Last week, I started working with a new client who was so stressed and overwhelmed with business decisions, it was almost paralyzing her from doing anything. Have you been in a similar situation? There so many problems you don’t know where to start.
Chances are you are not taking care of yourself. When I worked with a team of designers, they knew that the secret to creativity and problem-solving is to have a balance of work and play. Just when we’d think they would need to focus the most on solving a design problem for a client, they would be laughing and having fun.
They always came up with brilliant solutions. What designers know about creativity and problem-solving, is to work on a project and then let it go for awhile so the subconscious mind can work on the problem.
Give yourself time to play, get a massage, go for a walk, laugh with colleagues when you are working on big projects with important deadlines. You’ll think more clearly and develop better solutions.
It can be as simple as having a few toys in your desk. At the grocery checkout over the weekend, I picked up a clear rubber ball with beautiful glitter inside it. It’s fun to bounce it and turn it over and watch the glitter sparkle in the sunlight. Such a little thing, but it helps relieve stress.
Play doesn’t have to take much time. I encourage you to play and have fun every day. You’ll love the results.
