Why Rest Is Part of the Creative Process

Posted while packing for vacation—because I practice what I preach.

As artists and creatives, we often feel pressure to always be producing. But I’ve come to understand why rest is part of the creative process—it gives our minds and hearts the space they need to reset, reflect, and recharge. Rest isn’t the absence of progress. It’s a vital part of it.

I’m writing (and scheduling) this post as I prepare to step away for a week. It’s my birthday weekend, and I’ll be taking my daughter to Disney World for a few days. My paints and sketchbook will stay home. I’ll take long walks, sleep in, and read a new book (The Unanxious Mind by Humble the Poet). I won’t be “producing” anything—but I know I’ll come back fuller—mentally, emotionally, and creatively.

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The Myth of Constant Output

There’s a loud message in our culture that says: “Keep going. Stay busy. Don’t slow down.” But I’ve learned—especially over the last year—that rest creates space for breakthroughs. Some of my most meaningful ideas have shown up after I gave myself time to pause.

We don’t need to be slaves to social media or the hustle culture. There are days when I’m quiet online—and those are the days I’m protecting my peace, spending time with my daughter, or simply choosing my mental health over the algorithm. I’m still creating, still growing—but I’m doing it on my own terms.

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What Rest Does—And Why It’s Part of the Creative Process

When I rest, I get my clarity back. I feel more in touch with myself and more open to inspiration. I notice details again—the color of the sky, a funny conversation, the ornate details of a building—and those little moments start to stir new ideas. My nervous system settles. My body feels calmer. And my creativity becomes playful again, not pressured. All of this is why rest is part of the creative process—it clears space for ideas to come through with more ease and joy.

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How I Really Reset (Yes, I Get a Little “Woo Woo”)

Here’s the truth: I’ve got some practices that keep me grounded, and some of them are a little on the “woo woo” side—but they work. They help me calm my mind, get out of overthinking mode, and come back to myself.

Wim Hof Breathwork
This breathing method is like hitting a reset button. It clears out the internal noise and brings me into the present.

Body Tapping
I tap different areas of my body—my chest, arms, face—to feel more connected and less anxious. It’s a simple way to settle my energy and shift my mood.

Walking Meditation
When my thoughts won’t stop spinning, I take a slow walk without my phone. I focus on my breath and the rhythm of my steps. That simple act of presence changes everything.

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A Few More Ways to Rest (That Work for Me)

Everyone’s version of rest looks different. For me, it includes:

• Turning off social media for the day (or the week)
• Sleeping in without guilt
• Cooking slowly and mindfully
• Reading something inspiring
• Saying “no” to things that drain me
• Doing absolutely nothing and being okay with it

You don’t have to go on a retreat to reset. Rest can happen in ten minutes, on a walk, or with your phone on airplane mode.

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Thoughtful Reads for the Creative Soul

Books have helped me reframe rest and self-connection in powerful ways. These are a few that made a big impact:

• The Unanxious Mind by Humble the Poet
  A new read I’m bringing with me on vacation—filled with simple truths for overwhelmed minds.
• How to Be Love(d) by Humble the Poet
  I read this while recovering from surgery a few years ago, and it quietly kicked off a year of big personal change.
• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
  A book I return to often. It reminds me that creativity isn’t about chasing ideas—it’s about being available to them.
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
  A longtime favorite about showing up for creativity without fear or perfectionism.

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Rest Isn’t a Pause—It’s a Practice

As I step away for a few days, I’m reminding myself that stillness is productive. That nothing needs to happen for everything to happen. And that the creative process includes breaks, slowdowns, and “please hold” moments.

If you need a gentle reminder to pause, I’ve got a few T-shirts and sweatshirts in the shop that carry the message:
“Centering… Please Hold.”
Because sometimes the most creative thing you can do is take a breath—and come back when you’re ready. I’ve learned through experience that rest is not separate from the work—it’s why rest is part of the creative process.

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