5 Simple Lifehacks To Make Creative Life a Bit Easier

Small strategies for significant results.

Every creative person hits a rut, experiences a block, or has some other type of stumble now and then. It happens.

You might be suffering from writer’s block, a blank canvas, a bad review, or a song that’s not coming together. Or something else entirely.

Some of these life hacks are specific to your creative session. Some are better seen as pieces of general life advice. Give them a try and see how some or all can benefit your creative life.

They keep me going.

Turn off your phone app notifications.

When was the last time a Twitter notification needed to be seen right away?

Or an Instagram notification?

When you’re working, you’re working, and the vast majority of phone apps don’t need your attention every second of the day. The fact that notifications exist at all is more the apps advertising their existence — a sort of reminder to you that the apps are there (and they make money off your activity).

Keep your phone with you if you must, but turn off your app notifications. You’ll still get phone calls. You’ll still get SMS messages. I understand some messages and calls need an immediate response, such as medical emergencies.

But most apps don’t need an immediate response. They’ll keep until it’s time for you to take a legitimate break.

Catch up on some reading.

Reading slows you down while, at the same time, engages your mind.

It charges up your brain while your body relaxes.

Writers are no strangers to reading, but what of artists?

What of them? Of course, an artist — visual, audio, or whatever — should be reading. Read about the world. Read about subjects related to creativity. Read poetry. Read a ripping good science fiction yarn.

How long?

An hour a day is what I aim for at a minimum, but even if you can just get in fifteen minutes sometime in the early part of your day, that’d be useful. Right now, I’m in the middle of The Practice by Seth Godin, a book on working as a creative, and Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold, a science fiction mystery about sabotage and choices. I also read a fair number of articles online.

Beats thinking about my own writing every hour of the day.

If you’re feeling like you’ve fallen into a creative rut or feeling extra stressed, try reading.

The quiet will do you good.

Tidy up your workspace before beginning.

I’m not saying clutter is bad, but too much of it can absolutely lead to stress. And when you’re stressed, how productive can you be?

Okay, there are plenty of photos of artists and writers with workspaces that look like disaster areas, but consider two things.

First, they are the exception, not the rule. And by exception, I don’t mean their tornado-chic workspace is exceptional. I mean that these people are rare, and their workspaces shouldn’t be considered an example to follow. That they are successful at what they do despite messiness is a fluke.

Second, ask yourself how much they might be struggling unnecessarily? Could they be even more productive if they cleaned off their desk once in a while?

It’s something to consider.

In any case, take a few moments to square things off, be it a desk, workbench, or studio. Organize your materials and throw out yesterday’s trash.

That will help clear your mind and ready your creative juices.

Mentally judo your critics.

The essence of judo is using your opponent’s own strength and momentum against them.

Now… maybe it’s not a good idea to consider critics or other naysayers as opponents, but the concept in this regard remains applicable.

Instead of lashing back at negative criticism (or worse, passive-aggressive criticism that sounds nice but isn’t), thank the bastards.

Thank them sincerely.

Well… as sincerely as you can.

For one, it pulls their teeth as you take control of the criticism, and second, it might actually be helpful criticism. You can’t please everyone all the time, but at least take this as an opportunity to step back and consider your writing, artwork, song, or whatever, and look at it from an audience member’s perspective.

Do a physically-demanding chore.

You don’t have to do it for long. Just enough to get your heart rate up and to make your muscles ache a little. Yardwork is a good choice. Vacuuming as many rooms in your living space is also good — especially if moving furniture is involved.

The idea is to get your blood pumping. Then, when you feel you’ve done enough, sit for a few minutes and catch your breath.

Throughout the time you’re doing your physical chore, you can be thinking about whatever creative project is currently on your plate. While you’re resting, transition those thoughts to how you might apply them.

Doing a chore rather than a simple exercise is my recommendation if only because you have a physical result of your work to admire and feel good about.

Carry on.

I’ve been very fortunate to be involved in a bunch of creative projects. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks to keep the ball rolling — most of the time. My systems aren’t perfect all of the time, but they work well most of the time.

(Bonus tip: When all else fails, take a nap. Naps are awesome.)

Results will vary, of course. See what works for you, or use these life hacks as a starting point for coming up with some of your very own.

And have fun creating!

Thank you for reading. I’d love to share more with you via my Bi-Weekly Word Roundup newsletter sent to subscribers every other Sunday. It will feature news, productivity tips, life hacks, and links to top stories making the rounds on the Internet. You can unsubscribe at any time.