indulging in activities that nurture your creative soul. This is the essence of a creative sabbatical. Born from the biblical concept of the Sabbath, a sabbatical offers intentional rest and an opportunity to rejuvenate your creative energy. By planning moments of deliberate self-expression and exploration, you’re sowing the seeds of inspiration. You might feel you are too busy for a break or that too many people depend on you. Scheduling one day off a month to be creative and rest will make you a better worker, parent, caregiver, partner and friend. Your rest directly impacts all of these roles and the people with whom you interact.
Nourishing the Revolution Within
Embracing creative rest isn’t merely a personal endeavor; it’s an act of self-care that contributes to a broader revolution. In a world often plagued by stress, inequality, and societal pressures, reclaiming your time and granting yourself rest is a revolutionary act. It’s a step toward reshaping the narrative of how we value our own well-being and the well-being of others. Taking care of ourselves helps us take better care of others.
The Path Forward
As you consider these strategies for creative rest, ponder the transformative power they hold for you. If you are telling yourself, these are great but will not work for you, I challenge you to have an open mind and try one of these strategies for a month. These aren’t just concepts that worked for me — they’re invitations to change the way you approach your creativity and well-being. Whether it’s the simple act of walking mindfully, engaging in a passion project, embracing the art of sleep, or planning a sabbatical, each step you take is a conscious investment in your creative journey.
So, how will you shape your creative rest? Will you embark on a mindful walk, nurturing both your body and imagination? Will you delve into a side project that sparks your passion? Or perhaps, you’ll plan your own sabbatical, a pause in time dedicated to your growth and rejuvenation. As you explore these avenues, remember that creative rest isn’t wasted time; it’s an essential wellspring of inspiration waiting to be tapped. It’s a journey to honor your unique brilliance and reshape the way you view your well-being. The world is ready for your creative revival. Are you?
