In a world where multitasking is king (or queen), slowing down to get creative does seem a bit odd.
We read enough about how to organize ourselves, how to make sure we carry out all we set out to do, how to keep up and stay ahead. But what if our frenetic activity, our attempts to be on top of things, our desperate need to be seen and heard on social media to showcase our creativity is the very thing that keeps us from being creative?
There’s much to be said for mindfulness and slowing down to be creative. I’ve experienced this in my life. But it’s easy to forget and once again get caught up in the rat race.
Perhaps our need for speed comes from a fear of missing out. Ironic then, that it is exactly what causes us to miss out.
Creativity requires focus, attention, and slowing down. Here are some things we can do to slow down.
Disconnect
Setting aside some time every day to turn off devices and notifications is a good way to start. Try making time for a break during the day – during which you sit down and dream, go for a walk, read a book, or trying your hand at doodling. Actually, a one day a week of being ‘disconnected’ is the best.
Try Mindfulness
Living in the present and not worrying about the future or regretting the past can do a lot for creativity. Learning to eat mindfully and being present to others or taking in the surroundings on a walk are all important too.
Saying ‘No’
Learning to say “no” more often to things that don’t really matter, helps in slowing down. We don’t have to accept every commitment and invitation. All of us need space in our schedules to create.
Start Doing Less
Life is not a competition or a marathon. We must start being easier on ourselves. Stop comparing. Stop beating yourself up. Ditch those ‘to-do’ lists and instead make ‘These are the only things I’m going to do today’….
Stop Multitasking
Learn to single-task. Take one job at a time and focus on it until completion. It takes a little time to learn, but I promise the rewards are great – you can actually be more efficient and your mind will be less harried.
If you’re having difficulty coming up with new ideas, then slow down. For me, slowing down has been a tremendous source of creativity. It has allowed me to open up–to know that there’s life under the earth and that I have to let it come through me in a new way. Creativity exists in the present moment. You can’t find it anywhere else. – Natalie Goldberg
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That’s true Corinne.We need to slow down once in a while so that we can recharge ourselves mentally and creatively. I have found that the posts I wrote when I was in a relaxed frame of mind did better. Thanks for putting it down in this post.
Corinne, I am patting myself on the back as this is precisely what I am doing at present. I am consciously avoiding time on social media as it saps all my time. Also catching up on reading. Hoping the blocks and clogs get sorted by the time I get back to the scene. Such a thoughtful post this is, love and hugs 🙂
I’m a firm believer in this Corinne, and believe that I’m much better harnessing my creativity when I am able to have that space for my thoughts, so try to stay away from the usual culprits that cause me distraction. I’m at a place where I’m unable to chuck the ‘to-do’ list at the moment but setting aside a gadget-free time definitely works to leverage on my creativity.
Corinne, you will not believe but this is something I needed to read today. I have been having so many thoughts and also unable to read or write. I will try all of these.
I used to love multitasking. But nowadays I try to be mindful.
The more we slow down,the better it is for the soul
I’ve been trying to slow down over some months now. But I’ve realised it is more of a shift in mindset and also a lifestyle change that helps us slow down. Your post actually elaborates those very things. Thanks for putting in all the details here, Corinne. It’s sounds so simple this way.
I really needed to read this. Though I am the kind of person who takes things one at a time, the past few days have been really hectic for me. As a result of which I am always in a rush. Yes, it is so much better to take some time off and relax a little. Thank you for this wonderful post 🙂
Great tips Corinne:-) Mindfulness has become so important to me, and I could sense a feeling of peace and quiet reading through your post. It inspired me, thanks:-)
Good advice. Today was the first day I have had to myself for awhile because of the growing needs of my parents and I should have been throwing myself into my work while I can. But I didn’t. Instead, I caught up on a few blogs, searched my picture files, stared at the wall for ages , went on Facebook and generally bumbled around. Sometimes, we do have to cut ourselves some slack!
I went to lunch today to find two missed calls on my cell phone – turns out my mother in law had fallen, had managed to get to her phone. I never heard the phone – she did get help, but when you are responsible for an elderly relative, sometimes you just have to stay plugged in ,expect the unexpected, and cut ourselves some slack if we just want to kick back. My favorite thing, if I can, is to take a bath (helps my back, too) with a magazine in hand. Chewing gum for the mind.
Agree with you Corinne. Iam doing a lot of multitasking these days and definetely slowing down will help. Thanks for the reminder.
I couldn’t agree with you more! we just need to be more mindful of ourselves while we do any work so that we can do it properly .
This is exactly what I am doing these days. I turn OFF my social media and Blogging button over the weekends. The only thing I do is to spend time with Family. I recently break out my habit of creating to-do lists and I wrote a post on it. Its working. When Monday comes, I feel so fresh and recharged.
I had no other option without multi-tasking… But, I really need to slower my speed to catch hold of myself.
I so agree! We need to slow down, to focus on one task at a time to really tap in to our creativity. Running behind all the things is the best way to head for a nervous breakdown!
So true. In our effort to do everything, we tend to lose out on experiencing truly everything that we do. I’m trying to be mindful but even then it is not easy. I end up doing and thinking about 100 things at the same time. So, yes , disconnecting is often the way to go.
This us a brilliant post Corinne! I loved the quote you used and have never read stop multitasking. It’s something I’ve always prided myself on but if I single task I get more completed than all the rushing to complete many tasks. Mindfulness is what I’m filling my life with now. I feel so much better when I incorporate it in my daily living.
What a lovely post Corinne. I am so glad I stopped by to read. Its what I am going through at the moment.
I totally agree on that high one gets to not miss out by being out there, but ends up missing the point – I have stepped down from it all. It used to consume so much of not just my time but me too. Now I am just “chilling” and yeah missing out on loads but soaking up so much more….