Introduction
In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to find time for creativity, even when life feels overwhelming.
Life can feel like a whirlwind. Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, finding time for creativity often feels impossible. But what if I told you that even in the busiest seasons of life, (especially during the Fall Frenzy and the Thanksgiving/Christmas season) you can carve out moments to nurture your creative spirit? Whether you’re juggling a career, managing a household, or simply trying to survive the week, your creativity doesn’t have to be sacrificed. In fact, making time for creativity can be the key to reducing stress and feeling more fulfilled.
And stay tuned—I’ll be sharing something exciting later that can help you embrace creativity in small, powerful ways.
Why It’s Important to Find Time for Creativity During Stressful Times
First, let’s talk about why creativity is so important, especially when life feels hectic. Engaging in creative activities—whether it’s painting, writing, crafting, or even problem-solving—helps you process emotions, relieve stress, and regain focus. Creativity isn’t just for “artists.” It’s a tool we all have access to, and using it regularly can help you stay grounded and more energized in other areas of your life.
In fact, recent research shows that creative expression can lead to improved mental well-being and lower levels of stress. So, making creativity a priority isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. (I like this article about creativity and well-being)
5 Strategies for Prioritizing Creativity in Your Busy Life
You don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to be creative. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes here and there to reconnect with your creative energy. Here are five simple strategies to help you find time for creativity, no matter how busy you are.
1. Micro-Creativity: Start Small, Think Big
One of the biggest misconceptions about creativity is that it requires large blocks of time. But the truth is, creativity can happen in small doses, and these “micro” moments can have a big impact.
Try setting aside just 5-10 minutes a day for a creative activity. This could be doodling in a notebook, jotting down ideas for a project, or working on a mini craft (hint: my Black Friday offer will help with this!). These small bursts of creativity will add up over time and keep your creative momentum going, even on your busiest days. More about micro-crafting here
2. Make Creativity Part of Your Routine
The best way to ensure you find time for creativity is to build it into your daily routine. Look at your schedule and identify pockets of time that could be used for creative activities. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or in the evening before bed.
Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, set a specific time each day to engage with your creativity. Treat it like an appointment you can’t miss, and over time, it will become a habit.
3. Use Creative Tools to Kickstart Inspiration
Sometimes, the hardest part of being creative is knowing where to start. That’s where creative tools can come in handy. Keep a notebook, sketchpad, or even a simple collage kit (more on this later!) nearby so you’re always ready to capture ideas or work on a mini project.
Having the right tools at your fingertips can make it easier to dive into creativity, even when you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed. Tools like playdough, collages, or journaling prompts can be great ways to jumpstart your creativity in a low-pressure way.
4. Let Go of Perfectionism
One of the biggest barriers to creativity is the belief that everything we create needs to be perfect. But perfectionism can kill creative energy faster than a busy schedule ever could. Give yourself permission to create without judgment.
When life feels overwhelming, remind yourself that your creative practice doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours. Whether you’re experimenting with colors, writing messy drafts, or crafting something simple, the goal is to keep the creative energy flowing.
5. Find Inspiration in the Everyday
Finally, remember that creativity isn’t limited to traditional “artistic” activities. You can find creative inspiration in everyday moments. Cooking a meal, rearranging a room, or problem-solving at work can all be acts of creativity.
Look for ways to bring a creative mindset into the tasks you’re already doing. By viewing everyday activities as opportunities for creativity, you’ll start to see that you have more time for it than you think.
How to Find Time for Creativity in Your Busy Schedule
While micro-creative moments are powerful for keeping your creative momentum going, some projects—like completing a painting, finishing a manuscript, or making handmade Christmas gifts—require larger blocks of time. The good news? Prioritizing micro-crafting on a regular basis helps build your creative stamina and makes it easier to dive into bigger projects when you have more time available.
When planning for larger creative endeavors, it’s important to schedule intentional blocks of time. Look ahead in your calendar and reserve specific days or longer chunks of time where you can focus solely on your bigger projects.
Here’s how you can balance your everyday micro-creativity with bigger projects:
- Plan Ahead: If you want to finish handmade gifts for the holidays, for example, schedule a few weekend afternoons or longer evening sessions where you can focus entirely on this project.
- Guard Your Time: Protect these blocks of time the way you would a doctor’s appointment. If you’ve already nurtured your creative energy through micro-crafting, you’ll feel more prepared and inspired when these bigger time slots arrive.
- Use the Momentum: By regularly engaging in small creative activities, you’ll build creative momentum that will make larger projects feel less overwhelming. Those micro-moments will keep your creative muscles active, so you can dive deeper when you have more time to spare.
Staying Creative Through the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, it can feel even harder to find time for yourself, let alone your creativity. But this time of year is perfect for reconnecting with creative energy. Whether it’s making holiday decorations, crafting gifts, or simply setting aside time to journal, embracing creativity can help you feel more grounded during this busy season.
And I have a special surprise for you! Coming soon, I’ll be sharing a Black Friday offer that’s all about helping you prioritize creativity, even when time is tight. Stay tuned for more details about my Mini Collage Kit and a special coaching session to help you unlock your creative potential.
Conclusion: Creativity as a Lifeline in Overwhelming Times
When life feels overwhelming, creativity is often the first thing to go. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By finding small pockets of time, building a creative routine, and letting go of perfectionism, you can make creativity a part of your daily life—even when things get busy.
And remember, you can also find time for creativity by scheduling larger blocks of time for those bigger creative projects that matter most. Whether it’s making gifts, completing artwork, or finishing that manuscript, giving yourself permission to create in small moments will make those larger creative sessions even more impactful.
So, are you ready to make time for creativity? Keep an eye out for my upcoming Black Friday offer that’s designed to help you embrace your creative journey, no matter how hectic life gets.