Creative Writing Wizard

From experience, I find it difficult to create freely when I’m burnt out or stressing about other things. Some days, its difficult to create at all. I’ve struggled with my share of burnout and chronic stress, and I know there are other creatives out there who are feeling this way right now.

Allow me to share with you some of the things I’ve found that have helped me. In doing so, I hope you’ll try some of these to see if it helps you too.

Journaling

Journalling can be a helpful tool to process thoughts.

I find that my mind buzzes with various things going on in my day and the world around me. Sometimes its the stress of work, or conflict in a relationship. Other times it’s excitement about a new idea or having achieved some new milestone.

The process of taking something in my mind and putting it down on paper allows me to dump the thoughts and leave it.

There’s something about having it be in the physical world and not the mental, that I can see the thought for what it is and leave it there.

It’s a safe place to share words and not need to worry about what people may think. ‘Speaking’ freely into your journal to work through some of the deeper issues.

Prayer and Meditation

There is something special about prayer and meditation that I haven’t found elsewhere and and lot of ways that a person can do this. It’s not always like the cliché ‘humming while sitting cross legged’ (though if that works for you, all the power to it).

For me it’s finding a place to slow down, turn off the noise of the world around, and bring my mind to a state of rest. Once I bring myself to a calm, I speak words (either out loud or in my head) that resonate with me in that moment. I talk through some of the vibes I’m feeling, or I speak positive words over myself.

When I do this it’s like I feel a breeze that brushes over my inner-self or like a wave of coolness that washes over my mind.

It doesn’t have to be long, though you could go for hours. For me I tend to do 5-10 min and this helps to center me and reorient my energy.

If you don’t know where to begin, there’s a good number of resources out there to help you get started. I’ve found Calm to be a great resource to guide you through several vibes (mindfulness, stress and anxiety, sleep).

Nature

Taking time out of your day and spending time in nature can be a great way to center yourself. This goes in hand with meditation, as it can be a form of it.

While in nature, really open your eyes and take in the sights and sounds around you. The details in the make of a leaf, light breaking through the clouds, or the sounds of birds singing to one another.

Allowing myself time to just watch and listen, I find that I’m filled with positive energy as I watch nature around me.

There’s also something to be said about walking in nature from the physical side as well. Moving your body and being connected with the earth gets your blood flowing, which has a mental cleansing effect.

Free Create

‘Free create’ is picking a medium (be it art, music, writing, or some other creative outlet) and creating for the sake of exploring your creativity. It doesn’t even need to be something you’re good at.

Allow yourself to be fully in the moment as you channel your inner creativity. Don’t think too much about the movements, let your feelings and vibe guide your motion.

I find I can do this well with music or art. I’ll pick up a guitar and strum a chord a few times. Feeling out what chord I should go to next, I let my emotion drive the pattern.

If I’m feeling mellow, maybe I’ll pluck at the strings on a minor key. If I’m dealing with some heat or strong vibes, I’ll do power chords and strong strumming patterns.

Art can also work in a similar way, where I start with no concept of where I’m going and no expectations of what I’ll end up with. I just take my pen or brush and use it on my canvas. As I go along, I’ll let my vibe drive my hand as I express what’s inside.

Sometimes words can’t fully express complex emotions, and this process can be quite cathartic.

In Closing

These are a few ways that I’ve found helpful to center myself and allow myself to create. They help me unburden myself of stress and recover my mental health.

If you find that you’re struggling with complex emotions or vibes, please do find someone to talk to. Be it connecting with others in a community, or DMing someone close. It may help to talk through what you’re feeling.

And if your thoughts are turning dark, please find a local resource or mental professional to help you work through your thoughts. You are not alone. https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Give one or more a try and see what happens for you. You may be surprised at the result.

Stay creative,
Glen Weatherhead