If this time of year you’re feeling a little spent, you’re not alone. As you wrap up final projects and prepare for the new year, I’d like to share some ideas for restoring your creative juices over the upcoming holidays.
A change of scenery is a tried-and-true method for rejuvenation. Other than some obvious suggestions of taking a tip out-of-town, or simply spending a day in the countryside, sometimes changes in everyday routine can help alter your perspective. the next time you’re on a workout walk, reverse your route to literally change the physical pattern you normally follow. Changes in visual perspectives can stimulate creativity. One of my favorite holiday memories as a child was when my younger sister and I lay on the floor underneath our Christmas tree and stared up into the lit branches. It’s a magical alternate perspective that has no age restrictions for giving it a try!
Clearing our minds is an important step to reviving creativity. Putting your hands to work is a great way to give brain cells a break. Planting a winter garden, organizing shelves in the garage or refinishing a table are just a few examples of physical tasks that can make great deposits to your creativity bank account.
For fans of aroma therapy, it won’t surprise you that our sense of smell has a significant impact on mood. In fact odors are processed in the region of our bran related to emotion and memory. What smells do you associate with times in your past that brought you joy or when you were particularly creative? Then get those wax melts and candles burning!
Staying with the theme of engaging your senses, listening to voices that inspire you is another source of creativity. For me, spending time with the grit and authenticity of former Texas Governor, Ann Richards, is inspiring. If Holland Taylor’s one-woman show “Ann” on the PBS series, Great Performances was a record, my copy would have very deep grooves in the vinyl by now. I’m not necessarily suggesting podcasts for building your professional skills, although that my be your choice. Simply listening to someone who, by their very nature inspires you, can go a long way in restoring your ambitions and charging your creativity.
Finally, I sometimes find it helpful to feel small to restore my ability to think big. On a clear night this holiday, bundle up and spend some time with the star-filled sky. And in that quiet moment of soaking in the wonder, take time to reflect on the unique talents you offer. They’re important and we’re going to need them in the coming year.
I’m Kelli Newman and this has been a Minute with Messaging™. To learn how your organization can benefit from Newman & Newman’s marketing communication strategies, visit our website at NEWMANandNEWMANinc.com.
