Feeling Stressed? 5 Minutes of Creativity Can Change That
Recharge your emotional batteries within your creative practice.
Hi friends,
Creativity isn't a luxury—it's our secret weapon against stress.
Life throws a lot at us, doesn't it? Endless to-do lists, work demands, taking care of your human body (and others), and all those moments in between that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But here's what I've learned over the years: just five minutes of creativity can work wonders in turning things around.
It might sound small, but the magic isn't in how much time you spend—it's in showing up for yourself, even in the tiniest of ways. Because the things you do inside your creative practice can help you feel more grounded, relaxed, and ready to tackle whatever comes next1.
For me, as someone also juggling a chronic health condition, there are many times where my body just doesn’t want to cooperate. I might want to get up and stand over at my desk to create for a few hours, but the physical side of me just isn’t having it. Luckily, I’ve figured out a few ways that I can bring creativity into my life, even when things are extra tough.
Today, I want to share with how you can use a few of my favorite little creative habits to de-stress, recharge, and get you creating.
Creativity can be the key to figuring out what you actually need. It doesn’t have to be complicated—in fact, the simpler, the better. Grab a notebook, pull out some old magazines for a collage, or just scribble some doodles in the margins of whatever planner you’re using. Your definition of creativity is the right one, especially when you need a quick burst of it.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this email:
Discover how even five minutes of creative practice can make a huge difference in your day.
Understand why it's not about making something 'perfect' but simply about letting your mind wander.
Find simple ideas for fitting creativity into your day, even when things are hectic.
Let’s do the thing.
5 Ways to Use Your Creative Practice to Destress & Recharge
In order to recharge your emotional batteries, you need a few small tools. Let's look at five of my favorite ways to let creativity help you chill out.
1) Craft to a Song
When you’re short on time (or energy), setting a timer creates the perfect little container to be creative. I love to hit the five-minute button on my watch and turn on some music or just let myself create for one or two songs. There’s something freeing about knowing that you only have to focus for a little while and you’re not looking for a specific end result.
Why it works: A timer removes the pressure of when do I stop? and gives your brain permission to relax and just do it.
Try this: Grab your notebook and hit start. Scribble, doodle, or slap down some washi tape. When the timer goes off, stop—or hit the snooze button and keep going if you’re feeling inspired.
2) Make a “No Rules” Page
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is throw all the rules out the window. Grab scraps, mix colors, layer stickers—just let your instincts take over. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Your whole goal is to just make something with your hands.
Why it works: It’s pure play. You’re not making something to frame or post on Instagram. You’re just creating for the joy of it.
Try this: Take out your favorite supplies and go wild. Scribble, layer, stamp—whatever feels good. Let the mess happen. Look at your art and decide what you love. Take that forward.
3) Focus on Repetitive Actions
Repetitive, mindful actions can have a calming effect, almost like a creative meditation. For me, it’s all about precision cutting or stamping backgrounds. There’s something so soothing about the rhythm of it. Whenever I’m feeling stressed, this is one of my favorite go-to techniques in my Daily Pages.
Why it works: Repetition engages your brain in a way that’s both focused and relaxing, making it easier to tune out stress.
Try this: Pick an action that feels good—cutting shapes, stamping patterns, or even gluing small embellishments. Focus on the process, not the result. What repetitive action could you try today?
4) Limit Your Supplies
Too many choices can overwhelm your creative muscles, your senses, and basically your entire brain. When I’m feeling stressed, I stick to a handful of supplies. Limiting options helps me focus and make faster connections between ideas.
Why it works: Simplicity reduces decision fatigue (literally my worse creative nemesis) and lets your creativity flow more directly.
Try this: Gather a small kit—a notebook, your two favorite pens, and a pack of stickers or roll of washi tape—and see what you can create. How does it feel to simplify what you’re doing?
5) Create in a Favorite Spot
Environment matters. Whether it’s your desk, a cozy chair, or a blanket fort, creating in a space that feels warm and inviting can make all the difference. This isn’t just about your physical setup, it’s about your full creative sensory experience. This includes drinks, snacks, background noise, pleasant aromas, etc.
Why it works: A comfortable, personalized space helps you associate creativity with relaxation and joy.
Try this: Clear off your desk or set up a cozy corner with an electric candle/oil warmer thingy. Grab your favorite drink (plus an extra water just in case) and put on your favorite creative noise (podcast, music, background tv) and start creating. How does your creative space make you feel?
Your creative practice isn’t just about making pretty things—it’s about nurturing yourself. When life feels like a lot, these small, intentional moments can ground you and bring a little light back into your day. Think of your creative practice as a garden, one that grows with a little care and attention. What seeds will you plant this week2?
Personally, my go-to stress relief is a "no rules" page. Just a few days ago, I was feeling stuck, so I grabbed some stuff on my desk with no plan in mind. By the end, I felt lighter, my desk was a little less cluttered, and the page turned out pretty great, too.
Weekly Resource List:
The Basic Guide to Daily Pages (7-minute read): Everything you need to get started with Daily Pages.
How to Calm Down with Art Therapy (6-minute read): Easy art ideas to help you unwind.
The Benefits of a Creative Pause (3-minute read): Learn why even a short creative break can recharge your energy.
Doodles & Daydreams (4-minute read): Fun, low-pressure ways to add creativity into any moment of your day.
Mindful Creativity Practices (short video collection): Resources to help you relax and refocus.
Sponsored by: The Awesome Ladies Project
The Awesome Ladies Project is a FREE community where you can connect with other creatives, share your work, and find inspiration from a community that gets it. Whether you’re into scrapbooking, journaling, or any kind of creative expression, the Awesome Ladies Project is a space for you to grow and share your story.
Check out the site at theawesomeladiesproject.com join us for free today!
Here’s what we covered today:
Creativity can be an amazing tool to help reduce stress—even five minutes can make a difference.
Setting aside a tiny creative space and a timer can help you get started more easily.
Letting go of perfection and embracing play is what helps us truly unwind.
The main thing to remember? It’s not about the end result—it’s about showing up, giving yourself those five minutes, and letting the creative process do its work. It’s a small act of care that can bring you a lot of inner peace (and also make you a better artist).
And on a personal note, this week has been one of those weeks for me. Where life is being extra hectic, health stuff is (annoyingly) front and center, and my body is just like—hmm, not so much. I legit did every single one of these techniques over the past week, and they’ve made all the difference in the world.
Action step: Take five minutes today, set a timer or play a 5 minute song, and create something—anything. Doodle, cut out some pictures, write three sentences in a notebook. Don’t think about it too much—just do it and see how you feel after.
Talk to you next week!
xoxo,
Kristin
P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.
And whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you build your creative habit:
Upgrade your Substack subscription and join me Monday-Friday at Noon ET for my Daily Pages creative time (bring any project you’re working on). And—join us on the first Saturday of the month. for our live masterclasses, a new topic each month on building and sustaining your creative habit. See the full archive here.
Check out the free Awesome Ladies Project community + app and join us for weekly challenges, free stickers, and amazing friendships!
https://mindfulness-alliance.org/2019/11/24/mindfulness-and-creativity/
It’s getting to be the middle of January, which is when I start thinking about seeds for this year’s garden. I’m feeling super hyped for peppers this year—what about you?