5 ways to fuel your creativity — Busy Bee With ADHD

Hey friends, I’ve been in somewhat of a rut lately. Not sure if it’s temporary or something I really need to work through by improving my mindset and habits. Whatever it is that’s got me in this jam really has me feeling drained. Lately, I’d much rather enjoy a day of snoozing and lounging in my PJ’s than do something productive for myself.

Don’t get me wrong - I know I am more than just being “productive,” but by being productive, I really mean doing something that will help me feel energized. Like exercising, dancing, creating something, or having a meaningful conversation with a friend.

I’ve been avoiding all of that for quite some time now. I blame part of it to winter blues (seasonal depression), but I also know my daily habits and unconscious thoughts sometimes get in my way.

Things running through my mind: “That’s too hard. That takes too much energy. Too many steps. Where do I start? How do I find the energy to start? How much time do I need?” That’s what I call anxiety and analysis paralysis. While I wouldn’t exactly call them my friends, they can sometimes be helpful by informing me of my inner-most fears and tendencies to resist. Ever heard of it?

Analysis paralysis is an inability to make a decision due to over-thinking a problem. An individual or a group can have too much data. The result is endless wrangling over the upsides and downsides of each option, and an inability to pick one. - investopedia.com

My non-expert opinion: analysis paralysis is fueled by anxiety over making the “wrong” decision, and fear of “wasting time.” These are both things I struggle with and having adhd doesn’t make it any better.

If the above description summarizes how you feel about any activity you want or plan to do in the next couple of weeks, I encourage you to try one (or all) of the following activities to fuel your creativity and motivation.

Each of these activities either get your blood flowing, will encourage curiosity, or help you visualize and engage with a part of yourself you’re more than likely neglecting.

They also support the creation of endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine which help you feel good and regulate your mood emotions.

How’s that for a #doseofdopamine?

5 ways to fuel your creativity:

If you find something on this list that you find help, you are welcome to share your progress by leaving a comment on this post or sending a note to me on Instagram: busybeewithadhd. Happy creating!

Get outdoors.

Go for a walk or run.
Hike a trail
Visit the mountains, the beach, the plains!
Whatever gets your curious to take on your surroundings and engage with them - do just that.
Feel the wind
Feel the sunlight.
Make a splash in the water.
Experience the goodness of natural living.

Learn about another culture's customs.

Practice a new language on Duolingo.
Watch a documentary about another country.
Read a book from another country.
Watch a film produced in another country.
Listen to music from another culture or language.
Try cuisine from another culture.
Visit an international grocery store or one that has ethnic food.
Talk to your neighbor who is an immigrant and learn about their family’s roots.

Commit 15 minutes to a hobby you've abandoned.

Pull your paintbrushes out or your old sketchbook!
Go find that puzzle you never finished.
Declare a space in your home as the hobby corner.
Hang your creations somewhere you will see them daily.
Create a small project that you can accomplish in a short amount of time. This will give you a sense of completion to boost your energy.

Take a virtual tour of a dream home.

Watch tours on YouTube or Architectural Digest.
Think outside of the box: A dream home can be a travel destination or vacation idea (anywhere you rest your head is home).
Check out AirBnB’s in a place you’d like to visit or live in one day.
Look at magazines that showcase interior design or local event centers.

Sign up for a group class or DIY/crafting.

Lowe’s Home Improvement and Home Depot offer DIY workshops for kids and have a library of DIY projects for adults on their website.
Think outside of the box: You can also learn skills that aren’t hands-on such as improv, acting, and voice lessons.
Get flexible: Try Pilates, a martial arts, aerial arts, or rock climbing.
Pottery, jewel-making, wood-working, and glass art can also be fun.

What are some of your favorite ways to fuel creativity? I’d love to learn some more that aren’t on this list!

Sincerely,
Takira