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This Week: Take a Break
An important part of the creative is allowing your mind time to rest. After you’ve identified a problem and begun the brainstorming process to generate some solutions, you need to allow your mind to mull over the ideas you’ve generated. This is called the incubation process.
There are lots of different ways to allow your mind to rest and unconsciously begin idea incubation. Mundane tasks like cleaning, weeding the garden, and even bill paying (not budget making!) can allow your mind to wander. Many people refer to their morning shower time as an essential part of this process – their “active” minds are at rest, which allows their unconscious mind to have more freedom.
You’ve heard of the great ideas people have generated in the bathroom? There is definitely some truth there!
Photo by Dee Wilcox
Scheduled Break Time
In the middle of a crazy day or work week, allowing some time for a fifteen minute break or changing task modes to something less involved are essential elements of the creative process. However, on a broader scope, scheduling longer, regular breaks can make a big difference. Whether you scheduled a full vacation or just a one- or two-day retreat, these times allow your mind to rest and for the unconscious mind to take center stage. Here are a few tips to maximize these creativity breaks:
- Go technology free. Shut off your phone, laptop, etc., and focus on more analog activities, like sketching, painting, writing, and even physical exercise – like yoga, jogging, gardening, et cetera.
- Bring a journal. There are many methods of journaling, including note taking (a lá Moleskine), art journaling, storyboarding, daily memos, and longer, more introspective diary-type entries. Whichever method you choose, you want to be sure to have a recording method on hand for personal observations and breakthroughs.
- Go it alone. Family vacations are great, but they rarely provide the quiet needed for a real retreat. If you’re on vacation with friends or family, schedule alone time away from the group. Even better, go on retreat by yourself or with a group of creatives where you all have the same goals. Either way – the essential element of quiet will allow your mind to rest, while simultaneously allowing your unconscious, creative mind to focus.
Do you take scheduled creative retreats? What works for you, and what doesn’t? What is your favorite experience thus far?
Related posts:
- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Open the Back Door
- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Create a One Thing List
- Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Find Your Center
- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Set a Deadline
- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Take Your Ideas With You
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