Surviving Winter (as a creative)

Maybe it is just me but this winter feels colder than last and it is only November. While the sun is swaying in and out, by 5pm sharp it is dark and dreary. We have put together the following tips to guide you in keeping your creativity alive this winter.

Photos taken by Anna G Pierrini

One) Acknowledge it and act accordingly

Winter time is rough and the weather impacts various elements of our lives, from our day-to-day emotions to how we choose to creatively express ourselves. As the sun starts to set at 4 pm, perhaps making content isn’t as easy, or you’re struggling to brainstorm how to develop a client brief. Either way, this change in weather must be acknowledged and appropriately accommodated for. 

Two) Study the changes

Observe how seeing the sun may alter your mood, in comparison to grey skies. Does pouring rain encourage you to meet your friend in Shoreditch for Chess Club or does it convince you to just stay home? Do you feel yourself waking up with more energy and a higher appetite or less?

Spend at least a week studying your changes and perhaps schedule in a chat with your GP and request a blood test to see where you may be impacted at a cellular level.

Three) Create an action plan

Now that you know how you’re being impacted. Break down what your needs are as a human and as a creative, and think about what small actions you can implement to meet them despite the weather. Do you need more hot soups in this season, rather cool salads? The goal is to make daily deposits into your wellbeing bank and create small pockets of joy to keep you going throughout the week. Build a rewards system to make meeting and tracking your goals fun. This sense of achievement will contribute to your wellbeing bank especially when winter blues decreases motivation.

Four) Set boundaries that work around you

Now that you know what you need, don’t be afraid to let others know also.

Instead of accepting that cold late-night club invite, perhaps suggest after work socials that engage your creativity. Don’t let changes in the weather push your creativity completely under the rug. Instead,  allow your interests and expression to take shape in accordance not just with the season but with what works best for you.

Try out these steps to guide you in surviving winter as a creative and let us know how you get on.