Want to be more creative? Maybe go for a run.

I started exercising regularly when my youngest baby started sleeping through the night. I took a Crystal Paine’s online course about reworking your morning routine. My new morning routine began with a tiny bit of exercise. Soon after, I also started a journaling practice and then started getting more intentional about creativity.

I found the exercise woke up my brain and helped me have more energy throughout the day. I started small and then built up to a couch to 5k program. I have been running for 5 years now and have done several running races and triathlons.

What does fitness have to do with a creative practice? For me, the gradual development of my fitness program helped me learn how to form a habit gradually, starting small and working my way up to a larger goal. This same kind of focus and endurance has helped me complete larger projects, like writing books and making giant quilts.

Exercising regularly helps me feel better, mentally and physically, which helps me feel more creative and have more energy for my projects. Research backs the connection between movement and creativity. Several studies have found connections between regular movement, imagination and creativity. While exercise can help improve your mood, the benefits for creativity have been show to be a separate additional benefit.

If you find yourself wanting to have more ideas and energy for creativity, maybe try adding movement into your day. It’s good for your mind and body and your creative soul.

Join Us!

Are you looking for an accountability group for your writing or other creative endeavors? Join us on FB in the Creative Collaborative for peer coaching and accountability. We can support each other through our creative projects piece by piece.