The last few weeks have been really crazy for me. I’ve been working on a November deadline, working on revisions for a separate project, volunteering for Scouts, and trying to make sure the kids have everything they need for the start of school.
And, actually, I’ve gotten a lot done. If I run an errand, I can I hurry in the house from the grocery store, put everything away, and immediately plop down and start writing—that’s just out of necessity, since I don’t have any time to waste on a transition from the boring to the creative.
Unfortunately, my multi-tasking has increased a lot lately. And I know from experience that sometimes multi-tasking means that I get really strung out in the process.
Yes, I can catch up on emails on my phone while I sit in the carpool line in front of the elementary school. And I can make every minute count for the rest of my day, too—I’m very good at reviewing my daughter’s multiplication tables with her while cooking supper, while also making the kids’ lunches for the next day.
But what I miss, sometimes, is the daydreaming. I still fit in some story planning while doing things like getting ready for my day, but I miss the empty pockets of time where I could really let my mind wander.
When else can we really generate new ideas? If we’re distracted to death because there are emails and Twitter and Facebook notifications popping up, if the phone doesn’t stop ringing, etc.—then how do we have space in our head for fostering creativity?
That’s something I’m trying to work out now. But it’s been so nutty lately that if I have a meditative moment, I’m likely to fall asleep!
Do you make time for mental downtime? Do you find that’s when you get your best creative ideas—or is your brain too fried by the time you finally get a quiet moment that it just shuts down (which is where I am now)?
I think I would have to stop writing if I stopped day dreaming. I love day dreaming while I cook supper. I put in my ear buds and listen to music (to tune out other noise) also, I dream while hanging laundry or mopping. Also, driving is where a lot of my ideas come. But, I have to be driving alone. I don’t really recommend driving and dreaming because I’ve often arrived home and wondered how I got there.
CD
I just started my school-time dog walking routine this week. As soon as I drop the last kid off at school the dog and I head to the park to do a few laps. In the past I’ve listened to my iPod, but have deliberately not taken it hoping inspiration will strike. No such luck yet, but maybe my mind will eventually slow down enough to let some creative thoughts into the fray.
Elizabeth – I know exactly what you mean about your days filling up and needing to multi-task. My days are a lot like that, too. I really do miss down-time, though, and I think it’s important that we make some down-time for ourselves. Agatha Christie said that, “the best time to plan a book is while you’re doing the dishes,” and in some ways I see her point. Automatic work like washing dishes frees up the creative side of the mind.
I make down-time for myself when I can, but I have to be creative about fitting it in. For me, walking our dogs is quiet down-time. I sometimes get a good “creativity burst” just from keeping my eyes open in our neighborhood while I’m walking them.
When I get some down-time I seem to feel my head getting cluttered with ideas. I think its because I’ve pushed away everything I’m supposed to be focusing on, and leaving room for individual ideas to take up appointment time.
I tend to jot down more notes while I’m playing cards, watching video’s, listening to music, or even reading fellow bloggers posts.
So yeah, I think allowing ourselves the opportunity to be “unproductive” at times allows for a little more creativity when we get back to work.
Nothing wrong with falling asleep for those few moments. Its called power napping. Think of it as your brain’s period of assimilation; processing all that has happened in the day so far so you can have more space to multitask :)
……..dhole
All I can say is ‘Hang in there.’ (And your kids are plenty old enough to make their own lunches. We used to assembly line sandwich making every Sunday night and then freeze them. And yes, you can freeze just about anything. If the kids are lettuce/tomato people, just put them in zip locks and they can stick the bag into their lunch box to add at mealtime).
But — eventually they leave. Not saying I don’t love my kids dearly, but I love finally having time for ME First.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
You absolutely must have that creative time sometime. I know writers who can do it in blocks, but I need it on a more regular basis.
Margot mentioned Christie, and for me that one’s important: you need to stop multitaking on some tasks (like dishes or waiting at the dentist) so you can use that as dream time, at least.
The other thing that helps me is to take notes on paper when I’m daydreaming. Even if it’s in tiny letters you can’t even read again. By doing that, you signal yourself, and others, that you’re working.
Hi Elizabeth — this is exactly why I’m not taking my laptop to the writers conference this weekend. I plan to meet and chat and listen and spend some quiet time in the room, and even sneak off to a chair in the lobby bar and people watch.
I want to practice standing and sitting with my back straight (as opposed to hunched over the computer), take deep breaths, and wait until Monday to push my reset button. Honestly, I started feeling less stressed the minute I decided to disconnect for the weekend.
Patricia
I absolutely have to have some downtime, usually watching TV or messing around on the computer so I can’t stress about work for a bit, or my brain stops functioning all together. But then, I don’t have children, so I have the luxury of being able to make the time!
My downtime is when I play the guitar. I have to focus on what I’m doing, but it’s repetition, which gives my mind a chance to wander.
You continue to amaze me – I’m sure you could rule the world if you wanted. I find I ask myself questions just after I’ve turned out the light at bedtime. Actually, I don’t ask myself, I ask a particular character something. Sometimes it’s “What are you trying to do?” or “How did you find whatever out?” If I just let my brain fly, I’m often amazed at what presents itself. Of course, sometimes, this is when I remember I forgot to pick up milk. Oh well.
Sometimes that period before I fall asleep is a creative time for me. Problem is remembering it the next morning.
I’ll suggest something here you’ll think is nutty. Keep a pen and notepad in the bathroom. Folks will leave you alone in there, at least for a few minutes.
Elizabeth – I really don’t know how you do it. I am in awe. The fact that you can get anything accomplished with your schedule is amazing!
Now that I’ve decided to work seriously at my writing craft, I seem to have very little downtime. With a seven-month old little girl who is just becoming mobile, a sixt-year-old daughter who just started First Grade, and one-hundred-year old house which requires constant upkeep, finding time for day daydreaming or getting actual writing accomplished is quite a challenge. During my weekend painting sessions, I often find myself wandering in fictional space, but I never seem to have time to get those ideas into the computer.
I guess during laundry folding and and dishwasher unloading is another time which I can take advantage of.
Being a primary care-giver who writes really requires discipline – which I’m working on – most people don’t understand.
I need my down time. If I can just lie on the couch for a while, drifting in and out of sleep, I feel great and ideas do have a chance to talk to me. Also, a good walk stimulates creativity. I would think you’d be feeling a bit stressed by now. Hope you have some lovely down time soon!
That mental downtime is EXACTLY why I would never give up walking to and from work. Sure, I could save a half hour each way, but my brain HAS to have that! Seems like everything else is committed (and I should be too)
Now that I think about it, there is one task you should be extra careful about not using for too much multitasking – Don’t get distracted while driving!
Plotting while driving is sometimes hard to avoid, but remember that it not only puts you at risk but also other people.
I HAVE to cultivate down time. I can’t stand being plugged in and connected all the time. It drives me batty. In fact, this week I announced on Facebook I’m taking a break from it. It’s nice to be able to pull up the tent stakes and relocate for a while.
Happy Thursday,
Jen
Right now I’m painting some stuff. I mean, not pictures, but the fence and things like that. That’s a very good opportunity to think, and daydream, and make crazy plans, and do something useful at the same time. Find something to paint, Elizabeth >:)
Cold As Heaven
My dog was my daydream believer, but I don’t suppose we’ll get another unless one obliges by adopting us.
I’ve always been pretty good at being ablt to shut it down, regardless of the circumstances. I can close my eyes and rest my brain fairly easily. If I fall asleep I can usually wake up without feeling too sluggish too.
Stephen Tremp
Clarissa–I think I have a kitchen floor that could use some mopping. What a good idea for some time to allow a little daydreaming!
Donna–I love that idea! Yes, it’s just like that…quiet moments are times when my ideas make little appointments with me. Also, it’s when I remember some of the things I need to do and can put them in a list. Seeing it all on paper makes me feel a little better about it.
Janel–This is something I think I need to work into my schedule!
Juliette–I think you’ve got the right idea!
Margot–Great idea! And the corgi would love it. And I *think* it’s starting to get a little cooler here. Maybe. :)
Alex–The fact you can play a guitar without really thinking about it means you’re probably pretty good at it!
Helen–I think that sounds like a BRILLIANT idea. Yes, they should certainly leave me alone for at least a few minutes. :)
Terry—Me time is sounding good. Yes, they could probably make their own lunch, but they don’t because I’m so Type A! I’ve got to be able to delegate better and then maybe I could free up some time.
Ike–Well, when I drop the ball, it’s pretty spectacular. :) Major mess-ups from time to time.
Hmm. I’m wondering if you set a cheap voice recorder next to you while you paint? Then, when you get an idea, you don’t even have to put your brush down. But see…that’s me multi-tasking again–which leads to STRESS!! Which is the whole point of what I was just posting on. No, you should enjoy your painting time and not paint and write a book at the same time!
Ohhhh no…you just reminded me that I put laundry back into the dryer to “fluff it” (my way of getting out of ironing) and I forgot and left it in there. Ugh. Wonder if it’s all shrunken now…
Mary–Stress is definitely happening…but I’m hoping things are easing up a little! I’m looking forward to that downtime.
Hart–That’s *perfect*! Maybe I should take up exercising (grimaces Elizabeth.) Honestly, it seems like the side of me that so loves multi-tasking would appreciate the combination of doing something that’s healthy for my body and something that’s healthy for my mind, too!
The Daring Novelist–Maybe that’s something I can work into my schedule. Now it seems like every free minute is tied up with something!
That’s a good idea about taking notes on a notepad. I bet doodles can lead to big ideas!
Patricia–A conference without a laptop? My hat’s off to you! Enjoy your quiet time.
I need to push my reset button, too! You’ve got a good idea there, with the unplugging.
Elspeth–And why I make 5 trips to the grocery store a week! Ha! Glad I’m not alone…
Cold As Heaven–You know, that sounds like a great idea! Except I’ve been banned from painting walls because I’m so sloppy with it. :) Maybe the kids’ bathroom, though, or the laundry room, or some other place no one will really see…
Sheila–Now you’ve opened up the door for fate to come knocking with a stray dog!
Stephen–Not me! I must be the world’s worst napper. I wake up feeling disoriented and icky. So I avoid napping like the plague…but lately I’m so sleepy!
I admire the fact that you can write at a moment’s notice. After doing the kind of grocery shopping you mentioned, all I want to do is watch some bad reality TV show. Re: daydreaming, I find that sometimes my brain decides on its own when it wants to do so. I’m lying in bed, trying to go to sleep, and my brain decides to chat with me about chapter 67.