The Creative Power of Doing Less
The KidLit Creator’s Chronicle – Issue #11
Hi!
(In case you’re not going to read to the end, check out the end of this article for a free training. 😉 )
More than once, I’ve found myself deep into a project, getting exhausted or feeling stuck in a rut, struggling to come up with new ideas. It’s a natural tendency to try and push on and on, but usually that doesn’t work. Over time, I’ve learned the power of stepping away, for instance sitting in our sunroom or going outside to sip coffee in the garden. (Although, I still need a reminder sometimes!)
I find that taking a bit of time, listening to the birds and watching the leaves sway in the breeze, has the magical tendency to untie the most complex knots in my mind.
Moments like that have happened often. Whether it’s walking in nature, enjoying quiet moments in my garden, or looking at art, stepping away seems to unlock my creativity. It’s as if my mind just needed a little breathing room to find the answer I’d been looking for.
My favourite spot in the house to recharge, our sunroom.
It’s easy to believe that being creative means working harder, spending more hours at your desk and pushing through, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the best ideas happen when you step away from your desk.
For writers, burnout is a common challenge. Between new writing projects, revising, and book marketing, it’s easy to feel drained. The harder you push yourself, the harder it can be to come up with fresh ideas.
That’s because creativity needs space to breathe. Research has shown that when you do simple, everyday activities, like going for a walk, folding laundry, or tidying up, your brain keeps working in the background. In fact, those mental breaks give your mind time and “space” to connect ideas and create new ideas.
Just like your body needs rest to recover and build muscle, your creative mind needs downtime to, well, create. Taking a break isn’t wasting time, it’s giving your mind the reset it needs.
Whether it’s stepping away for a walk, playing a game with your kids, or trying a new hobby, those moments of rest and play aren’t distractions. They’re part of the creative process.
So, the next time you’re stuck, remember: stepping back often isn’t being lazy or procrastinating, it’s giving your ideas a chance to bloom.
How to Add Rest and Play to Your Routine
Building rest and play into your day doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple, guilt-free ways to recharge your creativity.
1. Schedule Intentional Breaks
Waiting until you’re totally drained to take a break isn’t ideal. Instead, try planning breaks the same way you’d schedule a writing session or meeting.
- Block out 20–30 minutes in your calendar for downtime.
- Set a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to step away.
- Treat these breaks as non-negotiable. They’re part of your creative process.
Even quick breaks can make a big difference. A short walk, a few minutes of stretching, or a cup of tea can reset your mind and boost your energy
2. Add Play to Your Day
Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a powerful strategy to boost creativity.
- Try activities that feel fun without any pressure to “get it right,” like drawing, dancing, or building with LEGO.
- Spend time with your kids, pets, or friends doing a fun activity. Sometimes a little fun and laughter are all it takes to feel creative again.
The key is to focus on having fun, not being productive. Some of your best ideas may pop up when your mind is relaxed and free to wander.
3. Switch Creative Gears
If the words aren’t flowing, try switching to a different creative activity.
Doodle, bake, play an instrument–anything that keeps your creative side engaged without forcing the writing. Often, stepping away from one creative task can spark ideas for another.
For example, if you’re stuck on a picture book draft, sketching your character or playing with rhymes might unlock the breakthrough you need.
4. Rest with Intention
Rest doesn’t have to mean lying on the couch doing nothing (though that’s okay too!).
- Go for a quiet walk without headphones and let your thoughts drift.
- Even simple tasks like cooking, gardening, or folding laundry can give your brain space to make unexpected connections.
When you build rest and play into your routine, don’t view it as procrastinating on your writing. You’re giving your creativity the space it needs.
Why Working Harder Doesn’t Always Work
It’s easy to believe that the harder you push yourself, the more you’ll get done. Writers are often told that success comes from showing up every day and pushing through creative blocks.
While it’s important to put in the time and work, more hours at your desk doesn’t always lead to better ideas. It can leave you drained and stuck.
The key isn’t just to push harder. It’s knowing when to push and when to pause. Creativity works best when you find a rhythm: focused work mixed with intentional breaks. Without those breaks, you risk burning out or might just be ineffective (staring blankly at the screen, anyone?), and your ideas can start to feel flat and uninspired.
Great ideas don’t always come from working longer. They come from giving your mind time to process.
Great ideas don’t always come from working longer. They come from giving your mind time to process.
When you step away, whether you’re walking, cooking, or just relaxing, your mind works through problems in the background and comes up with solutions. On the flip side, staying busy all the time can block those deeper insights. When you’re constantly pushing, you tend to stay stuck on surface-level ideas. Rest isn’t just about recharging. It’s what gives your mind the space it needs to explore new ideas.
So instead of asking yourself, “Am I working hard enough?” try asking, “Am I giving myself enough space to think?”
Taking breaks isn’t slacking off. It’s a smart way to refresh your creativity and bring your best ideas to life.
Real-Life Examples
Many successful authors have found that stepping away from their desks can actually improve their creative process. Here are a couple of examples:
Kate DiCamillo: Walking to Clear Her Mind
Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, makes walking a regular part of her routine. She walks six miles with her mini goldendoodle, Ramona, daily and later takes a solo two-mile walk around her neighborhood. This time helps her process ideas and to be creative.
Mo Willems: Doodling
Mo Willems, author-illustrator of the Elephant & Piggie series and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, is a fan of doodling. During COVID-19, he started a fun video series, LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems!, where he invited viewers to draw with him. His playful approach reminded everyone that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated, and sometimes just doodling for fun can generate great ideas.
Both of these are great examples of how stepping away from your desk isn’t a waste of time. It’s an important part of creativity and getting new ideas.
Over to You!
Try stepping away from your desk for just 10 minutes today. Take a walk, dance, or simply stare out the window. See what ideas start to bubble up when you give your mind a little space.
I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite way to recharge your creativity? Comment and let me know!
Rest and play can spark your best ideas, but simplifying other parts of your creative life can help, too.
For many authors, social media can feel like one of those exhausting “must-do” activities that eats away at creative energy. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In my free training, How to Simplify Social Media and Sell More Children’s Books, I’ll show you how to take the pressure off by streamlining your social media strategy. You’ll learn:
- How to simplify your strategy
- What to post (even when you’re out of ideas)
- Easy ways to connect with parents, teachers, and librarians…and more!
By simplifying your approach, you can spend less time stressing over social media and more time giving your creativity the space it needs to thrive.
Click here to watch the free session.
We sometimes forget that stepping away is part of the creative process. Rest and play isn’t wasted time, it’s where inspiration strikes. So give yourself permission to pause and play.
