Choose Play: How to Make Time for Creativity in a Busy Life

Life has a way of filling up. Between work, family, errands, and the endless to-do list, our days can feel like a packed schedule with little room for anything else. When life gets busy, our creative pursuits are often the first things we set aside. It feels like a luxury, something to get to "when there's more time." But what if that time never comes?

It's been over a decade since I truly committed to my art practice, juggling it alongside a demanding career as a project manager. There were times, especially in the early days after moving to a new country, when the pressures of my job and building a new life felt all-consuming. It would have been easy to let my creative side go dormant. However, I discovered that making time for art wasn't just another task to check off; it was the very thing that kept me grounded and gave me a sense of control when everything else felt overwhelming.

Creativity isn’t just about producing a finished piece. It's a way of processing the world, expressing our feelings, and connecting with a deeper part of ourselves. Losing touch with that part of you can leave you feeling drained and uninspired, even if you're productive in other areas of your life. Keeping that creative spark alive is essential for our well-being.

So, how do you make room for creativity when your schedule is already full? It’s not about finding huge, empty blocks of time, but rather about weaving small, intentional moments of creativity into the fabric of your daily routine.

Start Small and Be Consistent

You don’t need an entire afternoon to be creative. Can you find 15 minutes? Start there. Fifteen minutes of sketching before you start your workday, writing a few lines of a poem during your lunch break, or doodling while you listen to music in the evening can make a significant difference. The key is consistency. A short, daily practice is often more sustainable and impactful than a long, infrequent session. It keeps your creative muscles active and makes it easier to jump back in.

Schedule Your Creative Time

We schedule meetings, appointments, and workouts. Why not schedule your creative time? Treat it with the same importance. Block it out in your calendar, whether it's a 20-minute slot in the morning or an hour on a weekend. By giving it a designated spot in your day, you’re sending a clear message to yourself: this matters. This time is non-negotiable.

Redefine What "Creative Time" Looks Like

Your creative practice doesn't have to look the same every day. Some days, I immerse myself in a detailed fineliner drawing for hours. On other days, my creative act might simply be creating color palettes in Adobe Illustrator or taking photos of interesting textures on my walk home. Let go of the pressure to create a masterpiece every time. Your creative time could be brainstorming ideas, organizing your art supplies, visiting a museum, or reading a chapter of an inspiring book. All these activities feed your creative spirit.

Carve Out Your Creative Sanctuary

No matter how small, having a dedicated space for your creative pursuits can transform the way you approach making. It might be a cozy corner in your living room, a desk by your bedroom window, or even just a box filled with your favorite supplies. When your tools are within reach, you strip away the excuse of preparation and open the door to creation. It’s not about perfection—it’s about making the act of starting feel effortless.

In a world that moves too fast, making room for creativity isn’t just indulgent—it’s necessary. It’s how we hold onto purpose and joy when life feels heavy, how we anchor ourselves when the winds pick up. Don’t wait for wide-open hours or the elusive “perfect moment.” Claim the scraps of time you have, let them build, and watch them stack into something beautiful—a life filled with meaning and inspiration.

Adulthood has a way of pushing creativity to the backburner, consumed as we are by routines and responsibilities. But here’s the thing: creativity isn’t a frivolity. It’s a spark that keeps us balanced, curious, and alive. It’s how we solve problems, nurture our passions, and remind ourselves of the vibrant, imaginative spirit that still lives inside us. Creativity doesn’t demand you abandon your responsibilities—it asks you to honor the parts of you that dream.

So, create a space, however small. Pick up your tools, whatever they may be. And then—create. Go out into the world and make something only you can make. The world is waiting, and so are you.