We creative types can get physically overworked pretty fast if we’re not careful. Countless late nights spent revising a new story chapter, endless rehearsals of that one pesky dance step, or multiple frustrating tries at shading that picture just right can end up taxing our bodies beyond exhaustion.

But what about our brains? Even while we physically rest, sometimes we allow our brains to continue whirring away, essentially nullifying all the resting that we’re trying to do. You can’t rest really well when you’re tense and nervous about getting something done (and getting it done “just right”)!

The concept of “taking a break” while trying to complete creative work may seem counterproductive, but our creative energy does need time to recharge. Continuing to push through mental exhaustion may seem sort of effective, but all we’re really doing is banging our heads against a mental wall after a while. (Trust me, this blog week has been ALL about pushing through exhaustion and pain, and having very little to show for it. It happens to everyone!)

Thus, I have come up with the following steps to ease just about anyone’s creative exhaustion. (These REALLY work, by the way–I used them before I even drafted this post!)

1: The Next 15 Minutes are YOURS, No One Else’s

First, you need to block out at least a 15-minute window of time in which no one will bother you and nothing needs doing. If you simply must get some household chores done or call back a few people first, just so that doesn’t weigh on your brain, do so. But when all that is done, the next 15 minutes belong to you alone. Silence your phone, turn off your computer and TV–these minutes are not for them, either, unless you want them to be.

2: Find Something Soothing

“Something soothing” could take the form of a hot or cold drink, an especially soft blanket, a favorite scent, etc. Anything that delights some or all of your senses can work for this. My personal favorite thing is to get into my freshly-made bed sometime during the late afternoon, turning the lights off, and lying with a fan blowing over me, cooling both the bedding and me. I can smell the clean laundry scent, relax into the sheets and pillows…it’s all good. 🙂

3: Allow Yourself to FEEL, not Think

During this 15-minute window of time, don’t think about your to-do list. Your to-do list is anathema right now. Instead, fill your mind with what your skin is sensing, what your nose is smelling, what your tongue is tasting (hopefully something good, right?). Just enjoy this rare moment to actually sense instead of blocking out your senses in order to work more. Focus on the taste of that drink, the smell of that wonderful scent, the feel of the blanket under your fingers, as if you were gathering details to describe the experience to someone else.

I would recommend not even using your eyes or ears during this time, if possible; we use our eyes and ears so often to take in important information, so they need a bit of rest, too! An eye mask and ear plugs would be a good idea, especially if you’re having trouble settling. (Note: If you end up drifting off to sleep during this time, that can be even more beneficial than just a bit of quiet time. Don’t get mad at yourself if your 15-minute block ends up being a bit longer!)

4: Come Back to Work Gradually

Once you’re ready to start your creative work again, do it slowly. Don’t just hop right back on the mental treadmill; poke around lazily at a few ideas, perhaps ideas you had while you were taking your 15-minute break. Explore them, but not too fast just yet. Treat this as “just waking up,” even if you didn’t actually go to sleep. You’ll feel a lot less groggy and “ugh” if you allow your brain this transitional time between rest and work.