Amid the routine chaos of our daily lives, finding inspiration for writing can be challenging, particularly when trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I have found myself in this predicament recently, switching a blank Word document on my work laptop for a blank Word document on my own. So, in hopes of helping others find practical strategies for harnessing creativity while creating an equilibrium in our professional and personal projects, I wrote this blog.
Start by setting aside time for writing. To find inspiration, allocate dedicated time for writing within your schedule and make it your goal to be consistent! But remember to keep your goals realistic and make sure that they suit your schedule. If you’re setting yourself the intent to write creatively for two hours after an entire workday, you might struggle to maintain this, and you need to give yourself more time to breathe! Creating an intentional division allows you to immerse yourself in the creative process without it bleeding into crucial moments of relaxation or other personal commitments.
Look for inspiration in your everyday life. Whether it’s your daily interactions or observations, these diverse experiences are little sparks for your creativity. Utilising the world and people around you to infuse your writing can add a layer of authenticity and relatability to your creative projects.
Make sure to embrace breaks — your brain will reward you! Never underestimate the power of breaks. Maybe you’re staring at the same sentence or paragraph, unable to determine why you suddenly hate it or how to improve it. Or perhaps you’ve rewritten said paragraph umpteen times by now, and you’re starting to question changing your entire premise due to this blocker. Utilising moments like this to step away and recharge your mind will invite inspiration to you. Physical activities or a quick change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity. Breaks will prevent burnout and provide the mental space for fresh ideas to bloom!
Engage in activities that take you outside of work and perhaps outside of your comfort zone! Cultivate hobbies, connect with friends, and explore new interests. Gaining a well-rounded perspective of diverse experiences can often fuel inspiration and add authenticity to your writing. Think of a time when you’re out with friends or colleagues, and the night has changed direction from where you initially pictured it. I know you’re in a run-down bar near Shoreditch, and a jazz band is playing in 2023, I know?? Your shoes are sticking to the floor, and you’re suffocating on the smell of Absolut. Inspiration strikes. Diverse settings = diverse thoughts!
Create a productive workspace that promotes focus and minimises distractions — similar to how you would when working from home. Make sure you have the necessary tools easily accessible to you, like pens, paper, highlighters, and whatever helps your creative process! Finding the optimal combination for your creativity might take some experimentation and trial and error, but establishing a well-organised, personalised space will help you create a conducive environment for inspiration.
While these aren’t the commandments to live by when it comes to your quest for writing inspiration, I’ve found that I’m naturally more inspired and creative by maintaining balance and prioritising my well-being. By harmonising inspiration-seeking with a balanced lifestyle, you’ll be able to nurture your creativity without compromising your wellness and hopefully be more productive in the long run!
