Nourish your creativity
Even in the depths of winter
Dark, moody days have their beauty, but the length of winter can be a challenge, especially as February looms. The weather can not only dampen your mood but your creative spirits too. In fact, a 2007 study on the creativity of Italian writers suggested that writers have a higher seasonal sensitivity than the general population.
(Apologies to any antipodean readers; you may have to sit on this one for six months, although you’re probably out frolicking in the sun, not checking your email.)
How to nourish your creativity during the colder months
Winter may be dreary, but it's also an opportunity to rekindle change. Even small shifts in your daily life can lead to giant creative leaps. For example, changing the foods you eat (literally spicing up your life) or your clothing style can stimulate creativity.
One example is dopamine dressing, wherein you choose what you wear based on your desired mood, whether influenced by colour, pattern or even form.
While we would all love a holiday, even a new scene can spark fresh ideas. Consider a drive or a train ride for a change of pace. The other week, my husband and I rented a Fiat 500E in France and drove along the Moyen Corniche — the main road between Monaco and Nice. Vince and I usually take the train, so this allowus to have ed a different perspective of the landscape (as depicted below in Monet’s vision).
Changing your perspective can offer a simple but effective way to refresh your mindset and find inspiration in the unexpected.
Likewise, if you're stuck, try switching gears and working on something else for a while. This tactic can surprisingly re-energise your original project, as a bit of jealousy from the neglected project might do the trick.
You can also return to basic, fundamental tasks to jump-start your creativity. This approach can be a refreshing break from more complex projects. When I’m bogged down with some of my freelance work, I switch mediums, e.g. from article idea generation to SEO writing, to reset my brain. Sometimes, simplicity is key.
Finally, collaboration can be a game-changer.
Working with a friend, even virtually, can bring new perspectives and accountability, boosting your creative output. I’ve been working in a writing challenge group this January, and getting my work done “on time” has been highly motivating.
Embracing the cycle as a gateway
Winter's quiet is ideal for reflection — perhaps it’s worth leaning in and using it as liminal space? A contemplative state can be a fertile ground for new ideas.
Think about your past creative endeavours and plans for the future. Likewise, draw inspiration from the dark; observe and find inspiration in the early morning light or the quiet of a grey landscape.
As I wrote this piece, an article popped up on my news reader, reconfirming this notion: ‘Wintering’ is the work trend to watch. Martha Bird, a farmer, says:
“Wintering is a notion near and dear to farmers […] When I think of wintering, the first thing I think about is that it is an acceptance that things are seasonal.”
Bird also speaks about the microbial processes going on underground, waiting for spring. You can’t have a renewal period without fallow times, too — nature knows best.
Another natural is back-burning forests, where trees depend on fire to clear out the competition of other plants and release their seeds. For instance, giant redwood trees require fire to reproduce: the cones open after a fire releases their seeds. They also use their reserves, sometimes hundreds of years old.
Wintering, of course, is the title of
’s iconic book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. Another title I have enjoyed is Winters in the World: A Journey through the Anglo-Saxon Year by Eleanor Parker, which is not strictly just about winter but provides a look at the seasonal events and observations of the Anglo-Saxons.Every season has a reason
The good news is the days are getting longer. In London on the first of February, the sun will rise at 07:41 and set at 16:49, giving nine hours of daylight. Here, we’ll have nearly ten hours. The countdown to Aperol season is on… Slowly.
In the meantime, why not embrace the inherent stillness? By shifting your perspective and routine, you can find new sources of inspiration and keep the creative flames burning all winter.