Balancing creativity with caregiving and life’s responsibilities isn’t easy, but small, intentional steps make it possible.
As the youngest of five and a natural caregiver, supporting others has always been part of my life. Only in recent years have I learned to manage this double-edged sword—one that can be both a blessing and a challenge. I know many of you can relate.
With support and guidance, we can find ways to carve out time for creativity despite constant demands. If you’re struggling, here’s what’s helping me right now.
Caregiving and the Creative Life
Fast forward to this era of my life: I am a caregiver to my husband, a grandmother of two, and a support system for my sons, their wives, and my four siblings (and their spouses), who range in age from 76 to 86. Add in friends in the same age group, and my caring self is still working overtime.
I am, however, determined to write my next book and finding time for creativity is a bigger challenge than ever. Here are a few ways I’m managing to make progress.
Micro-Moments for Creativity
Even 10-15 minutes can be productive. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go and use voice memos, and phone apps for lists and notes, to capture ideas while caregiving or in between tasks. I get some very valuable creative moments while waiting for my husband at his doctor’s visits.
Combine Creativity with Routine
If you journal or write, try doing it while having your morning coffee or before bed. Even short bursts of creative time add up. My morning routine is carved in stone. I get up an hour before my husband, make coffee and enjoy a quiet 45 minutes waking up and planning my day, reading my email and making a list of my priorities.
Set Boundaries
Even if it’s just one hour a week, carve out time that is sacred for your writing or creative work. As often as possible during each week, I disappear into my study for an hour to focus on one of my projects. Even just once a week is enough to make a difference, both practically and emotionally. I always feel better about life when I’ve had that hour.
Leverage Downtime
If you spend time waiting at appointments or helping your loved ones rest, use that time for brainstorming, outlining, or reading for inspiration. I take my headphones with me wherever I go. I plug in when grocery shopping to quiet, relaxing sounds, to books when I’m getting a manicure and talk to a friend or my sister while taking my daily walk. I pay attention to the way I feel and choose accordingly.
Enlist Support
If possible, ask for help from family or friends to give yourself a dedicated window for creative work. This is an area in which I’m on a steep learning curve. I’ve never been one to ask for help and come from a long line of independent people! We give help, we don’t ask for it. I don’t think I’m unlike many women of our generation, but I do know it’s not a healthy way to live! I witnessed the impact on my mother as she aged, and I’m trying to learn the art of accepting support when it’s offered. That’s the first step.
Be Kind to Yourself
Progress doesn’t have to be fast; consistency matters more. Celebrate small wins. Positive self-talk is crucial to staying planted during demanding times. For those of us who were not taught positive self-talk by our parents, we must first find the words and then get comfortable with them. This, I believe, is the power of positive affirmations. We have to first stop feeling like it’s not okay to be kind to ourselves and then we have to practice, practice, practice kind words until they become our own.
FAN THE FLAMES OF YOUR CREATIVITY
Creativity doesn’t require large chunks of time—just small, consistent efforts. What small steps do you take to keep your creative fire burning?
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