There are so many different ways that creatives create and find their creative genius and inspiration. Some of us engage with nature while others might find inspiration in things outside of their vocation and field. Some listen to music while others enjoy silence.
There is certainly not a one-size fits all situation!
But one overlooked ingredient that I’ve recently re-acquired has helped me tremendously and I’m not giving up on it ever again…
Personal Health
I’ve been a pretty active person most of my life with competitive sports that refreshed my mind and body. But something happened when I got married and I simply “ran out” of time.
It’s no one’s fault really but my own and I can come up with as many excuses and justifications as you probably can!
But I’ve gotten back into it (lightly exercising a few times a week) and I can’t tell you what it’s done to my creative process – my mind (and body) feels more refreshed and ready to create.
And some of the burnout that I typically feel hasn’t returned in a while. Thank God, because this business one seriously-tiring business and is all about staying productive and in tip-top shape while trying to keep the burnout monster away.
My point and suggestion is not that you suddenly start training for a marathon but that you simply take care of your body. Your health is a gift from God and you’re going to need all of it for as long as possible so that you can continue to do good works.
Get off that seat, out of Photoshop, and into some fresh air!
I agree. I have lost 45lbs (25 to go) and I feel like a new person. I feel like I can be as active as I was 10 years ago. Thinking clearly and being creative is a must for me right now and I have discovered that health is linked.
Straight up. That’s awesome.
I think I actually get more done now that I starting taking time out to work on my personal health. I am blogging about it here: http://www.characterfitnessblog.com
I’ve dug following these posts. It’s awesome to see the progress, Austin.
hawt!
Exercising 3-4 times a week, getting plenty of sleep and eating decently has the potential to make anyone more productive.
The fact that I am active keeps away the burnout monster. In my opinion “not having enough time” is not a legitimate excuse. It is our responsibility to take care of our bodies so we must make the time.
Need some motivation? Sign up for a local 5k and train for it. Nothing motivates me like knowing I have some sort of event coming up that I want to do well in.
Amen. If I’m not up first thing in the morning and moving, the rest of my day just doesn’t feel right.
hmmm, I find myself in a position (sitting mostly) where I don’t have time to get fit again – my excuse is I don’t want to sacrifice time with my son. And winter + 1 mth old = snooze button x 4.
My son wants me to get a bike for my birthday so I can ride with him. It is maybe time to get back into that seat.
I started running and working out two years ago and haven’t looked back. I feel, work, and sleep better.
We weren’t meant to sit in cubes for nine hours a day.
You interested in something like this http://www.ragnarrelay.com/? I need team members.
Just completed my first relay (http://Palmetto200.com). Captained and coached my team and coached another team as well. Which Ragnar Relay do you have in mind?
That looks pretty awesome. I’ll keep my eye on it.
With you, Tom. Started cardio 3 yrs ago, & lifting almost a year ago. Haven’t looked back.
And AMAZING how creative stuff comes to you when you aren’t “trying” to be creative.
Great advice, John. I started running and got into the gym several years ago and it has made all the difference in the world for me in terms of how I feel, how I feel about myself, and my energy level. Now, after shoulder surgery, I am trying to work back up to my former activity and workout level. Keep up the activity process. Let’s run a marathon!!
Yeah well this is something I have struggled with and finally started taking some action (started about 2 weeks ago). When I was in my 20′s, I was 6’2 and 195-205 lbs and that slowly but surely increased over time. Now I’m at a point where I realized I had better do something or else I’m headed for a short life span.
I can’t do like Austin did though and take a photo of myself shirtless. Somebody would call the cops.
I used to run a lot, but now my knees can’t take the pain. So I bike instead. If you have trouble finding the time, just bike to work and back. I commute 3-4 times a week and get in about 50 minutes of “free” exercise each time.
I’ve run two marathons in the past two years. I needed something competitive to keep me accountable.
Knowing that I would look like a chump in front of thousands of people if I didn’t keep up with my training definitely motivated me.
The training was both mentally and physically challenging, I wanted to quit so many times. The 26.2 miles at the end was the easy part.
PS Runkeeper Pro for the iphone is an awesome app for running.
It’s amazing what a little bit of fresh air can do for you.