The holiday rush is over and it’s back to business-as-usual. Am I the only one who finds it hard to get moving in January without the adrenaline-fueled To Do list of December? I’ve tried motivating with a crop of New Year’s Resolutions, but those never last long. Now instead, I turn to my favorite thing to get me excited about the cold and dark start to the calendar year: creativity. I’ve definitely learned that the antidote to the post-holiday rut isn’t working harder or pushing through but instead pausing to reconnect with something joyful, energizing, and imaginative. That’s where creativity comes in.
Why Creativity Works
Engaging in creative practices—even small ones—can re-energize your mind and shift your perspective. Creativity helps us:
- See challenges differently: A creative mindset allows us to reframe problems and explore solutions that might not be immediately obvious.
- Bring a sense of play to our days: Playfulness counters stress and reminds us that not every moment needs to be about productivity. (Really!)
- Tap into fresh energy: Creative moments can feel restorative, sparking curiosity and excitement that ripple into everything we do.
The best part? You don’t need hours of free time or special skills to experience these benefits. A few intentional moments of creativity can make all the difference.
Practical Strategies for Creative Breakthroughs
Here are some simple ways to spark creativity this January:
1️⃣ Start Small: Dedicate 5–10 minutes to a simple creative activity, like doodling, journaling, or experimenting with a new technique. Short bursts of creativity can yield big insights.
2️⃣ Shift Your Space: Rearrange a part of your studio or living area, or add something inspiring, like a plant, a piece of art, or a favorite quote. Changing your environment can inspire fresh thinking.
3️⃣ Find Inspiration Outside of Your Routine: Take a short walk, visit a gallery, or explore a creative medium you’ve never tried. Inspiration often strikes when we step away from the usual.
Creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about imagining new possibilities and reconnecting with a sense of curiosity and joy. This January, I encourage you to give yourself permission to pause and play, even for a few minutes. You might be surprised at how those moments of creativity can transform your mindset and energize your start to the year.
How do you spark creativity in your life? I’d love to hear your ideas—reply to this email and share what works for you. Let’s make this January the most creative one yet!
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