6 Ways to Make Creativity a Habit


By Kate Feinberg Robins

Working on creative projects reduces stress and anxiety, and improves problem-solving skills. So that’s great! We should all do it, right? But for adults who don’t make art as part of our jobs, it doesn’t always feel so simple. Here are some tips.

  1. Focus on the process, not the product. Give yourself a regular time and place to do your art, where you can focus on the doing without judgement. This might mean closing your door, covering mirrors and cameras, or putting on headphones.


  2. Any kind of creative expression counts. Make a list of creative activities that you can easily do. Remember—focus on what you have the resources to do, not what you consider yourself good at. Your list can include things as varied as writing, baking, playing music, dancing, or designing inventions. Choose anything on the list that you’re in the mood for.


  3. Play and explore. Try letting go of things like recipes, sheet music, and choreography. Give yourself the freedom to play with your materials and ideas and see where they take you.


  4. Make it a healthy habit. Think of your creative time as essential to your health, rather than a splurge. Make time for it.


  5. Go with the flow. Let your emotions and whims of the moment guide you. The state of flow that comes from complete absorption in an activity is one of the most beneficial aspects of art-making and creative expression.


  6. Take a moment to transition. When you find yourself resisting your creative activity, or not feeling up to it, start with a “warm-up” to get you in the mood. You might write or draw about your frustrations, take a few deep breaths, or snap yourself out of it with intense physical activity like push-ups or a run.


Read more at npr.org.

Location: Redlands, CA, USA

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