Feeling stuck in rigid thinking or craving more joy in your creative process is common for many creative thinkers. The challenge lies in reconnecting with that childlike playfulness that sparks fresh ideas and fuels imagination.
The good news is, nurturing a playful mindset does not require a major overhaul of your day. Research shows that simple, consistent daily habits can shift your brain into a state where creativity naturally flows and playful thinking thrives.
In this article, you will discover three easy-to-adopt habits designed specially for creative thinkers to nurture their playful mindset, making creativity joyful, accessible, and refreshingly fun every day.
Your 3 Daily Habits to Nurture a Playful Mindset
Habit 1 — Engage in Quick Creative Play
Why: The “nurture playful mindset” goal thrives when your brain enters a relaxed state similar to childlike play. Short bursts of playful creativity help shift your brain from busy, stressed modes to relaxed, innovating states.
How: Spend 5 minutes drawing simple shapes, doodling, or coloring without rules or expectations. Use any small surface like a Post-it note or scrap paper.
Cue: Place your drawing supplies next to a daily trigger like your coffee maker or desk lamp to remind you to play while waiting or before starting work.
Habit 2 — Practice Daily-ish Art Journaling
Why: Keeping a low-pressure creative journal nurtures your playful mindset by providing a judgment-free zone to explore ideas, colors, and marks, which fuels curiosity and intuitive insights.
How: Dedicate a few minutes multiple times per week to art journaling, using simple supplies like colored pencils or watercolors. Embrace imperfection and use your journal as a place to experiment.
Cue: Keep your journal and supplies in an easy-to-reach spot, like beside your favorite chair or workspace, to lower the barrier to start.
Habit 3 — Incorporate Playful Breaks for Relaxed Brain States
Why: Playful breaks during the day shift your brain out of the busy beta state into more creative alpha or theta states, where playful thinking and new ideas emerge naturally.
How: Take short breaks with activities that make you laugh or relax, like playing a quick silly game, stretching with exaggerated movements, or watching a funny clip.
Cue: Set gentle reminders on your phone or computer every few hours to take a playful break and refresh your thinking.
Week 1 Schedule
| Day | Habit 1: Quick Creative Play | Habit 2: Art Journaling | Habit 3: Playful Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5-min doodling with pen and paper | 10-min art journaling | Take 5-min playful stretch break |
| Tuesday | 5-min playful drawing with colors | Rest day | Watch a short funny video |
| Wednesday | 5-min simple doodle circles and shapes | 10-min art journaling with colors | Play a light-hearted game |
| Thursday | Rest day | 10-min freestyle journaling | Take a walk outdoors with playful thoughts |
| Friday | 5-min doodling with markers | Rest day | Do a few laughs with friends or media |
| Saturday | 10-min playful creative experiment | 15-min journal reflection | Play a quick improv or silly challenge |
| Sunday | Rest day | Rest day | Relax with fun music and movement |
Troubleshooting
Barrier: Feeling too rushed or stressed to play.
Fix: Start with just 2 minutes of playful doodling or break time. Even short moments help nurture playful mindset.
Barrier: Perfectionism blocks willingness to start art journaling.
Fix: Remind yourself the journal is a safe space where anything is okay. Try a “junk journal” using scraps or unwanted paper.
Barrier: Forgetting to take playful breaks during busy days.
Fix: Use alarms or calendar reminders to prompt fun, light breaks to reset your brain.
FAQs
Q: How long should I spend on each playful habit daily?
A: Even 5 minutes per habit daily-ish can significantly nurture playful mindset and boost creativity over time.
Q: What if I don’t feel creative at all?
A: Playfulness rekindles creativity. Start with simple shapes or scribbles without judgement—creativity will grow naturally.
Q: Can these habits fit into a busy schedule?
A: Yes. They are designed to be brief and flexible, fitting into moments like coffee breaks or short pauses in your day.
Tracking & Motivation Tips
Use a simple journal or an app to mark days you practice playful habits. Celebrate small wins and notice how these moments nurture your playful mindset. Seeing growth in your creativity can motivate consistency. Pair habits with pleasurable routines like your morning coffee or daily walks.
Key Takeaways for Nurturing a Playful Mindset
Nurture a playful mindset by embracing quick creative play, flexible art journaling, and playful breaks. These simple daily habits open doors to relaxed, imaginative thinking that fuels creativity. Remember, progress is about consistent joy and curiosity, not perfection or quantity.
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