As I sit at my computer in Puerto Rico, feeling refreshed in every way, this blog article is quickly rolling off my fingertips. We all experience times like this when creativity comes so easily, but in our tired, dull moments of life, being creative can seem difficult, if not elusive. I’ve been considering some ways that have worked for me to stay productive and creative — even after I return from our inspiring vacation.

One way to stay productive and creative that has worked for me involves how I organize each day. I like to keep an ongoing to-do wish list and then schedule the first hour of the day to pick one of those wish list items to work on. This is different from my normal to-do list. It is not the things I need to accomplish for clients, but it’s the constructive, creative things I “need” to accomplish for my business but never get around to doing. For me that list includes writing an e–book on a topic such as organization for a giveaway in order to build my e–mail list for my business. Maybe it’s that special birthday e–card message I’d like to personalize and create to send to family and friends throughout the year. Here’s another idea on my wish bucket list: write a children’s book about growing up on a farm in Wisconsin, like I had the privilege of doing. While the possibilities are endless, unfortunately time is limited. Regardless of what may be on our to-do wish list, starting out the day with one of these tasks might help us to dive into the day optimistically and get those creative juices flowing from the start.

After my creative hour spent working on wish list items, I like to switch to a client’s project for the next couple of hours. However, when fatigue eventually strikes, as it always does, I consider a break that involves physical activity, such as taking the dog for a walk, taking a run, going to the pool with the kids or playing the piano. I have found that a total break to a completely different and physical activity vs. cognitive task makes me more productive when I return to my client’s project later. The following interesting statistic was shared in Newsweek magazine: “Almost every dimension of cognition improves from 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, and creativity is no exception. The type of exercise doesn’t matter, and the boost lasts for at least two hours afterward.” I have personally experienced the renewal in creativity that results from a thirty-minute investment into exercise. Endorphins are released during the activity so that I feel good and am good-to-go for whatever creativity and attention to detail the afternoon might require. The physical activity may vary each day, but we need to keep taking care of ourselves a priority — despite our busy schedules.

While starting out our daily routine with something creative or taking 30 minutes out of our day to exercise are not revolutionary, for me they are renewed goals as I return from my sun-filled, beach-refreshed vacation. Do you want to join me in trying to stay vitalized in your daily routine of life? I encourage you to also include time in your day to read God’s Word and pray for His direction. Days filled with God, organization and exercise are usually the most productive for me. Will these things happen daily? Realistically, not for me, but as I return from vacation refreshed, I desire to stay renewed and deter the mundane by implementing, yes, a good routine!