If you are like me, some days you are uninspired. While I usually power through by completing tasks already started, using the time for exercise or family fun, doing paperwork, or making to-do lists for a better day - what are some ways to minimize these times and return to creativity? When it comes to DAM structure or strategy, your creative time is valuable yet can’t be forced.
Some solutions that have worked for me:
Get moving - take a walk, do some pilates, take a shower, go to the gym.
Visit nature - or skip the gym and hike instead, go for a swim or just sit in nature and give your senses - from sight to sound to smell - reboot.
Watch a movie - go to a movie theater to catch up on the presumed Oscar nominees or find them streaming. Maybe a classic comedy would fit the bill.
Meet a friend - even a 5-minute water-cooler (IRL or virtual) can kickstart some ideas - a sip & draw even more.
Do something creative - speaking of drawing; doodle, photograph, paint, knit, bake, cook, carve, or sculpt something using your hands.
Listen to music - some people like lofi, I prefer old favorites to occasionally sing along to then fade into the background.
Check out culture - beyond movies, visit an art museum, gallery, concert or play to see other people being creative near you.
Play with little creatures - find a child- or animal-friend to spend some quality playtime and get out of your head.
Get some rest - whether it’s a nap, some mindless scrolling, or going to bed early, sometimes we need to literally turn off our brains to feel creative again.
Each of these methods has worked for me in the past - sometimes it takes more than one - to feel inspired again. I even bring some into my DAM work - using colored pens to physically draw out site maps, talking over ideas with colleagues to get their input, and taking a walking meeting. The balance between creative work when you can and non-creative-but-necessary work in those other times also means the whole project can still be moving along - lowering stress, a notable creativity-killer.
What ways have you used to get creative again?
love the insights Kristin. Keep up the good work.