The Rest is Yet to Come: Restoring Harmony Between Productivity and Rejuvenation
Repose IV (2019) by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
For many of us creatives, the journey of creating to our satisfaction can feel like a relentless marathon. The constant pursuit of new ideas and the relentless drive for improvement can often leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I know I've been there – feeling the pressure to do it all and be it all at once, leading to an unhealthy level of stress and anxiety. This month, I've been focusing on one of the most crucial aspects of a creative life: the delicate balance between productivity and rest. And while it initially wasn't an intentional choice, but rather a necessity born out of physical exhaustion, it has reminded me of a fundamental lesson that often gets overlooked: rest is not a luxury, but an essential element of a healthy and productive creative process.
Rediscovering the Power of Rest
I've gradually been restoring balance to my creative process by allowing myself more time away from work. This means limiting myself to three 12-hour workdays per week (with a goal of reducing it to two), keeping the remaining workdays to 8 hours max, and taking weekends entirely off unless there's an urgent deadline to meet. The realisation that not everything needs to be done immediately has been a game-changer. I've had to relearn the art of prioritising and not beating myself up if I haven't ticked off every item on my to-do list by the end of the day.
Another key aspect of this newfound balance is taking full lunch breaks away from my workspace. Stepping away from my desk has helped clear my mind and reduce the pressure of achieving unrealistic goals. It's also allowed me to recognise when I need to step back from a task, recharge, and return to it with renewed energy.
Prioritising Well-being for Sustainable Creativity
Incorporating these simple changes has made a significant difference in my creative workflow. I'm more focused, and less stressed, and my work has benefited from the newfound clarity and energy. As creatives, we often fall into the trap of glorifying nonstop work and sacrificing our well-being in the pursuit of productivity. However, we must remember that creativity is not a sprint but a marathon, and sustainable success hinges on our ability to nurture both our minds and bodies.
By prioritising rest and balance, we create the foundation for a sustainable and fulfilling creative journey. So, let's embrace the power of rest, not as a luxury, but as an essential element of our creative toolkit.
Allow yourself the time and space to rest and recharge - this will ensure you're refreshed when you return to creating. If you're overwhelmed with tasks or projects, break them down into manageable chunks. There's nothing wrong with taking things slowly; it gives you more time to reflect on each step of the creative process rather than feeling pressured to rush through them…the rest is BEST.
