What to Do When Your Creative Muse Drops the Mic
I'll be up front and say that inspiration is something I have in good supply. I often have idea, upon idea waiting in the wings for their chance to be explored. Some good, some bad, and some very ugly indeed.
Generally, my motivation, productivity, and passion is up there as well. I'll give anything a crack and love creating. It's like play time to me.
From time to time though, I seem to hit the wall creatively. It's not that I don't have projects that are begging to be taken out on a wee little rendezvous. I haven't fallen out of love with what I do. I simply....stop doing the doing.
Over time I've found that this lull in productivity can be linked to a variety of factors which may impact on some occasions and not others. Weird right!
Things like my physical health and energy naturally plays a role, as does the times when life gets busy in other areas, or where my head is at mentally. These are all part of being human and to be expected.
Yet on other occasions there seems to be no real rhyme or reason. I'm just....not that into anything really. What I'm learning is that it's a little to do with energy and a lot to do with the types of rest a person needs to stay in a state of wellness.
Yes you heard right. There are types of rest, not just sleep or lounging on the chaise (thank you Wet Legs for that catchy tune). Apparently rest isn't the luxury item I consider it to be. Something nice to aspire to but generally not within my price range.
There are actually at least seven types of rest necessary for overall health. The need for balance across these types of rejuvenation is key to understanding my experience of creative lazy girl syndrome.
A more balanced, energetic, and fulfilling existence requires the following rest elements:
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Physical
This includes good quality, deep, rem sleep but also things like resting your body by lying down, gentle movement and relaxing muscles. These practices can help your body recover from the physical demands of life, reduce muscle tension, and boost energy levels. It could look like a nice yin yoga session or a bit of a stroll in the sunshine which can sometimes be as restorative for me as a nap.
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Mental
Have you heard about the concept of mental load? All of the millions of tiny little decisions, conversations, appointments to remember, tasks to get done and problem solving that is life as an adult? These devious little tricksters can really take their toll. Mental rest can give your mind a break from the relentless merry-go-round. This could look like mindfulness breaks, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that create a sense of flow, allowing your mind to wander. Day dreaming is a personal favourite of mine, as long as I don't get caught up in problem solving or planning. Falling down the 'how to' rabbit hole is not really that restful for me.
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Emotional
This is one I struggle with on the reg. It's about allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions in healthy ways and not spiritually bypassing or self-medicating away what's really going on for you. To do this I've started a journalling practice focusing on two feelings that are present for me at any given moment. They could be positive or negative, all emotions are useful in their own way, with a brief sentence about how I could either amplify or transmute this during the rest of my day. This practice has taken a little time to get into but has served to grow my own emotional intelligence and self-reflection capacity. Other ways might include seeking support when you need it, talking to a loved one, and stepping away from draining situations. Easier said than done I know, but by taking the little actions that are in your power you are creating positive habits.
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Sensory
This is also a big one for me and anyone else who has ADHD or other neuro-diversity. The world sometimes smothers me with sensory stimulation and I both seek it out and feel drained by it in equal measures. Bright lights, loud noises, and screens. All the things I love the most. Sensory rest involves reducing the noise and stimulation to allow your nervous system to rest and recover. Ways to achieve sensory rest for me involves unplugging from devices, embracing quietness, dimming lights, or enjoying nature. I sometimes force myself to walk without my headphones. An outrageous concept really, as then I have to listen to my own thoughts which can be pretty hectic in their own way. The lack of external stimulation is still a really useful practice to develop and if you can still your mind as well, even better.
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Creative
I'm now aware that this is the one that kicks my creativity to the curb from time to time. Creative rest rejuvenates your creativity and motivation. If I've been creating fairly non-stop for a period I need to remember that it's OK to rest this muscle for a time and engage with the beauty in the world, whether it's art, nature, or music. This, in fact, allows me to become more inspired and can spark new ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and bring joy in different ways. This can be a hard one when creating is both your job and your passion. It's so easy to gravitate towards your best love. It is a bit like your beloved though. As much as you love them, if they're in your face 24/7 then you'd better believe I need some time out before the sound of their voice alone triggers an epic and irrational outburst. Give yourself a break to feel renewed and able to reconnect.
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Social
Sometimes (often) my creative fatigue is because I'm actually giving myself too much social rest. I like who I like, I love being at home and I sometimes find social engagement really challenging and very draining. How do I deal with that? Well, I avoid it of course! I order my groceries on-line, limit my face to face interactions and I often do this 'politely' by saying I really need to work. The reality is that I'm being avoidant rather than conscientious. All humans need interaction of some type. It fills our cup and adds to the tapestry of life. A bit like old Goldie Locks and her bears, not too much and not too little is just right. The real trick is surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people so that you're not further draining yourself with drama.
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Spiritual
Finding meaning and purpose beyond the day to day is what spiritual rest is comprised of. It's about finding activities that connect you to something greater than yourself, like meditation, prayer, or community involvement. Spiritual rest can provide a deep sense of calm and a renewed perspective on life. I sometimes do find this through my art or music, and sometimes it's in my connection to the ocean. To me it's about maintaining a feeling of wonder and awe in living life. I find it in my culture and my people, in having my feet firmly planted on country. I think it's different for everyone but all involves a sense of connection and service.
I believe that 'balance' is an impossible, aspirational target in today's world but by being more in tune with body and spirit you have more capacity to re-calibrate and reset regularly in order to stay happy, grounded and best of all, creatively motivated.