How to Keep Creating Amidst the Chaos
Some tips to avoid (or recover from) burnout and creative blocks
If you make a living as a creator of any kind, it might get tough for you to see your skill or hobby as an ‘outlet’ when you’re off the clock. I knew that as early as 2015, when I decided I wanted to write for a living. I didn’t want to end up hating the thing that gave me joy, and the skill that would get me that much-needed bread.
And if you’re a creative in the Philippines right now, the challenge is manifold. While some creative jobs are quite lucrative, this isn’t the case for everyone. Just ask any graphic designer who has a full-time job plus two freelance gigs, or your musician friend who has to retain a call center job to make ends meet. Throw in a health crisis, a political circus aka election, and you might feel a bit out of whack.
So, how can creatives like you and me keep creating amidst the chaos? Here are a couple of tips that have worked for me over the years:
1. Seek inspiration from the beauty and the chaos.
Songs about love are beautiful. So are songs about break-ups (hi, Taylor!). You have the power to shine a light on all the parts of the human experience, including the sad, chaotic, and ugly bits. You might just give a voice to someone else’s experience, and make them feel less alone. Or, you could point out a systemic, societal problem that people need to talk about.
2. Connect with other humans.
Your mileage may vary with this one. Some people find that regular Zoom parties are their thing, while others prefer low-maintenance friendships that don’t have the pressure of appointments or instant replies. And this connection doesn’t have to be limited to friends and family! You might find Facebook groups, forums, or advocacy groups that you resonate with. For example, this pandemic, I found that I enjoyed the occasional meetings with my partners in the voters’ ed initiative I’m working on (check it out here).
3. Take a social media break.
Two months ago, I found myself getting increasingly anxious every time I opened my social media apps. Reading the news about the health crisis, the elections, and the environment… seeing in the comments section that so many people needed better access to education and media literacy sources… it was terrifying. My therapist told me to take two weeks off social media, which I promptly did. Start by turning off your notifications, uninstalling apps, and limiting yourself to email, text, and one messaging app. Eventually, you’ll crave that “disconnect” from the magnetic pull of your phone. You’ll learn to set healthy boundaries. You’ll learn to distinguish between doom-scrolling, and scrolling to learn and engage.
4. Practice self-care.
This doesn’t always mean ordering the fanciest meal available for delivery, or dropping P1,000 on skincare or shoes. Active Minds suggests activities like cleaning, crossing an item off your to-do list, meditating, doing yoga, watching a movie, or taking a timed nap. Personally, I consider some chores, gardening, taking care of Hershey (our dog), writing in my journal, working out, crocheting, and a bit of ukulele playing as part of my self-care routine. Oh, and Netflix dates with my boyfriend!
5. Connect with nature.
Go outside, touch some grass!!! Just kidding. But yeah, if you do have a yard or nearby park, and it’s safe to head out, go reconnect with the earth. Since open, public green spaces are a bit hard for me to come by right now, I compensate by taking Hershey for walks and spending time in the garden.
6. Find new ways to create.
Don’t limit yourself to just 1-2 ways to create. If you write, maybe learn graphic design and layout your poems to make them Instagram-friendly. Into video editing? Why not look into how to write video scripts and start creating your own short films? You can also look into other creative pursuits like knitting, macramé, building model kits, and so much more! You might even find that having these other talents complement your “primary” skill.
I hope these quick tips help you keep your creative self afloat. And remember, it’s okay to take a break from creating (unless your livelihood depends on it. And you can’t take a leave. In which case… I sincerely hope things get better for you). Still, you can’t give what you don’t have, and that includes energy, passion, and those sought-after creative juices.