The Productivity Paradox: Creative Downtime, Your Secret Weapon
The Benefits of Creative Downtime
It’s a fact: everyone needs a break. Even you! Science shows that making time for yourself results in improved problem-solving skills, increased productivity, better stress management and enhanced innovation, creativity (and motivation!) in your work.
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How My Team Takes Creative Downtime
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“The wheels are definitely turning. I come up with all kinds of ideas for work when I’m on the trail.”
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What Keeps Me Inspired
What keeps me inspired?
Getting outside. Working in the garden gets me away from the computer and into nature. I love having my dogs outside, and it’s nice to be able to pick a tomato out of my garden and mix it into a salad. I also like to connect with my friends and family over the weekend. Having those connections and experiences reinforces my work in marketing by sharing stories and creating new opportunities.?
Recently, I helped a neighbor find her next job with one of my clients (that can only happen if you know your neighbors, so I’m thrilled!). It was a great result of combining down time with my career!
Proof It Works
On my team at Ingenuity, Shannon has sent me emails and articles that she has written by hand. They’re usually better than those she’s started by typing. She can handwrite anywhere, jotting things down, not necessarily working it all through yet. We know the gears are turning when it becomes a great piece of content.
For Robert, he’s actually absorbing all the colors of nature from his bike rides and incorporating them into new logos for our clients.
Christine always comes back refreshed from travel. By leaving her busy routine, she creates new brainy pathways with information from other cultures and artists…supporting her “connect-the-dots” research and analysis.
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Build Creative Downtime into Your Routine
1. Schedule Daily Micro-Breaks ??
Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for a creative activity. This could be doodling, journaling or even daydreaming. Avoid watching videos or TV. Get away from media!
2. Make Commutes Count ??
If you commute, use this time for creative thinking. Listen to inspiring podcasts or audiobooks. Stop somewhere you’ve never stopped before.
3. Turn Chores into Idea Time ??
Use routine tasks like dishes or laundry as opportunities for unstructured thinking. Keep a notepad nearby to jot down ideas.
4. Weekly Inspiration Hour ?
Dedicate one hour each week to a creative pursuit unrelated to work. This could be free-form painting, welding or practicing your break dancing (Olympic sport!).
5. Monthly Adventure Day ???
Plan one day each month for a new experience or mini-adventure. Visit a new place, try a new activity or meet new people to spark fresh ideas.
Of course, there may be obstacles to overcome here when you’re first trying to incorporate this downtime into your routine. You might feel guilty spending time being “unproductive,” and it may be hard to literally disconnect from work. Our phones are always on us, with that email app just a click away!
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You Deserve It – practical tips for squeezing in downtime
Combat the urge to scroll through Facebook and instead look out a window.
Don’t feel guilty about cooking, exercising or cleaning the bathroom. These menial tasks can give you some much-needed time for thought. Let your mind wander! And be proud you cooked an amazing meal all by yourself, took care of your health through exercise or cleaned the bathroom. Hey, that shower isn’t going to clean itself. Unless you have some sort of futuristic shower like in the movie, The Fifth Element…
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“Combat the urge to scroll through Facebook and instead look out a window.”
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Remember, consistency is key. Start small and gradually increase your creative downtime as you see its benefits in your work and life.
The important thing is to build this creative downtime into your routine. Schedule some time to go for a walk every morning or start saving up to take that trip you’ve had on your bucket list for too long. Get outside, talk to people – it’s not a waste of time! It’s creative living!
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#CreativeDowntime - Try it!
Now, try it! Commit to trying one new creative downtime activity in the next week. What do you plan on doing with your precious time?
Or, do you already do this?? Share your experience in the comments or post on your own feed and use my hashtag #CreativeDowntime. I’ll share your post!
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Dawn Wagenaar is a brand strategist for professional service firms marketing and principal of Ingenuity Marketing Group, St. Paul. [email protected]