In today's distraction rich, anxiety laden, hurry up culture, staying creatively healthy is a challenge for professionals in every field. I have been a graphic designer for over 40 years and lately I have been reflecting on how I have managed to maintain creative health. What kept the creative flame burning bright for all those years? When I found myself apathetic, bored, or frustrated with my work, what did I do to rekindle the creative fire?
In this series of blog posts, I have identified three creatively healthy goals that I have worked towards in my own career that will help you maintain your creative health. I also provide some “practices” you can begin to build into your routine that will enable you achieve these goals and nurture your own creativity.
Creatively Healthy Goal 1: STOP & REST
Our Cultural Moment
The last few years have taken its toll on all of us. Factors such as politics, increased anxiety levels, and uncertainty about the world have had significant impact on our well-being. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic mental health problems skyrocketed, with people struggling to cope with the unprecedented circumstances. In a KFF article, The Implications of COVID -19 for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, researchers state, “Concerns about mental health and substance use remain elevated three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 90% of U.S. adults believing that the country is facing a mental health crisis.”
Social media channels and the constant connection to our smartphones have also contributed to anxiety and restlessness. Research has shown that excessive use of social media negatively affects mental health. Smartphone addiction is real and can lead to negative mental health issues. In a survey I conducted of creative professionals, only a small percentage of respondents reported being away from their phones for extended periods of time. Zero percent had spent a whole day away from their phones in the last year.
We live in what some have called hustle culture. So, it’s no wonder there is now a condition called hurry sickness. This condition is marked by irritability, workaholism (or just nonstop activity), emotional numbness, out-of-order priorities, escapist behaviors, and isolation. Maybe you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself.
Our Need for Rest
In order to combat the detrimental effects on creativity of constant busyness, hurry, and distraction it is crucial to prioritize rest. According to Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist who has studied the effects of burnout on creativity, research indicates that our brains require downtime to rejuvenate and perform at their best. To foster creativity, you must intentionally incorporate rest into your life. Let's explore four practices that can assist you in achieving that goal.
Four “STOP & REST” Practices
The 1-Minute Pause
Take a minute to stop, breathe deeply, clear your mind, and refocus your thoughts. The 1-minute pause, named by author Jon Eldredge in his book Resilient, is a simple practice can help you recharge and regain clarity. The goal is to release and detach for just 60 seconds. Eldredge explains the practice like this, “As I enter the pause, I begin with release. I let it all go — the meetings, what I know is coming next, the fact I’m totally behind on everything, all of it. I simply let it go.” A simple phrase you repeat out loud can really help, you might say, “I let go of all the tension I am felling about (fill in the blank). I just let it all go.” It can also be a phrase that is very positive, such as, “I am so thankful for today and the folks I work with. I am so thankful for today.” All you are trying to accomplish is a little bit of soul-space. There are many moments throughout your day where you can do this. For example, it can be a transition activity, such as, when you wake up in the morning instead of looking at your phone, do the 1-minute pause. Upon arriving to work and parking your car, just before you break for lunch, when you arrive home after work, or just before bedtime are all natural transition times you can practice the 1-minute pause. You’ll be surprised what a minute can do for you.
The Creative Walk
Step away from your workspace and go for a walk in nature or a stimulating environment. The change of scenery and physical activity can spark new ideas and rejuvenate your creativity. According to research by behavioral and learning scientist Marily Oppezzo, getting up and going for a walk might be all it takes to get your creative juices flowing. This study called Give Your Ideas Some Legs: The Positive Effect of Walking on Creative Thinking found that walking boosts creative inspiration. They examined creativity levels of people while they walked versus while they sat. A person's creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking. So, when you need a creative jumpstart, get up from your desk and go outside and take a walk!
Unplug From Digital Devices
Designate specific periods each day or week to disconnect from digital devices. Put your phone on silent, turn off notifications, and allow yourself uninterrupted time to unwind and recharge. Maybe the first place you could begin is not bringing your phone or tablet to bed and then you won’t wake up to your phone (see practice number 1). Then chose other times during the day where you can unplugged. Have device free social times like family meals, game time, going to concerts, church, and even work meetings. You will be more present at all of these encounters without a digital device to distract you. You will also have more time with your own thoughts, more time to reflect, think, and open yourself up to the creative part of your brain. Need more reasons to unplug? Take a look at this article by Minda Zetlin’s in Forbes Magazine, Nine Surprisingly Good Reasons To Turn Off Your Cellphone.
Sabbath
The concept of a sabbath, originating from ancient Jewish practices about 3,320 years ago, offers valuable insights into finding rest and rejuvenation. A true Sabbath is much more than just a day off from work. Sabbath involves intentionally setting aside a day each week to stop, rest, delight, and celebrate.
Stop
The first step in a sabbath is to stop. Stop working, doing, checking your phone, running errands, planning your week — just stop. Pico Iyer, in his TED Talk “The Art of Stillness,” highlights how sitting still and doing nothing can lead not just to better health or clearer thinking but better emotional intelligence. He points out how many in Silicon Valley are practicing what they call an “Internet Sabbath.” They are disconnecting from technology to find moments of peace. The Hebrew word for sabbath actual means “to cease”. Once you have ceased activity you can then begin to truly rest, which is the next ingredient of sabbath.
Rest
Physical, mental, and emotional rest is the goal. There is no hurry on a sabbath day, no deadlines, and nothing to get done. Think about what brings you rest and plan to do those things. A nap or two might be just what you need. Anything that calms your mind, body, and soul and brings rejuvenating rest should be the focus on your sabbath day.
Delight
Do things that delight you! Read a book, have coffee with a friend, take a walk in nature, have a good meal and a glass of wine, watch a great movie, or watch the sunset. You know what brings you joy — do those activities. You will also need to intentionally not try to solve problems, not go over your to do list, and not think about all the negative things in life. Only focus on what is good on your sabbath day.
Celebrate
Celebrate the good things in your life! It may be your amazing spouse or partner, your close family, your awesome job, your beautiful home, your good health, your loyal, lovable dog, your achievements big or small, or just another day of glorious life. Celebration involves cultivating a practice of gratitude. Set aside time to celebrate what is good during your sabbath day and it will affect all the other days of the week.
So imagine, one day a week, 52 days a year, incorporating intentional rest, delight, and celebration into your special “sabbath” day. By doing so you will no doubt experience the benefits of creative rejuvenation throughout the year.
In summary, it is crucial as a creative professional to prioritize your well-being and nurture creativity over the course of your career. By acknowledging the challenges presented by our cultural climate and adopting practical Stop and Rest practices, you can reignite creativity and ultimately thrive. Remember that creativity will have the opportunity to flourish with deliberate and consistent rejuvenating rest.
Here's to a creatively healthy career!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert Kirk is an accomplished creative professional focused on the combination of effective design solutions and marketing strategies. He is also dedicated to quality art and design education.
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