15-Minute Creativity: Finding Joy in Small Daily Doses

Francois Coetzee
3 min readApr 16, 2024

--

Image by Dall-E

Carving out time for artistic pursuits can seem like a luxury in a world that often values productivity over creativity. Yet, the benefits of engaging in creative activities extend far beyond mere amusement — they can be a significant source of joy and fulfilment. Dedicating just 15 minutes daily to creative endeavours has a profound impact; even such a small investment can enrich your life, enhance your well-being, and ignite a continuous spark of joy.

The concept is simple: setting aside a quarter-hour each day to indulge in a creative activity opens a window to expression and exploration that can dramatically uplift your spirits and broaden your horizons. This daily practice acts as a ritual of self-care and personal growth, a dedicated moment to disconnect from the pressures and routines of everyday life and engage with your inner creative spirit.

The choice of activity can vary widely, from drawing, writing, and playing music to crafting, gardening, or even experimenting with culinary arts. The key is not the output or the expertise but the process itself — the act of creation that stimulates the mind and nourishes the soul. These moments of creativity can serve as a meditative pause in your day when you can focus solely on the joy of making something new.

Engaging in creative activities has been scientifically shown to have numerous psychological benefits. It reduces stress and anxiety by focusing the mind on the task at hand, allowing worries to fade away as you immerse yourself in the creative process. This focused engagement is often called a state of “flow,” where time seems to stand still, and you are entirely absorbed in your activity. Achieving this state regularly, even for short periods, can lead to increased happiness and a more profound sense of well-being.

Moreover, daily creative practice fosters a growth mindset. It encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. Over time, this mindset can spill over into other areas of your life, enhancing your capacity to adapt to new challenges and solve problems innovatively. The creativity nurtured in your quarter-hour sessions becomes a tool that improves your resilience and resourcefulness.

The impact of this practice is also cumulative. Over days and weeks, you not only build a habit of creativity but also compile a body of work that is a testament to your dedication and development. This visible progress can be incredibly satisfying and motivating, reinforcing the value of your creative time and encouraging you to continue exploring and expressing yourself.

Spending 15 minutes a day advocates for the transformative power of making creativity a daily ritual. This simple practice is not just about creating art — crafting a more prosperous, joyful life. By committing just 15 minutes daily to do something creative, you enhance your day-to-day experiences and develop a resilient and innovative mindset that can transform all aspects of your life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, the journey towards finding joy through creativity is open to all. The challenge is simple: start today and let your creativity flow, 15 minutes at a time.

--

--

Francois Coetzee
Francois Coetzee

Written by Francois Coetzee

Francois Coetzee is a creative thinker, NLP trainer and coach, and lives for creating possibility. Connect with him on LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3hEmVAn

No responses yet