How To Find Time For Creativity

Being creative can mean different things to us all. You might prefer to sew, knit or paint whilst your friend likes to bake decorative cakes, go to the theatre or watch a film. The one thing we all have in common is finding time to pursue these creative interests. It’s really difficult. With work, children, chores and social commitments how do we make creativity a priority in our lives?

If someone had said to me this time last year that I would spend 5 hours a week (sometimes more) doing Roller Derby training and 12 hours a week walking the dog I would think they were talking about someone else. How on earth do I have the time to skate and walk the dog as well as work, do the chores and be an adult? The truth is, walking the dog and doing roller derby training increased my productivity in other areas of my life. It turns out all I was missing was a bit of TV, social media procrastination and the occasional social meet up.

To begin with, it was hard to suddenly add these activities into my life when I was used to a very different routine. But if you want to write that book, paint that picture or simply find the time to read a beautiful magazine then you need to change your current routine and adapt. When you look back at your week the likelihood is you won’t miss the TV or being on social media (I still do both  – Instagram I love you) but instead you’ll have found time to be creative instead, which in turn will help you become more productive in other areas of your life.

Here’s 15 tips to help you kick the ass out of creativity!

1| Use your lunch break. We’re all guilty of working through our lunch but if you are happy eating lunch on the go/during an activity, then why not use those 5 hours a week to sketch, write, read, knit, edit photos or learn a language?

2| Keep your phone on silent. You don’t have to be ‘present’ for every notification you receive on your phone. Plus it draws you back into Twitter, Facebook…and there goes another 15 minutes. If you really need to answer calls, change the notification settings on your phone. Be ruthless!

3| Use your commute. If you’re driving, use this time to listen to a podcast (choose a topic that will interest you creatively). If you’re on the train/bus, grab your notebook or knitting needles and get busy creating.

4| Involve your children. I know this could be a recipe for disaster (and I only have my niece and nephew as experience) but if you want to spend the evening drawing try setting up a drawing station at the kitchen table for all the family. Or as a writer, create short stories. Every minute spent doing your craft is practice! Even doodles whilst on hold on the telephone…

5| Get up earlier. I know, this sucks, right? But if you really want time to yourself to create, then this is the easiest way (on paper) to find those extra hours in your day. Plus, what better way to start your day than doing something that you love?

6| Be purposeful with your TV viewing. I love TV, folks. I’m addicted to films, box sets and any period drama with a brooding male lead. What I don’t do anymore is sit on the sofa, remote control in hand, skipping from one bad channel to the next. I chose my favourites and watch them when I want, so I’m not dependent on them.

7| Say no to plans. I know this sounds harsh but I’m not talking about important meetup’s with close friends and family. I’m talking about the social plans that you’re not really looking forward to. You know the ones, my friends. A simple, “I have other plans” will do.

8| Socialise with people who have similar creative goals (and positive folk too). You learn, have fun and come away inspired by your craft too. Disco.

10| Chores taking up all of your time? Invest in a little help. I hear my friends and colleagues apologising all the time for having a cleaner. Don’t feel guilty! Firstly, if you can afford it then it’s the most sensible thing to do. My mum was a cleaner and if it weren’t for my apologetic friends she’d be out of a job. If I had the extra pennies I would too.

11| If you can’t afford to get help (raises hand) then look at ways to stay more organised in the home. When you see piles of clothing waiting to be washed you’ll never get round to painting that picture/starting that book. Delegate tasks, put them off (some things really can wait) or be smart with your time (read my blog post Productive Things To Do While Making A Brew for tips).

12| Change your environment. Head to a different room in the house, go to a coffee shop or take your creativity with you. You’ll find you’re more productive away from home distractions.

12| Value your time. Do you spend time selling items on Ebay or spending hours trying to find the best holiday offer. Is this extra time really worth the pennies you save?

13| Social Media. If you love it as much as I do, you’ll never want to quit it entirely, it’s part of my work life after all. But try limiting usage to three times a day – morning, midday and night.

14| Cook meals in advance. I really need to start doing this more!

15| Keep things handy. Keen photographer? Carry your camera with you always. Artist? Writer? Carry your notebook with you. You get the picture.

And that’s that! How do you find time to be creative?