Jumpstart your day with small creative practices
In the monotony of dark January winter days, I’ve felt myself struggling to kickstart the day. It's easy to fall into a pattern where each day blends into the next, feeling uninspired and unmotivated. To kick this habit? Incorporating small, creative daily practices can infuse a sense of freshness and inspiration into the day, setting a positive tone that can carry me through whatever challenges lie ahead. Here are a few ways to infuse creativity:
Morning Pages: One popular creative practice is "Morning Pages," a concept introduced by Julia Cameron in her book "The Artist's Way." The idea is simple: every morning, before starting your day, write three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts. This exercise helps clear your mind of clutter, allowing for more creative thoughts to flow throughout the day.
Sketching or Doodling: Even if you're not an artist, taking a few minutes each morning to sketch or doodle can be incredibly beneficial. It doesn't have to be elaborate or detailed; the act of putting pen to paper and letting your imagination wander can help stimulate creativity and improve focus.
Mindful Movement: Engaging in mindful movement practices such as yoga, breath-work, or going for a walk outside can help center your mind and body, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. My favorite daily movement lately is Yoga with Adreiene.
Creative Writing Prompts: If you enjoy writing, consider starting your day with a creative writing prompt. This could be a short story, a poem, or even just a few lines of dialogue. The key is to let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you.
Visual Inspiration: Surround yourself with visual inspiration by creating a mood board or collage of images that inspire you. This could include pictures of places you want to visit, quotes that resonate with you, or images that evoke certain emotions. Glancing at this visual inspiration can help set a positive and creative tone for your day. I use Pinterest rather than making a physical board!
Experiment with Different Mediums: Don't be afraid to experiment with different creative mediums, such as painting, photography, or even cooking. Trying something new can help spark creativity and give you a fresh perspective on your day.
Gratitude Journaling: Start your day by writing down three things you're grateful for. This simple practice can help shift your mindset to one of abundance, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Incorporating even one of these small, creative daily practices into your routine can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Not only can they help stimulate creativity and improve focus, but they can also help you approach each day with a sense of purpose and inspiration. So why not start tomorrow morning by setting aside a few minutes for a creative practice? You’ll be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your day!
