How to reconnect with your creativity… and maybe yourself, too

When was the last time you made something you were truly proud of? 

Creating something has the ability to give us that glittery, goosebumps feeling. But when workloads grow, and life gets busy, it’s hard to turn that creative switch on. If there’s one thing I’m familiar with, it’s that stuck-in-the-mud feeling. When I left it unchecked for far too long, it turned into a slippery slope. I thought everything I had worked towards for most of my young adult life was for nothing, and that I should just ditch the creative field altogether. I thought to myself, shouldn’t working in a creative field be fun? Shouldn’t it be all rainbows and butterflies getting to do what you dreamed of day in and day out? And get paid for it? Shouldn’t I be happy? All of these doubts made me disconnect from myself and others. When your body starts to feel that constant heaviness, it’s time to pause and reflect. Over the last few years, this heavy feeling and a few health crises led me to what I simply call burnout. As I continue to move beyond it, I’m not just managing the stress– I truly am just reconnecting with myself. Here’s what helps me in those low-energy moments, and what’s been getting me back to feeling like me again. 

!!!! Disclaimer !!!! 

As someone who’s been in therapy for over 10 years, hear me when I say this: Therapy is awesome. Always consult a licensed professional. If you are in crisis, please dial 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org/ for resources.

1. Talk About It 

Keeping fears, worries, and doubts to yourself helps literally no one! Phone a friend, join a club (or start one!), and if you’re able to, talk to a licensed professional. I’m also never against talking to yourself. Speak to yourself like you would a friend. Saying it out loud makes your worst fears feel a lot smaller.

2. Get Outside 

Change your environment. Something as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes (preferably phone-free) can be incredibly grounding. If you can’t do that, I suggest splashing some water on your face, or holding something warm or cold. 

Pro Tip: I recommend getting outside for a minimum of 10-15 minutes once every few hours. It helps break up the day a bit! Protect your breaks, they’re vital.

3. Explore a Hobby 

Even if your job is something you’re passionate about, it’s fun to have hobbies and sources of joy within your life. The options are endless here, so chase your curiosity and go with it, judgement free! 

4. Dance. It. Out.

Simple as that. Put on your favorite song and just boogie it out. Click HERE for my go-to playlist for a mini dance break 🪩

5. Give yourself permission to go low-effort 

This is my favorite one. A wise friend once told me that “it doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to get done”. Sometimes, when it’s down to the wire and a deadline is looming, you just have to get it done. As a perfectionist myself, I know it’s hard to do this. But hear me out, it’s worth it. 

Pro Tip: Schedule “Low Effort” days into your month. On low effort days, lower your energy output. Maybe that’s working from a comfier spot at home, or getting dinner out instead of making it at home. Whatever feels like low effort to you, spend a day doing just that. I can confirm that it makes a huge difference.

Most importantly, feel the freedom to connect to yourself. What’s something you miss doing? Go do it! Give yourself the opportunity to make yourself happy. You deserve it. You’re valued. You matter. Now go get 'em!