Let’s face it—life is chaos. Between work deadlines, endless emails, errands, and the occasional (okay, frequent) TikTok binge, finding time for creativity feels almost impossible. But here’s the truth: creativity doesn’t just “happen.” You have to make space for it. And no, that doesn’t mean quitting your job and living as a hermit in the mountains (although tempting). It means small, deliberate changes that make creativity part of your everyday life—even when it feels like you don’t have time.
I get it. My life has been a tornado of meetings, writing deadlines, and trying to keep my cat from sleeping on my keyboard. But over time, I’ve figured out a few strategies to sneak creative time into even the busiest days. Here’s how you can too.
1. Reframe Creativity as Self-Care
We often see creative pursuits as a luxury—something to squeeze in after all the “important” stuff. But guess what? Creativity is essential. It’s how you process emotions, solve problems, and reconnect with yourself.
- Mindset Shift: Treat your creative time like a workout or therapy session—it’s an investment in your well-being.
- Make It Non-Negotiable: Block it out on your calendar, and don’t let anything (except emergencies) get in the way.
Example: I started thinking of my sketchbook sessions as “mental yoga.” Now, it’s a guilt-free part of my routine.
2. The Magic of Micro-Creativity
You don’t need a three-hour chunk of time to be creative. Even 10-15 minutes can work wonders.
- Sketch Between Meetings: Doodle while you’re on hold or waiting for your coffee to brew.
- Write Tiny Snippets: Jot down one sentence of a story, blog post, or poem.
- Use Apps: Apps like Procreate Pocket or Canva make it easy to create on the go.
Pro Tip: Keep a tiny notebook or a note-taking app handy for those “micro-moments.”
3. Create a Dedicated Space
If your workspace doubles as a dumping ground for old receipts and empty coffee mugs, it’s time for a change. Having a creative corner—no matter how small—can make all the difference.
- Designate a Space: It could be a desk, a cozy chair, or even just a box where you keep your creative tools.
- Make It Inspiring: Add candles, mood lighting, or a vision board to make it a space you love.
Confession: My “creative zone” is half of my dining table, but it’s filled with cute notebooks, markers, and fairy lights, so it feels special.
4. Schedule It Like a Meeting
If you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. Period.
- Set a Recurring Time: Whether it’s 10 minutes every morning or an hour on Sunday afternoons, block it out.
- Use Alarms: Set reminders to nudge you when it’s time to create.
Example: I set a “creative coffee break” timer every day at 3 p.m. It’s my cue to grab a drink and spend 15 minutes sketching or writing.
5. Combine Creativity With Your Routine
Who says creativity has to be a separate activity?
- Cooking: Turn your meals into art with plating or food photography.
- Journaling: Use your planner as a space for doodles, collages, or colorful lists.
- Commuting: Use that time to brainstorm ideas or try a language-learning app like Duolingo.
6. Learn to Say No
Every “yes” to something unnecessary is a “no” to your creative time.
- Audit Your Schedule: Look for activities you can scale back on, like mindless scrolling or overcommitting to social events.
- Set Boundaries: Let people know when you’re unavailable.
Personal Note: Learning to say no to Sunday brunch plans gave me back hours of creative time—and my wallet thanked me too.
7. The Power of Rituals
Rituals help signal to your brain that it’s time to switch into creative mode.
- Light a Candle: Choose a scent that inspires you.
- Play Music: Create a playlist of songs that get your creative juices flowing.
- Have a Drink: Whether it’s tea, coffee, or wine, make it part of your ritual.
8. Let Go of Perfectionism
Sometimes, the biggest block to creativity is the pressure to create something good.
- Embrace the Mess: Let yourself create badly—it’s still progress.
- Focus on the Process: The act of creating is more important than the outcome.
Confession: I’ve made some truly terrible sketches, but they’ve helped me discover new techniques (and made me laugh).
9. Build a Community
Creativity doesn’t have to be a solo activity.
- Join Challenges: Participate in monthly art or writing challenges (like #Inktober or #NaNoWriMo).
- Share Online: Post your work on Instagram or join creative forums.
- Find Accountability Buddies: Partner with a friend to keep each other motivated.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
No matter how small, every creative moment deserves recognition.
- Keep a Journal: Track what you’ve created each day.
- Reward Yourself: Treat yourself when you hit milestones.
Creativity Is Worth the Time
Life will always be busy. But making time for creativity isn’t about having endless free hours—it’s about carving out little moments and protecting them fiercely. Whether you’re drawing, writing, designing, or daydreaming, those moments matter.
So light that candle, grab your favorite notebook, and start creating. Even if it’s messy, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Your future self will thank you.