Some weeks ago I started feeling the usual tiredness and lack of inspiration after a long period of creative lonely work. Having to create my days, finding the best organization possible, new ideas, freshness and inspiration to keep improving was draining my creativity away.
So I came out with the idea of having a productive break and create a space for ideas and energy: I created my own Creative residence. (Just a nice name I found for "having a break to work in a different atmosphere").
I decided to share my experience of this one-week-productive-break, with the hopes that this can help other fellow freelancers or creative professionals recharge their batteries too.
Because, after all, change is indeed, in our hands (and wings).
In my case, I had some requirements:
- It would have to be cheap.
- It would have to allow me to really change my mindset
- It would have to include healthy options
So this was the result:
So I came out with the idea of having a productive break and create a space for ideas and energy: I created my own Creative residence. (Just a nice name I found for "having a break to work in a different atmosphere").
I decided to share my experience of this one-week-productive-break, with the hopes that this can help other fellow freelancers or creative professionals recharge their batteries too.
Because, after all, change is indeed, in our hands (and wings).
In my case, I had some requirements:
- It would have to be cheap.
- It would have to allow me to really change my mindset
- It would have to include healthy options
So this was the result:
#1 - Traveling - changing physical and cultural mindset
Changing physical atmosphere is mandatory in my case. Going into a place where nothing was familiar, where my routine wouldn't be predictable.
So I chose a place abroad. A place where I would have a safe, nice and free place to stay.
In my case, I chose a good friend's house, in Brussels. It could have been a farm not so far away from home, or any other place where a friend is ready to host me. Options are various, it is just a matter of going through your network of friends and family and seeing the option that fits you and him/her.
Unable to find a cheap flight there, I flew to Paris and then did the rest of the trip by bus (a very cheap alternative).
Since I had to stay for one night in Paris, I decided to make it a cleaning-stopover.
So I chose a place abroad. A place where I would have a safe, nice and free place to stay.
In my case, I chose a good friend's house, in Brussels. It could have been a farm not so far away from home, or any other place where a friend is ready to host me. Options are various, it is just a matter of going through your network of friends and family and seeing the option that fits you and him/her.
Unable to find a cheap flight there, I flew to Paris and then did the rest of the trip by bus (a very cheap alternative).
Since I had to stay for one night in Paris, I decided to make it a cleaning-stopover.
# 2. Time for a real break: cleaning the mind and getting inspiration
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Drifting
Before starting the intensive productive week, I had a day out. For 24 hours, I just walked, walked, walked, walked and observed. No museums, no paying entrances anywhere. Just walking and seeing the natural beauty of the city, in a drift mode (drift is actually one of my favorite ways of cleaning the mind. Chose yours and just go for it!).
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Refuel energy!
For me, it was mandatory to find some time to do what fuels my energy: sitting in a beautiful cafe and writing postcards works perfectly for me. I could imagine so many options for other kind of creative people: drawing, listening to live music on the street, taking pictures,... Just feeling the creative energy flowing, without a fixed purpose. What gives you energy?
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Food stops!
As for food solutions, I search for healthy (and economic) options that could keep me moving, that wouldn't cost a lot and that would combine the possibility of indoor (winter time is more challenging) and outdoor worlds. A nice toast serving as brunch and a picnic in a park were the perfect solutions to get food and feel the city.
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Keep work (smoothly) updated
Although working was not the purpose, it was impossible not to have ideas and keep some work related aspects running. So I found some space for that as well.
The only difference was that being away, ideas and obligations were being taken care of in a different atmosphere and out of the feeling of routine. An inspired French one, in this case!
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After 24 hours in Paris, even not having done a lot, I was already feeling relaxed, open and ready for new and more. The brain appreciates so much this time for a break and for something different.
The next day I was on my way to Brussels feeling already ready to sit for the entire day and start being productive again.
And this is what happened.
For an entire week, I was doing my usual routine, but just in another place.
#3 Same routine, new atmosphere = everything changes
Once in the new house - a good friend's apartment - a new routine was settled.
It was time to find the new working spots that suit the tasks for that period. Making "home" or "office" out of the new physical space.
Being a freelancer the only thing we need is an internet connection, a cosy place and a space to settle our stuff. Most of the houses would provide that, so it is not difficult to adapta yourself. (Well... Except if you chose a place out in the woods and you really need wi-fi connection for your work... Then, it may be good to reconsider...).
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Although what I saw in my laptop, books and post-its was the same as always, just the fact that I could look outside and have a different view was already perfect for the break my mind needed.
I was still working hard for a week, but my eyes were having a rest and my soul was getting absolutely inspired. Even the smells seemed different.
Food
Usual daily routines keep the same, including cooking. (Once again food gets a major importance in my case, I guess it's my Portuguese side!).
If focus and productivity were the goal then having healthy, fast to cook and varied food available was important. Also having the time to appreciate it was fundamental in my case, since it is very often around the dinner or lunch table that good ideas arise.
A balanced meal was the opportunity to have a break on the workflow, take the mind away for a while and even allow new connections to come. (Keep post-its close, just in case!:)
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Exercise
Being away from the usual exercise options that may demand a specific place (such as gyms or exercise routes), it is important to have something we can easily do at home. In my case, AcroYoga was the option.
But there are several options, such as Yoga, running around the city, fast walks, stretching exercises or other types of functional trainings. Having regular stops to keep the body active gets fundamental for creativity (and fun!).
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External inspiration
In case an extra-dosis of inspiration is needed, there are always nice cafes to be explored, ready to serve as coffice (Cafe+Office). A new place to have a break from working at home all day and a possibility to get outside inspiration, keeping the creative work flowing.
(In case you chose a rural option for your residence, forget about coffices! Just go for a beautiful walk with pen and paper and breath the fresh air! It will probably be even more inspiring!).
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After one week, the results were wonderful outside and inside.
Not only the work had been done, but also the energy level was up again, the inspiration was up and new and fresh ideas were arising.
Money-wise, practically the same amount was spent, if comparing with having stayed home. The trip was with a low-cost company and eating and exercising at home were actually saving me money.
Those who work as freelancers know about the dark sides of being one: money instability, periods of lack of projects, extreme need for self-discipline and good organization, lack of recognition, among others.
But freedom and the ability to chose how we overcome some of those difficulties is something we do have.
It's up to us and to our creativity and willingness to break routines to go search for freshness and inspiration.
Sometimes, simple solutions are just around the corner (or around our city or country), waiting for us to just decided to have a break, buy that cheap (bus, plane, train) ticket, contact that good friend asking for (or exchanging) home and GO.
Not only the work had been done, but also the energy level was up again, the inspiration was up and new and fresh ideas were arising.
Money-wise, practically the same amount was spent, if comparing with having stayed home. The trip was with a low-cost company and eating and exercising at home were actually saving me money.
Those who work as freelancers know about the dark sides of being one: money instability, periods of lack of projects, extreme need for self-discipline and good organization, lack of recognition, among others.
But freedom and the ability to chose how we overcome some of those difficulties is something we do have.
It's up to us and to our creativity and willingness to break routines to go search for freshness and inspiration.
Sometimes, simple solutions are just around the corner (or around our city or country), waiting for us to just decided to have a break, buy that cheap (bus, plane, train) ticket, contact that good friend asking for (or exchanging) home and GO.
Special thanks to my friend P. K., who made this adventure possible and beautiful by sharing his nest.
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