Home » Unplugged Activities » 5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

I’m saying goodbye to the skyline
Hello to the sweet pines
Gonna see you later street lights
I’m headed back to tree lines
To free time and starry nights
To bonfires and fire flies
Pack your bags it’s time to go
Cause we got brighter lights back home

-“Back Home” by Owl City

“Back Home” was the soundtrack to our week last week spent up at HoneyRock Camp in the northwoods of Wisconsin.  Our B.I.L. Matthew included it on a mix CD for us, and we must’ve played it a hundred times during our road-tripping adventures.  In fact, feel free to hit play on the YouTube video above if you want to time-travel with us as you read this post…

…saying hello to the sweet pines…

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

…to free time…

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

…and starry skies…

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | "starry skies"

…and bonfires.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | "bonfires"

This was our fourth trip to HoneyRock together where Mark serves as camp doc.  And we’ve both come to really savor it as a time of intentional rest, reflection, and retreat.  (I’m on a roll with the R words, folks!)  We always come back home recharged and ready to take on a new school year.

Side-note: I may not be teaching in the classroom anymore, but I still think of years in terms of school years…and the oncoming fall always feels like a fresh start.  Can I get a witness?

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

The key to our renewal?

I think what has made our time up at HoneyRock so very renewing has been our intentional choice to “unplug” from our devices for the majority of our time.  So, outside the 2 hours/day of work time when Mark is seeing patients at the Health Center, and I’m working on the blog in the Computer Lab, we set our phones to do not disturb.  I close my laptop.

And we begin a different kind of work–the work that refuels our creativity.

Because as much as I love my phone and my laptop and the interwebs that connect me to a wonderful community of friends and fellow creatives, I also recognize that screens can dull the senses.  And there are some fantastic opportunities to kindle the mind when we power down our devices for even just a short spell.

In fact, I want to dive into sharing some of my favorite activities to do when I’m seeking rest for the soul and refueling for my creative brain.  I hope it’s an inspiration for you.

Update: Check out the replay of my broadcast on Periscope to supplement your reading.  (Psst!  This was one of my favorite scopes ever.  What an enriching convo!)

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity

#1:  Read an old-fashioned book.  The kind made of real paper from real trees.

It could be a book you’ve read before and are eager to read again like Stephen King’s *On Writing.  It could be a new book you’re reading aloud with your life-buddy like Andrew Peterson’s On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.  It could be a picture book or a graphic novel.  Sky’s the limit.

But pour yourself a cold brew coffee, and allow yourself to get lost in a piece of text that invites your work-brain to rest and invites your play-brain to ignite.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

#2:  Create something with your hands.

Paint with watercolors.  Finger-paint with acrylics.  Doodle without lifting your pen off of the page.  Build a world out of clay.  Piece together a jigsaw puzzle.

Allow yourself the freedom to create simply for the sake of creating and without any added pressure to show it to anyone or give it away as a gift or share it on your craft blog.

And if you have an inner critic like I do, who tries to stop you from creating anything at all by whispering sweet nothings in your ear like,

You’re a terrible artist.  You call this art?  What a waste of time.  What a lack of talent.  Don’t even think of snapping an Instagram photo of this hot mess.

…well then, shut her right up by telling her this is play time, not work time, and she can come back later, but for now, she is not welcome.  Nor are Instagram photos because remember, we’re unplugged.

And then savor the sweet silence.

Our dockside Lifeguard Stand has become the perfect place to paint and shoot photos! Here's how it inspired my DIY Coastal Wood Plank Photo Backdrop
Instagram 2.22.15

#3:  Write with a pen on paper.

Oh the things you could write!

I find that a timer is a really helpful tool for writing like this.  The official start and stop time give me the nudge I need to put that pen to paper and scribble away.

And allow yourself the freedom to ignore rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation for this kind of writing.  You can even go so far as to call it freewriting–which is some of my favorite kind of writing–where I keep that pen moving for the entire 5 or 10 minutes, even if it means writing “blah blah blah” until a new thought appears.  Some of my very best nuggets have emerged during freewriting sessions.  They show up unannounced and quite unexpectedly after a whole bunch of junk.  Like diamonds in the rough.

You never know what kind of magic can spill from a pen on the page until you start to write faster than your inner critic can speak.

Try it.  It’s smile-inducing.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

#4:  Take some quiet time for prayer or meditation.

I find this to be one of the most challenging and yet one of the most rewarding activities to take on during a retreat.

My biggest hurdle can be to quiet my mind, so I can enjoy simply being with God.

Because I yearn for a deeper relationship with God, the kind where we can just be together like two forever-friends without needing to say a thing.  To enjoy His presence without asking for anything or even saying a word of thanks.  It’s actually a practice I used to be great at as a kid (someday, remind me to tell you the story when I played with Jesus at recess).

Now, as an adult, prayer and meditation are practices I’m intentionally working on.

And the work is worth it.

It fills me up.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

#5.  Go for a walk outside.

Now, as someone who is writing this post in the height of summer in Orlando, Florida where it feels like a sauna every time you walk outside, I fully recognize that this is an easy one to write off.  Because “it’s too hot” for a walk.  And for some of you, it’s often “too cold” for a walk.  And for my friends in Seattle, it’s often “too rainy” for a walk.

But hear this: take one anyway.  Life’s too short for “toos.”  (Can I coin that as a new phrase?)

Even if just for 10 minutes, put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes, go outside, and breathe deep.  Be present with the sights and sounds and smells around you.  Allow your imagination to come to life as you take in the wonders of the world we live in.

It will do your body and soul good.

And bring to life all manner of creativity.

Just you wait walk and see.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

Beauty & Bread

The HoneyRock Camp Health Center is moving to a new building next year, and so the nurses had free reign to paint on the walls this summer.

They chose well with this John Muir quote that gripped me the moment I saw it and haunted me all week.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity by Lauren Lanker from thinkingcloset.com | "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal, and give strength to body and soul." -John Muir
Instagram 8.2.15

We humans do have the very real need for beauty as well as bread, don’t we?

And I recognize that I don’t take enough time away from my daily work hustle (and mindless internet perusing) to restore the body and soul.  To play and to pray.

At least, I had forgotten how very much I needed it until I got it last week.

But here’s the thing:

While trips are a fantastic opportunity to refuel the creative tank when it’s low, I don’t believe we have to travel far from home to experience it.  In fact, there’s such a term as “mini-retreats,” and they can take place in a quiet corner of our home in 20 minute bursts.

The Creative Retreat Workbook by Jennie Moraitis | After scribbling and doodling my way through The Creative Retreat Workbook, I am convinced that mini-retreats are not only something I need in my busy life, but something I now have the tools to make happen. Jennie truly has a gift for helping readers overcome their fears in order to unlock their creative potential.

I first learned of the brilliant concept of “mini-retreats” from The Creative Retreat Workbook by Jennie Moraitis.

As soon as I got my hands on a copy and perused the colorful pages with all of their doodles and blank space for journaling, I immediately printed and bound it at my local Staples because I knew this was going to become a go-to resource for me.  It’s jam-packed with inspirational stories and guided brainstorming for dreaming and scheming your next creative retreat.

I really latched onto Jennie’s vision of the mini-retreat–the one you can work into your everyday life–even with kiddos–even with a job–even with a to-do list a mile long.  And the workbook ignited a fire in me to make mini-retreats a habit rather than a once a year event up at HoneyRock Camp.

The Creative Retreat Workbook by Jennie Moraitis | After scribbling and doodling my way through The Creative Retreat Workbook, I am convinced that mini-retreats are not only something I need in my busy life, but something I now have the tools to make happen. Jennie truly has a gift for helping readers overcome their fears in order to unlock their creative potential.

Why?

Because when I do take a break from my work routine in order to refuel my creativity, I find I am the best version of myself.  And I’m an even better worker when I return back to the tasks before me because I’m not running on empty anymore.

The creative tank is full.

My body and soul have found their strength again.

And I know you’ll find the same to be true, dear reader.

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

5 Non-Digital Activities to Refuel Your Creativity | It's amazing what a little bit of intentional rest and renewal can do for the body and soul, especially when we power down our devices and unplug. The best part? We don't even need to travel away from home to take a creative retreat. We can take one in the midst of our day-just a quick 20 minutes of reading, painting, writing, prayer, or a walk outside. And it can restore our energy and creativity so we return to work with renewed purpose!

More Of This, Please.

If this topic resonated with you, and you’d like to read some more on subjects like this, well here’s a rabbit trail of goodness fer ya:

And if you, too, want to set to work to plan your next creative retreat and make mini-retreats a habit in your life, be sure to grab your own copy of The Creative Retreat Workbook.  You won’t regret it.

To Close

Dear reader, what fills you up when your stores of creativity and energy are low?  I’d love to know in the comments below.

And to close us out, I’ll leave you with this killer infographic by The Creative Retreat Queen herself, Jennie Moraitis.  Feel free to pin this puppy, so you can come back to it when you need a reminder of why it’s good and right to power down the screens and take a mini-retreat on a regular basis.

12 Reasons Why You Need a Personal Retreat! Awesome infographic by Jennie, author of The Creative Retreat Workbook.

*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for helping to support this site!

Also, I received a free preview copy of Jennie’s workbook; however, all opinions are my own.  I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe my readers will love to Reese’s Pieces.

signature

| | | |

14 Comments

  1. Hi Lauren,

    Thank you for writing this post. It is EXACTLY what I needed right now. I’m at a point in my life where everything is crowding in on me and I have been having so much trouble making some time for myself at all. This idea, from the mini retreat workbook is perfect! I’m going to attempt just the 20 minutes for now and maybe one day will add the workbook to my book shelf 🙂

    P.s. Have you ever thought of writing a novel? The vivid imagery you use in your posts and newsletters are very captivating. If you already have a book, where can I find it?

    1. Aw, Michelle, thank you for this sweet sweet comment. That feeling you describe of everything crowding in on you is one I have felt so often–in fact, it’s been creeping up on me again lately–and your comment urged me to go back and re-read what I wrote! Ha ha. Sometimes we need to take our own advice when we get off course.

      I love your reachable goal of 20 minute spurts of rest and creative renewal. My husband and I recently re-implemented our 1 day of rest of a week tradition, and it has been such a balm to my soul.

      Aw, and you made me smile wide with your encouragement to write a novel one day! Actually, I DID write an eBook last fall called Thinking Outside the Gift Box, and it’s all about the simple, small, ordinary gifts we can give our loved ones that have an extraordinary impact. One day (maybe sooner than later), I hope to be able to release it in paperback, but until then, you can find it in digital form over HERE. Thank you for asking, friend! And thanks for being such a faithful reader and subscriber. That means so very much to me.

      Blessings on your creative journey!

  2. I love this list! I recently picked my watercolors back up and I was astounded at how creative I felt after doing it for an hour or so. Wisconsin is beautiful (not far from us!) but I agree, you definitely don’t need to go far to find beauty or a nice place to recharge. I’ve found that even if I go to my beautiful office (rather than just working from my living room) creativity is much easier to find!

  3. Hi, Lauren ~ Loved, loved, loved this post! And the scope that went along with it! :0) Refueling is SO important, but I think it’s easy to forget about, especially in our “plugged in” world. I love to read a physical book! There’s something about the feel of it in my hands and the smell of it (I can’t be the only one who loves the smell of books and the library?!). It takes me back to being a kid when I would spend all summer reading in the back yard. Plus, I love to take notes in and highlight my books. Helps me really make them my own! I’m also a big journaler, so that activity resonated with me, too. In fact, all of these activities did! Thanks for sharing and reminding me of the importance of quiet and solitude, unplugging, and refueling! Looks like you guys had an amazing time at summer camp! Hope you’re having a great week!

    1. Aw, thanks, Tiffany! So glad it resonated with you, especially #1: reading a physical book. It sounds like our summers were quite similar growing up! And that we share a lot of similar interests. 🙂 I’ve loved connecting with so many kindreds through blogging and Periscope. Thanks for stopping by and for leaving such a thoughtful comment! You made me smile!

  4. Thought-provoking post, Lauren! As always. Please do keep posting lessons as you learn them. I find myself on the same trajectory in life and your blog feels like a chat with a fellow traveller.

    1. Wow, what a kind and encouraging comment! Thank you, Suravi. I will certainly continue to share…thank you so much for listening and sharing in return. The journey is certainly all the more meaningful with co-travelers.

  5. Thsi post came at the right time. I’ve been working on how to get my creativity and my own stories going. You know a bit of how my life has been crazy and how much I work and keep my head held high at all times. I think I’ve drown myself into work so life is less hard but the truth that it just consumes every bit of energy and even though I love what I do, I don’t seem entirely happy. I think I need to take your word on this and try to apply many of your tips so I can get my creativity flowing again. I just bought the book and can’t wait to listen to you tonight!

    Xoxo and thank you for always have the right story and the right message at the right moments!

    Love ya lots!
    XOXO

  6. SO much to love about this. Where do I even start?
    1) That song is lovely. Listening to it while reading your words was the perfect combo for this Wednesday morning.
    2) Your photos are really good. Exceptionally good. You could start a side business as a professional photographer.
    3) How are you so pretty? In every picture you look so fresh and fun and not a day over 25.
    4) I’ve wanted to read that book by Stephen King for the longest time, and this pushed me over the edge. Just like that, link clicked and book purchased. Thank you!
    5) Putting my computer away to go journal, and maybe even start a timer and work on that book. Eek!

  7. Yes, yes, and Yes! 🙂 Seeing this workbook being loved makes me so happy, Lauren! 🙂 I loved virtually walking with you through your trip. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I smiled a huge smile when I saw your doodles on the permission page AND the Stumptown cold brew coffee. (I’ve always loved the Nickel Creek song, “Stumptown” and we’re living outside of Portland, OR now where the coffee company started. :)) Happiness. Have an amazing day, friend! Hope you get lots of creative retreats in this year and that they fill up your soul with joy!

Your comments make my day!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *