Creatives are a special set of people. They do things in ways that the world sees as different. But in the “difference” they make sure that their creative works are unique.
As a creative, you need to constantly be on create-mode, coming up with brand new ideas, perspectives and insights everyday. But just like every creative thing we do have our down times, that’s why it’s important to cultivate habits that will keep creative spark up.
Here are 6 habits you should have as a creative:
- Get enough sleep
One of the common habits of creatives is that they can work for long hours without stopping. Time passes by without you knowing because you’re so engrossed with creating. For some creatives this could go on until the next morning.
Although there’s nothing wrong with working long and hard, not getting enough sleep will make you lose focus and sometimes leave you feeling uninspired. So the late nights can prove to be counter intuitive for creatives.
Fatigue can hamper your clarity of thought and that can stop you from efficiently brainstorming and reduce the rate at which you create unique pieces.
Try taking at least 5-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. A good night’s sleep can get you feeling lively, alert and reinvigorated.
- Enrich your mind through reading
When you’re on create-mode, it’s natural for you to get carried away and forget to fill your mind with new ideas, concepts and creative works of others. One of the most effective ways to enrich and improve your knowledge on creative works and techniques is through reading.
Don’t stick to reading materials relating to your niche alone. Diversify your reading material by reading novels, books on psychology or any field other than the one you’re engaged in. This will help enhance your creative genius.
- Go for walks
Sometimes the most creative inspiration comes from engaging in therapeutic activities. Going on quiet contemplative walks inspires you with great ideas. In addition to this you also get a change to engage in physical activity which not only benefits your mind but also your body.
A 30-minute walk around the park or anywhere you’re surrounded by nature will do plenty of good for your creativity. This is because as you spend time walking you’ll see, hear and think about things that will inspire you.
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sadly so many people including creatives miss breakfast because they have to rush to work after a very long night or sleep through the morning such that they miss breakfast.
Eating healthy food as the first meal of the day will keep you happy and alert. A healthy diet can greatly affect your mood which can affect your creativity. I get very grumpy when I am hungry.
Commit yourself to eating a healthy breakfast every morning. Even if you had a late night, make it a point of duty to wake up early enough to grab some breakfast. This simple act will change your life for good.
- Think positively
It’s so difficult to be creative in a negative environment especially when you are depressed or weighed down by problems. Constantly reciting words of encouragement and affirmation to yourself can lift your spirits. When you’re in a good mood, you’re more in the flow. Thinking positively will make you feel more at ease with what you’re creating. You’ll also feel more confident with your abilities to develop your skills and think outside the box.
- Take time off to relax
This is the ultimate habit that creatives need to cultivate. As creatives we can get lost in our work that most times we forget to take a break.
You need to take time off to rest so that you can generate more creative ideas. Your mind works better when it is at ease and not overworked. Interestingly, the best ideas come when I am relaxing, about to snooze off, reading, in the shower or just lazing around.
Do you have a habit that helps your creativity? Please share in the comments section below.
Hey there. I like this list. These are not just great habits for creatives but also for people in general. Really good list. Thanks for the post.
Thanks Tiffany.
These are very good points especially getting enough sleep which I definetly don’t get enough of x
Neither do I. I need more x
All points that I agree with, especially taking time off to relax, it does wonders x
Yea it does Rachel x
I love these tips! I also take about 30 minutes to scroll through Tumblr or Instagram for inspiration!
Ah nice Melanie.
Brilliant tips. No doubt creative people have beautiful minds.
Thanks Madeeha.
I like taking some time to colour in a page in one of my adult colouring books, it’s really relaxing.
I really should try an adult colouring book.
Great tips for everyone I think! I don’t get enough sleep and get quite grumpy! I like writing my ideas down. Kaz x
Thanks Kaz x
These are really great tips! I’m working on being a novelist and my hubby is a music creative so it’s a creative home – but because we’re so serious about it and it’s our work, we forget to relax. Most time if we have any free time we’re working. Totally agree – if you don’t have downtime, your brain doesn’t work properly. Will try to follow your tips – I def need more sleep, better breakfasts, and more downtime!
Yea please do. They help.
These are some really great tips. I think it’s important to take time off, to allow the brain to recharge (walks definitely help).
Yea walks refresh my mind.
I’m good at most of these, especially the walking as I do that every day, but with a baby I certainly don’t get enough sleep x
I can imagine x
The sleep thing – definitely. The other challenge is getting over writers’ block when you sit down to write. Sometimes I find it helps to pretend you’re chatting to a friend and write the conversation down. I usually find I can extract a few useful point from that when I rewrite it. (If that makes sense!)
Yea it makes perfect sene Linda. I do that too.
Super advice and I definitely need to take a couple of these on board – especially the sleeping and relaxing. Yu’ve just made me feel less guilty – thank you!
Ah nice. Happy to hear that.
Sadly I never get enough sleep what with being a mum and all but its definitely important!! I love a good read too!
Yea me too..
Great post and a great list of attributes to have for people! I definitely don’t get enough sleep and I can’t remember the last time I read something that wasn’t a kids book though lol!! x
I know what you mean..I read like 3 children’s books a day now. Lol.
I’m really not a creative person so I was hoping for some magical advice here… But I try to do most of these already haha! Maybe if I got more sleep…? 🙂
Yea maybe Jess..
I wish the sleeping & relaxing part was something I could do with a two year old haha!
Unfortunately haven’t got enough sleep in years now HAHA!
Love these though!
I’d love to be able to do them all xo
I know how hard it can be with young kids x
I love walks. They’re so great for clearing your mind. I can definitely relate to all these points. But I definitely work too much and don’t know how to relax. x
I am the same. I struggle with balancing it all x
This is some good advice – I’m really struggling with the first one atm though!
Thanks Rebecca. I am sure you will be fine soon..
Lovely post! I only lack sleep. I go to bed so late how can I get up so early. Need to change my routine around.
Thanks. I lack sleep most days too. Trying to get on top of it.
Yeah! Good luck 😊😊
Thank you xx
I think I definitely need to sort these habits out! I’m currently sleeping too much because of low iron, but hopefully after seeing the doctor I can sort it out and get a healthy amount.
Yea I am sure that would be sorted Jazz x
These are great tips. Very helpful. I struggle every day to have a good sleep. Getting better now. I love the negativity aspect. It is not only affect your creativity, it affects your life as a whole. So run away from it.
I will..Thanks Osimeno..
I don’t get nearly enough sleep as I should and it is a terrible habit of mine!
You should make more time for it. I know I need to.
Sleep is a biggy for me! If I’m lacking, I FEEL IT. And all my work suffers because of it! Always make time for it.
Coming Up Roses
Yea it is a biggy for me too. It affects my entire mood if I don’t get enough sleep..
I think these are great tips for winning at life in general! Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas Gemma.
I completely agree with you on this, all great tips to put to practice this coming year!
https://danielasoriano.com/
Right you are! Only thing is, since I’m a momma, night time is the only time I get to write and create non-stop. Sleep is a stranger to me at this point. Lol
Lol..I was once like that when the kiddies when younger. It gets easier x
Sound advice. I can’t agree with you more about how creatives work long, late hours just being caught up in the process. It really can be difficult to incorporate these steps when you feel like you’re on a roll. Thank you for the reminder.
Thanks for reading.
What a great read! My creativity has been stronger lately and I have naturally been following the six suggestions you listed above. Amazing!
Oh great. Thanks for stopping by Ian.
I love these steps especially the healthy breakfast part. A lot of my life revolves around being creative even though I am still a college student. I actually just made a post about why breakfast is the most important meal of the day and some of my favorite meals to boost metabolism and wake up right up in the morning! I would love for you to check it out and let me know what you think!
Thank you. I will.