Over the years I’ve found that I need space in my brain in order to write or to develop new ideas. But in a busy life, it’s not always possible to get that space as often as I want. So how do I manage to find it?
Not jumping straight onto social media or email first thing in the morning. Nothing takes away my creative spirit faster than seeing what everyone else is doing or thinking, or finding out what other people need from me. So I try to write and think before I check social media or emails.
Keeping a day of the week for myself. I realise that’s a luxury that not everyone has, but for me it’s essential. As an introvert and a freelancer, I like to have one day when my schedule is not dictated by anyone else’s needs or plans.
Walking alone in nature. After a walk I usually feel more creative. My brain has had a chance to switch off from the stuff going round it, and see the world differently for a while.
And how do I ensure this happens?
Accepting that I can’t get that headspace every day. Much as I’d love to start every day doing my favourite things, and continue for the rest of the day, it’s not realistic. So I aim for a couple of good sessions of deep creative work every week.
Blocking time in my diary. I know when my energy is most creative, and I make sure I have two sessions a week when I can take advantage of that. I block those sessions out in my diary every week, and I try my utmost to maintain the boundaries around them.
Making a note of what works. I have found out by trial and error what works for me – trying our different ways of working, new places, a variety of times of day. When I come across something that works well, or that really doesn’t work for me, I make a note of it and make sure I include or exclude it in my weekly routine.
Some interesting reading
If this is the type of thing you’d like to read more about, this book might be of interest.
I recently read a book that really resonated with this thinking about giving yourself space.
Bored and Brilliant: How Time Spent Doing Nothing Changes Everything by Manoush Zomorodi* talks about the connection between boredom and creative thinking, providing a series of challenges to separate you from your phone and give your brain some space to be creative.
*Affiliate link, which means I receive a small sum of money if you follow the link and make a purchase.
