We all know the feeling. You’re trying to get through your to-do list, but somewhere along the way, your creativity starts to fizzle out. You’re stuck in that all-too-familiar cycle of trying to be productive but feeling uninspired.
But, there’s good news.
Staying productive doesn’t have to come at the expense of your creativity. In fact, they can actually feed off each other.
As Maya Angelou once said:
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
The trick is learning how to tap into that endless well while still getting things done.
To help you stay productive without losing your creative spark, here are 11 practical, evidence-based strategies that I use to find that sweet spot where productivity and creativity flow together.
1. Allow Your Mind To Wander
Productivity doesn’t always mean being laser-focused on a task. In fact, sometimes the best ideas come when you least expect them, like in the shower or on a long walk.
Archimedes knew that well. He had a breakthrough moment while taking a bath. The story goes that he was trying to figure out how to measure the volume of irregular objects when, as he stepped into a bath and saw the water level rise, the solution suddenly clicked.
And he isn’t alone. Albert Einstein often credited his theory of relativity to moments of daydreaming during his regular walks, and J.K. Rowling came up with the idea for Harry Potter while stuck on a delayed train.
When your mind isn’t focused on a specific task, the subconscious kicks in, making connections and generating ideas you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Psychologists call this the default mode network (DMN). This is the part of the brain that activates during daydreaming. It’s closely linked to problem-solving and creative thinking.
Allowing your mind to wander gives it the space to innovate. Think of it as a way to fertilise the soil for new ideas to grow. You might not have a groundbreaking thought right away, but over time, these unstructured moments can lead to profound insights.
Instead of forcing yourself to stay on task 100% of the time, give yourself permission to step away from your work and let your imagination roam. You might be surprised by the creative solutions that bubble up when your mind is free to wander.
2. Take Regular Breaks
While letting your mind wander helps spark creativity, taking regular breaks is all about keeping your energy up and avoiding burnout.
The brain just isn’t designed to focus for hours on end, so pushing through without pausing often leads to diminishing returns. You end up working harder but getting less done.
As a study from the University of Illinois found, regular breaks can actually help you stay focused longer and avoid mental fatigue. The result? More productivity and more room for creative thinking.
One of the most effective ways to structure these breaks is using the Pomodoro Technique. It’s simple: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. These mini-breaks give your brain the downtime it needs to recharge and often sparks fresh ideas.
But here’s where it gets even better: these structured breaks also provide the perfect opportunity for your mind to wander. Whether it’s a 5-minute walk, a quick stretch, or even making a cup of tea, that brief pause gives your brain a chance to reset, kind of like how Archimedes had his big breakthrough moment in the bath. You never know what creative solution might pop up during those few minutes away from your desk.
So, while breaks are key for staying productive, they’re also great for unlocking creativity. By stepping away from your desk at regular intervals, you’re not just recharging your mental energy but also opening the door to fresh ideas.
When used together, structured breaks and a little mind-wandering create a powerful combination for staying both productive and creative.
3. Get Outside
Ever notice how stepping into nature clears your head?
Getting outside is a way to supercharge your regular breaks.
And science backs it up. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, can improve creative thinking by as much as 60%. There’s something about moving your body and breathing fresh air that helps untangle mental knots.
In her book The Nature Fix, Florence Williams explains how even just a quick walk outside can reset your brain, giving you the mental clarity to see problems differently.
So, when you take a break, don’t just scroll through your phone—step out for 10–15 minutes. You’ll find that after a few minutes outdoors, your mood lifts, your stress melts away, and ideas start flowing again.
4. Green Your Space…
We all have a natural connection to the outdoors, which is why we love hotel rooms with a sea view or offices with big windows and plants. Nature not only makes us feel better physically and emotionally, but it also works wonders for creativity and focus.
So, if you can’t always step outside, why not bring nature to your workspace?
There’s a concept called ‘biophilic design’ that’s all about bringing the outdoors in. It uses things like natural light, plants, and organic materials to brighten our buildings.
Studies show that having these touches of nature in your workspace can reduce stress, spark creativity and boost productivity by up to 15%.
Whether it’s a potted plant on your desk or working by a window that lets in plenty of sunlight, having nature nearby can make you feel more creative, productive, and grounded.
Diversify Your Decor
And it’s not just about plants and views. Colours matter too. Natural tones like green, blue, and brown can help create a calm, focused vibe, while grey tends to have the opposite effect.
Companies that made the leap and introduced biophilic design into their office quickly noticed the effects. Amazon’s Seattle office, The Spheres, is a good example. It’s packed with 40,000 plants, has treehouse meeting rooms, and feels like walking through a rainforest.
Now, you probably don’t need 40,000 plants like Amazon. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a little slice of nature into your workspace.
Here are some easy ways to get started:
- 🪴 Plants: Real ones are ideal, but artificial plants work too.
- 🖼️ Nature-inspired artwork: If plants aren’t your thing, bring in some art that showcases the beauty of nature.
- ☀️ Sunlight: Keep your space open and bright by letting the sunlight in.
- 🪵 Natural materials: Think wood, bamboo, or stone when choosing furniture or décor.
- 🎶 Tune into nature: Add some peaceful nature sounds in the background for an extra calming atmosphere.
Even the smallest touch of nature can make a big difference in how you feel and work every day.
5. …Or Change Your Space Altogether
Another way to shake things up is to change your environment.
As you work to get things done, the days can start to feel boring and repetitive. You might notice procrastination and a lack of creativity creeping in.
Believe it or not, the space you work in can be part of the problem. When we spend time getting distracted in a place, our brains start to associate distractions with the place itself, making it even harder to focus.
In this case, switching up your workspace is one of the best tricks for boosting productivity and creativity.
So why not spend a morning working from the local library or a new café, or even just move to a different room in your house?
Take It From The Experts
Some of the world’s most creative minds know the power of a new environment. J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter in various cafés around Edinburgh. Steve Jobs was known for his walking meetings, believing that walking led to his most creative ideas.
And if working from a coffee shop or your living room isn’t doing the trick, travelling can take things to the next level. Being in a completely different country opens up your mind to fresh perspectives and unfamiliar cultures, which can lead to new ideas and deeper connections.
Ernest Hemingway, for example, wrote some of his best work while travelling. And it’s no surprise: travel pushes you out of your comfort zone and stretches your imagination in ways your typical environment can’t.
Psychologist Marvin Zuckerman pointed out that humans are wired to seek new experiences. When we’re exposed to something new, our brains release dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical that motivates us and makes us more receptive to creative ideas.
Of course, you don’t need to jump on a plane every time you feel stuck. But even exploring a new part of your city can make a difference. The key is to break out of your usual routine. Let your surroundings inspire you, and you might just find the creative breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
6. Listen To Music
Music has a unique ability to influence our mood and creativity.
Back in 1993, scientists at the University of California discovered that listening to Mozart temporarily improved spatial reasoning in college students, a phenomenon they called the “Mozart Effect.”
While this study focused on cognitive abilities rather than creativity itself, it sparked a lot of interest in how music affects our brains.
Since then, research has continued to show music’s impact. For example, a study published in the Journal of Thinking Skills and Creativity found that music with moderate ambient noise, like instrumental tracks or nature sounds, can boost performance on creative tasks.
Another study from the University of Birmingham revealed that listening to music you enjoy while working can improve your mood and make you more productive.
The reason? Daniel Levitin explains, in his book This Is Your Brain on Music, that music taps into the brain’s reward system. This makes it a powerful tool for both focus and creativity.
So, why not experiment with different types of music to see what works for you? Maybe classical for deep focus, instrumental jazz for brainstorming or lo-fi beats to unwind during breaks.
When chosen wisely, the right melodies can enhance your mood, pump up your motivation, and stimulate creativity.
7. Build Creative Rituals into Your Daily Routine
Daily rituals help set the tone for creative work.
In her book The Creative Habit, choreographer Twyla Tharp explains that all it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. The more consistent you are, the easier it gets.
So, even if it’s just 10 minutes each morning, establishing a creative ritual helps create the space you need to innovate.
One great way to kick-start this is by dedicating some time at the start of your day to something creative before diving into the to-do list. Whether it’s free writing, sketching, or brainstorming new ideas, getting your creativity going early sets the tone for the rest of your day. You’re fresh, focused, and more open to new ideas. Plus, it feels great to spend your best energy on something creative before the day’s demands take over.
Another important part of staying creative throughout the day is incorporating mindful moments. Practices like journaling, meditation, or breathwork exercises can keep your mind clear and open to new ideas.
Take Yuval Noah Harari, the author of Sapiens, for example. He spends two hours each day meditating, and takes regular meditation retreats to clear his mind and focus on the bigger picture. This practice helps him detach from distractions and let his mind wander freely, leading to the deep insights that fuel his writing.
While most of us don’t have two hours a day for mindfulness, even a few minutes of intentional quiet can create the mental space for fresh insights.
The key isn’t about forcing creativity, but rather allowing space for it to emerge naturally.
8. Go on Artist Dates
Once you’ve started building creative rituals into your daily routine, another powerful practice to enhance creativity is going on Artist Dates.
Julia Cameron first introduced this concept in her book The Artist’s Way, describing Artist Dates as once-weekly solo adventures to explore something that interests you.
While daily rituals set the tone for creativity, Artist Dates take it a step further by allowing you to explore and play in ways that truly inspire you.
The idea is simple: once a week, carve out time to do something just for yourself—something that’s fun and stimulating. It could be as simple as visiting a museum, trying out watercolours, or knitting a scarf for your niece. Whatever excites you and gives you the space to reconnect with your inner artist.
Artist Dates are so effective because they help you enter a state of flow, that sweet spot of intense focus and enjoyment. When you’re in flow, you lose track of time, and you’re entirely immersed in the task at hand.
Beyond that, Artist Dates are a form of self-care. They give your brain the restorative break it needs to stay sharp and productive in the long run. Studies have shown that engaging in hobbies and creative activities reduces stress, replenishes cognitive resources, and improves overall well-being—all key ingredients for long-term productivity.
Lastly, Artist Dates encourage divergent thinking, which is the ability to come up with multiple ideas or solutions to a problem. By engaging in different types of creative activities, you’ll naturally strengthen this skill, making you more innovative and effective in everything you do.
Remember, your Artist Dates don’t need to be overtly artistic. Just ask yourself, “What sounds fun?” Then, block out some time next week and go for it.
9. Work With Other Inspiring People
We often think of creative work as a solo pursuit, but some of the best ideas and breakthroughs come from collaboration. Working alongside inspiring people can open the door to new perspectives, ideas, and energy that you might not access on your own.
As Dr Vivek Murthy explains in his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection, collaboration doesn’t just ease feelings of isolation—it actively fuels motivation and creativity.
When you engage with others, whether it’s attending workshops, bouncing ideas off a colleague, or joining a mastermind group, you expose yourself to new viewpoints and skills.
This leads to what sociologists call creative cross-pollination. This is the exchange of ideas from different fields that sparks innovation in unexpected ways. A fresh perspective can often be the missing piece that transforms your thinking or pushes a project forward.
Research backs this up. Several studies have shown that teams working together, especially when they bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives, tend to come up with more innovative solutions than individuals working alone. The mix of different experiences, expertise, and viewpoints pushes everyone’s creativity to new heights.
And if you’re working remotely or don’t have the opportunity to physically collaborate? Then, you can turn to tools like online coworking platforms or virtual communities, which offer a way to connect with like-minded individuals, keeping you accountable, motivated, and inspired. My own community, Productivity Lab, has been designed to do just that.
10. Use Your Hands
Austin Kleon, the author of Steal Like an Artist, keeps two desks: an ”analogue” one and a “digital” one. The analogue desk is specifically for offline creation, like cutting up paper and sketching by hand, and it’s where all the ideas are born. The digital one is only for editing and publishing the work.
This approach taps into a simple truth: working with your hands can spark creativity in ways that digital tools often can’t.
There’s something about stepping away from the screen and getting your hands busy that helps break through creative blocks. Physical activities give your mind space to wander, letting you approach problems from a different angle.
So, whether you’re doodling, crafting, or even preparing a meal, take some time each day to work with your hands. You might find that those offline moments lead to richer, more creative ideas than hours spent staring at a screen.
11. Add Constraints
While it may sound counterintuitive, limitations can set you free. In a world full of endless possibilities, having no boundaries can be paralysing. So, the key to overcoming a creative block is to place constraints on yourself.
Shoot a movie with just your phone. Create a sketch with only three shapes. Write a short story in 15 minutes. It’s not about having the perfect tools or endless time. It’s about doing the most with what you’ve got right now.
One of the best examples? Dr. Seuss. When challenged to write a book using only 50 different words, he came up with Green Eggs and Ham, one of the bestselling children’s books of all time.
Or the iconic film Jaws, where the decision to hide the shark for most of the movie due to budget constraints actually made it scarier, enhancing the suspense.
The idea that limitations fuel creativity isn’t just an interesting theory. It’s backed by science. Research by Ravi Mehta and Meng Zhu found that people often become more inventive when they have fewer resources to work with.
When you’re forced to think within limits, it pushes your brain to find unexpected solutions. It’s why startups with tiny budgets often produce the most innovative ideas—constraints force creativity.
So, the next time you feel blocked or stuck, impose some constraints. Set a timer for 30 minutes and see what you can create. Limit yourself to using just a few tools, or give yourself a word or colour limit. These restrictions won’t hold you back; they’ll ignite your creativity and push you to think in new ways.
Creativity Or Productivity? Choose Both
We often think of creativity and productivity as opposites. But the truth is they’re two sides of the same coin. Productivity gives structure, while creativity brings fresh ideas into the mix.
Balancing productivity and creativity isn’t about picking one over the other but about creating habits that nurture both.
The strategies we’ve covered, from allowing your mind to wander and taking regular breaks, to building creative rituals and adding nature to your workspace, are all about creating an environment where creativity and productivity can thrive together.
Ultimately, it’s about balance. The more you allow space for both structured focus and creative exploration, the more you’ll find that productivity doesn’t drain your creative energy. Instead, it powers it.
If you’re looking to build creativity into your daily routine, then I recommend checking out Spark 2025. It’s an online summit I’ll be running between the 4th-5th January 2025, designed to help you build your own sustainable productivity systems, so you can prioritise the things that really matter. You can reserve your free spot here.
