Staying Creative, Even When It’s Crazy

The holidays are here, but between the countless cocktail parties, corporate events, family functions, and never-ending cookie exchanges, it’s easy to turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into the “most stressful time of the year.” With schedules in overdrive, it’s tough to keep up, much less make time for creativity. Here’s how to avoid creative burnout before the ball drops on New Year’s:

• Un-Scheduled Time: Take inventory of free time: your lunch break, commute to work or time in line at the store. Use these moments to map out an idea, write down some inspiration, or sketch out a design. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short time.

• Bookend Your Day: Whether it’s 15 seconds or 15 minutes, start and end your day with a dose of creativity. Twyla Tharp’s “The Creative Habit” is a great resource for practical exercises.

• Find Flexibility: Creative types are creatures of habit. But creativity can’t and won’t always happen when we’re at our favorite desk, with the right lighting and the perfect playlist. The best ideas come when we least expect them. Enjoy the creative freedom that comes with being busy but flexible.

• Come Prepared: When you’re on the run and in between holiday parties, keep a pen, paper and your phone on hand to capture ideas on the fly.

• Make Time for What’s Meaningful: Slow down. This time of year is special. Take a moment, soak it in, and you’ll discover some serious creative inspiration.