LIFE

Drawing, painting, creative writing, crocheting, singing, playing an instrument, baking, dancing...the list goes on! Making art (of any kind) is so rewarding and a great way to unwind after a busy week of school, basketball practice and shelter volunteering.

The only catch: with such a busy schedule, it can seem nearly impossible to make time for your creative projects. To keep your crafting from falling by the wayside, we've got a few tips to squeeze some artsy self-care into your jam-packed days.

Set a schedule

@tbhstudying

One of the best ways to make time for something is to literally pencil it into your weekly sched. Whether you're a Google Cal girlie or a pen-and-paper defender, look through your planner to see if there are any unfilled time slots that you could use for creative activities.

Maybe you've got an extra hour on Tuesday nights when soccer practice is shorter? Or maybe you come home from school on Fridays full of energy and ready for an afternoon without HW due dates looming over your head (score!).

Even if you only have one hour a week to set aside, picking, for example, Sunday evenings from 7 to 8 as your designated drawing time will make all the difference between wanting to do something but not finding the time and *actually* making it happen. Plus, if you're working on a longer-term project like a short story or a painting, those short pre-planned hours will add up quickly, even if it feels like you're only doing a little bit at a time.

Make it part of your night routine

@haleypham

Maybe you're the kind of girl who does better with short, small bursts of creativity. If you only have a few minutes to spare every day, try incorporating your projects into your wind-down routine.

Keeping a consistent pre-bed routine is a lovely little bit of self-care no matter what, and taking the time to write in your journal or knit a few rows each night before you brush your teeth will help you nourish your bod *and* your creative expression. Again, every little bit adds up, and you'll get the added bonus of a fun, relaxing activity as part of your dedicated destressing time before you drift off to sleep.

Find some accountability buddies

@sevenseas_creative

What's even better than finding a time for your weekly creativity sesh? Inviting your besties over and working on your projects together! If your friends are writers, artists or crafters, plan a mini creativity party at someone's house or a cute little coffee shop.

Making a plan to work on a creative project with friends will give you the built-in accountability of having it on the calendar, let you socialize while you create, allow you to work individually or collaborate on a group craft *and* have your friends motivate you if you're in a rut or just not feeling it. We just counted, and that is a win-win-win-win situation!

Treat creativity as self-care

@estherjoyknits

In the busiest weeks, it can be hard to make time for creative activities bc they feel, well, unnecessary. Schoolwork and extracurriculars like play rehearsal mostly have to come first. But pls don't dismiss your creative projects as less important than everything else in your life.

Tbh, making time for creative hobbies is a self-care strategy, and doing things you enjoy that are meaningful to you is something to prioritize! Finding time can be tricky, but if you need to justify it to yourself, remember that unwinding with art (in any form!) is valuable and will help keep you happy and feeling fulfilled in the long run.

Want extra tips for staying creative on a busy schedule? Follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more inspo!

Keep reading for more busy girlie advice:
💅 A self-care idea for every day of the week
🎒 How to stay happy when you have a busy schedule
✨ Host the perfect BFF vision board party

Slider: @flynn_and_mabel
Top image: @paperstorieslondon
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by Ava Slocum | 3/12/2024