Introduction
Do you ever feel like there’s never enough time in the day? Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, it can seem impossible to squeeze in time for yourself. However, finding small pockets of time throughout your day can help you cultivate creativity as self care—a vital practice for reducing stress, increasing joy, and reconnecting with yourself. In this guide, you’ll learn actionable strategies to uncover hidden moments of free time and use them to nourish your creative side. By embracing self-care for creative people, you’ll start integrating creativity into your daily life effortlessly.
Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Small Pockets of Time
1. Identify Wasted Time
Overview: Many of us have time we don’t even realise we’re wasting—scrolling social media, waiting in lines, or procrastinating.
Instructions:
- Track your daily routine for a few days. Use a journal or an app to log your activities.
- Identify small gaps in your schedule where you could engage in a creative practice.
Practical Tips:
- Use a time-tracking app like Toggl or RescueTime to improve time management for creativity.
- Challenge yourself to limit social media use and repurpose that time for creativity.
Quick Exercise: Write down three common times you waste during the day and brainstorm ways to use them creatively.
2. Set Micro-Goals for Creativity
Overview: You don’t need hours to engage in creativity—just a few minutes can make a big difference.
Instructions:
- Instead of setting overwhelming creative goals, break them into small, manageable actions.
- Example: Instead of “paint a masterpiece,” aim for “sketch for five minutes.”
Practical Tips:
- Keep a small creative toolkit (sketchpad, journal, or knitting project) in your bag.
- Use a kitchen timer to do 5-10 minutes of creative work daily, supporting habit stacking for creativity.
Quick Exercise: Choose one creative micro-goal you can complete in under 10 minutes.
3. Leverage Transition Periods
Overview: Those in-between moments—commuting, waiting, or short breaks—can be transformed into creative opportunities.
Instructions:
- Identify transition periods in your day (e.g., waiting for an appointment, commuting, or standing in line).
- Use these moments for creative self-care activities like doodling, jotting down ideas, or practicing mindfulness.
Practical Tips:
- Keep a small notebook for quick sketches or writing, making it easier to practice daily creative rituals.
- Listen to creative podcasts or audiobooks while driving or commuting.
Quick Exercise: List three transition periods in your day and plan a creative activity for each.
4. Wake Up or Wind Down with Creativity
Overview: The start and end of your day are golden opportunities to cultivate creativity as self care.
Instructions:
- Set aside 5-10 minutes in the morning or before bed for a creative ritual.
- Keep materials within reach (e.g., journal by your bedside, watercolour set at your desk).
Practical Tips:
- Avoid screens in the morning and dedicate that time to a creative morning routine.
- Experiment with different activities—journaling, sketching, or even creative movement.
Quick Exercise: Write down one creative activity you can do first thing in the morning or before bed.: Write down one creative activity you can do first thing in the morning or before bed.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Thinking You Need Large Chunks of Time
Correction: Start with micro-creativity—even five minutes can help you feel accomplished.
Mistake 2: Waiting for Inspiration to Strike
Correction: Schedule creative time, even if it’s just a few minutes, so it becomes a habit. Creativity on a schedule helps make it a natural part of your day.
Mistake 3: Feeling Guilty About Taking Time for Yourself
Correction: Remind yourself that creativity is a form of self-care for mental health, not a luxury.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can find small pockets of time throughout your day to embrace creativity as self care. Whether it’s a five-minute sketch, a quick journal entry, or a mindful moment of colouring, these small acts can make a big impact on your well-being. Start today by identifying just one pocket of time you can use for daily creativity and self-care!
- Books: Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
- Websites: CreativeLive, Skillshare
- Online Courses: Udemy’s “Unlocking Your Creativity” course, Domestika’s “Daily Creativity Challenge”
About the Author
As someone passionate about creativity and self-care, I’ve spent years exploring how to integrate art and personal expression into everyday life. Through my blog, I share practical tips, personal experiences, and inspiration for busy professionals who want to reclaim their creative spark. Join me on this journey to make creativity an essential part of your self-care routine!