Why Creative Avoidance can be a good thing

My Journey with the Piano

One of my favorite things to do is play the piano. At the age of five, I began taking lessons and quickly fell in love with the instrument. With the guidance of two inspiring teachers, I not only learned to play but also to feel the music. The black and white keys came alive under my fingers, evoking emotions that resonated with others.

Playing the piano became my sanctuary—a stress reliever and an outlet for processing frustrations. As my fingers moved, my mind cleared, and I felt a deep sense of renewal. My husband still recalls an incident during the first year of our marriage when we had an argument. Frustrated, I poured my emotions into Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in C Minor.” Within 20 minutes, my mood shifted, softening into the romantic melodies of Chopin. Those love songs let him know he was forgiven. Moments like these reinforced how much I needed the piano in my life. It made me more patient, grounded, and effective in handling my responsibilities.

Life’s Growing Demands

Fast forward 10 years, and life has grown even busier. With two children, a husband, and a business to run, finding time for myself has become a challenge. I know I’m not alone in feeling like every ounce of my time and energy is accounted for. Yet, I find myself craving those breaks—time to step away and recharge. This need led me to coin the term “creative avoidance.” Even a short 15-minute session of creative engagement became essential to my well-being.

What is Creative Avoidance?

Definition: To participate in a creativity-centered activity for a short period of time to deliberately avoid life’s stressors.

Result: By stepping away and engaging in creativity, we can unwind, release stress, and experience joy.

Because creativity manifests differently for everyone, your “creative avoidance” may look very different from mine. Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, or cooking, the key is to find activities that inspire you and bring a sense of renewal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

12 Ideas for Creative Avoidance

• Play an instrument.
• Go for a run or walk in nature.
• Read a book.
• Write a poem or part of a book.
• Paint, draw, or sketch.
• Take photos.
• Bake your favorite treat.
• Create something new for yourself or a loved one.
• Sew, crochet, or knit.
• Tend to a garden.
• Build something others can enjoy.
• Explore blogs or websites for inspiration.

Final Thoughts

I’m fortunate to work in a creative field. Whether designing print work, creating brands, programming, or writing blog articles, I’m constantly immersed in creativity. It’s a core part of who I am. But no matter what your profession or lifestyle looks like, I believe we all have a spark of creativity within us. It’s essential to carve out time to nurture it.

Put down your to-do list. Leave the messy kitchen for later. Turn off your smartphone. Give yourself permission to step away and indulge in some good, old-fashioned creative avoidance. Afterward, you’ll feel renewed, capable, and ready to tackle life’s challenges with fresh energy.