Quick Tip – Find Your Creative Outlet

It soothes the savage beast – Issue #77

Many of us have stressful jobs and lives. We slog our way to work in an unpleasant commute. We work hard all day, sometimes arguing with bosses, coworkers, and customers. We crawl back home through traffic. Then, we may face more stress at home.

It’s easy to get caught up in a routine and try to catch up on work during our “free time” at home too. We sometimes do a little work over the weekend in an attempt to get ahead.

Before you know it, you’re feeling burned out. Your creative energy is low, and it’s difficult to think straight. So, you zone out with Netflix before falling asleep.

I get into a rut sometimes and neglect taking care of myself. I forget that I need to recharge my batteries. That’s been happening over the past few weeks.

However, today, I did something different because my daughter is home. She wanted to play my guitar, which reminded me that I love to play guitar too. So, I sat for a bit and played for fun.

I also broke out my art notebook and sketched for a half-hour before dinner. I noticed that my heart rate and breathing slowed, and I felt calm and relaxed.

I had forgotten that I need my creative outlets to be at my best. You can’t just go, go, go all the time. My exercise routine helps a lot, but I also need my hikes in the forest, playing music, and making art.

By the way, I suck at these things. I’m not a great artist or guitarist. But I enjoy it, and it always calms me.

If you’re not already making time for your own creative outlet, it’s essential to find one and make a habit of it. It will make you feel better, and your work will improve as a result.

What’s your favorite outlet?