Rest is subjective, yet, much like self-care it has been pigeonholed into a general one-size-fits-all box. If you take a look on Instagram, it appears that the ‘art’ of resting is about dropping every ball… stopping… regrouping… just so that you can pick everything up and start again.

But what if you don’t enjoy stopping? 

What if you thrive when you’re ‘spread too thin’?

What if you worked so hard at starting, you don’t want to restart?

What if ‘busy’ brings you joy?

You create a life that allows your energy to ebb and flow in cycles, you learn to change pace, you learn to unwind, and most importantly you learn to take action that will take care, preserve and help your future self.

Maybe you tend to reject the idea of rest, you’re not sure HOW to slow down, so therefore you don’t.

Perhaps this is because you are feeling forced to rest in a way that isn’t natural for you, it doesn’t come naturally, because it is not the kind of rest that makes you feel good.

I’m not glorifying being so busy that you burn out or make yourself unwell, but if you struggle to rest in the conventional sense -- pausing, stopping and restarting -- then it is better to find your own version of resting.

This starts with self-awareness, it’s about noticing the signs in your own life when you are losing your creativity and clarity.

Rather than stopping, ask yourself;

• Why do I feel tired?
  
  

• What is going to help me feel less tired?

As a creative mum, a lack of headspace and feeling pressured by time are the two major things that zap me of energy. But friend, stopping and dropping all the balls just doesn’t help me feel better when I feel tired.

Slowing down, re-evaluating, reorganising and planning does.

Creating a clearer headspace

The number one thing you can do to create clearer headspace is to learn how to focus and be very clear about what it is you want to focus on. 

Our headspace is often taken up by decisions that need to be made, too many choices and doubts about what we are doing. 

Dedicate some of your time to get clear about what really matters to you and where you really want to spend your energy.

Cultivating a clearer headspace

Learn how to prioritise and forget about multitasking. 

Get into the habit of prioritising tasks, thoughts and actions that need to be completed in order for you to get to the next step ... no skipping steps, this is a sure fire way to kick start overwhelm and clutter your headspace.

You can do this by carving out time to complete routines in your own life.

For example, I have an evening routine where I write a list of priorities for the next day so I can go to bed with a clear head and get up knowing exactly where my energy is going to go. If I leave this task until the next morning, I will struggle to wind down.

This type of routine helps with your motivation, productivity and anxiety because you know exactly what steps need to be taken. 

Your priorities act like guide ropes if you’re having an off day and are still able to be productive, even if your house and hands are busy because you are able to carve out pockets of time knowing exactly what needs to be done.

Nurturing a clearer headspace

Organising and planning are the keys to nurturing a clear headspace. 

Get into the habit of constantly reviewing what you are actually doing with your energy, why and when you are getting tired. 

As mums there is always something to do, we can’t avoid that, but there are actions we can take to make the path smoother for our future selves. 

Take notice of what overwhelms you, what triggers your stress and ask yourself what action you can take. 

For example, I set the breakfast table the night before, so the morning goes smoother.

I prepare my work and my art studio for the next day when I finish working so I don’t waste time in the morning… 

We can take care of our future selves through small acts of kindness and routine.

Sustaining a clearer headspace

Learn when to step back, slow down and unwind. 

If you are losing motivation, if focus and stress are creeping in, it means it is time to step back and get a better look at where you are going. 

It doesn’t mean you have to stop.

Just take a step back, to get a better perspective… do something else, walking, crafting, taking a hot shower. 

Breathe.

Get a change of scenery, do something to keep your hands busy so you can keep your mind quiet for a while. It is in these moments that you can rest, that your thoughts become clear and that often those ‘aha’ moments filter through.

Friend, resting is complex and it is such an important part of the creative process, and you have to do it in a way that feels right to you, for it to work. 

There is no right or wrong... your way to rest will be as unique as the way you create.