With the present threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies have opted to operate remotely in the safety of their homes. As a result, the distinction between work and life is further blurred for work-from-home creatives.
There’s no clear-cut solution on how to remain creative and recover from burnout — it’s a subjective process. However, there are helpful tips to stay creative and avoid burning out while working from home.
How to stay creative
- Try journaling
It can be in a notebook, a Word file, and a sketchbook. Write down or draw everything that pops up from your mind. When inspiration sparks, or when you feel happy or sad, write it down or draw it. The point of journaling is to free your thoughts.
- Join creative challenges online
You can check out trending challenges on social media,] or from an influencer you admire. You can even create a challenge of your own and invite your friends to participate with you. Also, we won’t judge you if you do those TikTok challenges — it’s a really good way to bring out your creative side!
- Get moving
Exercising at home doesn’t have to be difficult. You can try yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or search online for home beginner workouts that don’t need equipment. Getting your blood pumping can help your creative juices flowing
- Try something new
Experiment on new styles, or try out new activities. You can either listen to your gut and go crazy with your experiment. For activities, be mindful in choosing activities that are cost-friendly and can be done at home. We suggest trying diamond painting, baking on a stovetop, and taking care of indoor plants!
- Be inspired by other creatives
Be inspired by people you admire. It can be an artist online that you’ve been following for years. Or check out your competition, maybe even read books that are about your interests.
How to avoid burnouts
- Let go of the shame
Creativity is an important factor for professional creatives. Add in the pressure of producing creative content every day without a healthy way to de-stress — it’s a crippling experience.
However, instead of thinking, “What’s wrong with me?” Shift your perspective and treat it as an injury that needs to be healed.
- Give yourself permission to take a break
A creative is like an athlete, you need to rest and recover from overworking yourself. You can get back in shape with your own process.
Create time away from your work and other obligations. It’s not being irresponsible. You’re giving yourself room to focus on recovery.
- Set up clear boundaries from work
There is a distinction between work and life if you work at an office. However, a work from home setup doesn’t have that, but there are ways to simulate those physical indicators. Here’s how:
- Stick to a fixed work schedule.
- Create a dedicated space for work.
- Create a simple routine. It can be as simple as getting dressed for work and having a cup of coffee while going over the latest news
It’s also important to help your mind to transition at the end of the day. It can be: like changing into comfortable clothes and relax in the living room.
- Don’t underestimate friendships
Instead of suffering alone, you should turn to your support group—your friends, mentors, and family!
If you live with your family, you can open up to your parents or spouse. If you live alone, schedule a video call with your loved ones.
Investing in interpersonal relationships can help you stay inspired and prevent burnout in the long run.
Be kind to yourself
While working from home is a lot more convenient, it’s not an excuse to neglect your well-being. As a creative, your mental and emotional health is important to maintain your creativity. That said, what’s your process to stay creative? We’d love to know!
Collaborate with us! For inquiries, just message us at info@motioncabin.com, and let’s turn your creative ideas into actions.
Motion Cabin is a full-service digital advertising agency that can produce creative high-quality content from stunning animation videos to on-trend graphic designs and articles that effectively engage with your audience.
