What to Do When You’re Too Tired to Be Creative
What to Do When You’re Too Tired to Be Creative
We all have those days.
You know—the ones where your body’s aching, your mind’s foggy, and your to-do list is giving you the silent side-eye from across the room. You want to create, but you’re just… tired.
As a busy mom and artist, I’ve been there more times than I can count. So if today’s one of those days for you, I want to remind you: It’s okay. You don’t always have to be in “go” mode to stay creative.
Here’s some gentle advice for when your tank is running low but your heart still wants to stay connected to creativity.
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1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Let’s start here: rest is part of the creative process.
Some of your best ideas will come when you’re not pushing, not producing—just being.
Take a nap. Make tea. Lay on the floor and do absolutely nothing for five minutes.
This isn’t slacking—it’s refueling. Your creativity will thank you later.
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2. Try Passive Inspiration
If you’re too drained to make something, try simply receiving inspiration.
Here are a few cozy ways to soak up creative energy without lifting a pencil:
• Scroll your favorite Pinterest boards and save art that makes you smile
• Watch a relaxing YouTube timelapse of an artist sketching
• Read a few pages of a creative blog, magazine, or children’s book
• Listen to a feel-good playlist while folding laundry
• Flip through an old sketchbook and admire how far you’ve come
Let yourself enjoy beauty without the pressure to produce it.
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3. Color or Doodle Without Expectation
If you still want to do something “hands-on,” grab a coloring page, your favorite markers, or even a napkin and pen—and just make marks.
Don’t aim for a finished piece. Just swirl, shade, scribble.
Let it be a moment of calm instead of another “task.”
Even 5 minutes can be healing.
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4. Use This Time to Reflect or Dream
Sometimes being too tired to create is a little nudge from your soul to slow down and reflect.
Ask yourself:
• What kind of art would I love to make when I feel better?
• What made me fall in love with creating in the first place?
• What could I let go of to make room for rest and joy?
Even thinking creatively is still being creative.
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5. Know That It’s Okay to Pause
If no part of you wants to engage in art today, that’s okay too.
Take care of you. The ideas will still be there tomorrow.
You are not less of an artist because you took a break.
You are human. And that humanness is where your creativity is born.
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A Loving Reminder from One Tired Creative to Another:
You don’t need to “hustle harder.”
You need a deep breath.
A soft space.
And maybe a coloring page and a cozy drink.
You’re still creative—even when you rest.
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Was this the reminder you needed today? Save this post for those slower, softer days. You deserve gentle creativity too.
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