CREATIVITY BEYOND ROUTINE || Why You Need Outlets Outside Work and Life’s Grind
Let’s be honest: routines are helpful, but sometimes they become dull.
Wake up, check your phone, rush through your day, rinse, and repeat. It feels productive, but at the same time, something feels missing—like you’re just going through the motions. If you’re someone who loves to create—whether that’s drawing, baking, writing, or playing music—it can feel like you’re suffocating under all the “chores” of daily life.
Creativity doesn’t thrive in a jam-packed schedule. It needs space to wander and room to play. Finding time for creative outlets isn’t about adding more to your to-do list—it’s about reconnecting with yourself in a way that nothing else can.
When Routine Blocks Creativity
We’ve all felt stuck, uninspired, and creatively drained. Maybe it’s the same day on repeat. Perhaps it’s the endless cycle of obligations. Even if you’re in a technically creative job, it can feel monotonous when creativity becomes another task to check off.
When every moment of your day is accounted for, there’s no room for inspiration to show up. Without a way to express yourself outside of the daily grind, life starts to feel dull. You lose touch with the little things that bring joy—and ultimately, with yourself.
Why You Need a Creative Outlet (and It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)
The good news is that creativity doesn’t need to be about results. It’s not about creating something impressive or even sharing it with anyone. It’s about finding an outlet that lets you unwind, express yourself, and just be.
Here’s what I discovered after dedicating 30 minutes a day to creative activities for 30 days:
It lowered my stress. I just lost track of time and did what I enjoyed. My brain felt quiet, and I forgot all about the chores and tasks that used to linger in my brain.
It helped me think better. Creative hobbies encourage new ways of thinking. For me, it was, “What colour should I use?”, or “How can I make this piece of art look nicer?”
It made me happier. I did it purely for enjoyment, with no goals, and I was happy with how it turned out.
How to Make Time for Creativity
If you’re feeling drained, it’s time to make space for a creative spark. Here’s how I eased into it:
Block out small pockets of time. Start with 15 minutes. It doesn’t have to be perfect or productive. Just set aside a little time and protect it—like you would any other commitment.
The first time I made banana bread, it was not the best. However, as my newfound hobby, I got many chances to try again and again until I baked a version that tasted best for me.
1. Start simple and messy—scribble in a notebook. Try a new recipe – my favourite has been baking healthy banana bread (recipe here). Snap some random photos. Most importantly, let go of the pressure to be “good” at it.
2. Step away from screens. Screens are great for work, but they’re not great for daydreaming. Take a walk, stare out a window, and let your thoughts wander. If you really need to, I like having a YouTube video or a Netflix show playing in the background.
3. Try something completely new. Ever wanted to play guitar, try punch needling, or start editing videos? Go for it—even if you’ve never done it before.
Photo Credits: The Craft Blogger
Punch needling is a new creative outlet I tried out. I like its creativity, but it can be quite tricky. Needless to say, my first project definitely did not turn out how I wanted it to, but I like this as a creative hobby, so I will continue it.
4. Share it (if you want to). Sometimes, sharing your work—even casually with a friend—makes creativity feel more real. But remember: this is for you, not anyone else.
Creativity Makes Everything Better
When you make time for creativity, you start seeing its effects everywhere. You think more clearly, feel less stuck, and notice small, beautiful details you might have missed.
Creativity isn’t just for painters or poets. It’s for everyone. It’s for the person who sings in the shower, loves arranging flowers, or finds peace in cooking a beautiful meal. It’s about giving yourself permission to create, explore, and play—without worrying about perfection.
