My Favourite Hack For Staying Creative As a Parent: Restful Output
HERE’S MY FAVOURITE HACK FOR CARVING OUT CREATIVE TIME AS A PARENT WITHOUT SACRIFICING PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH MY KIDS
Parenthood is an adventure filled with love, laughter, and a never-ending to-do list. For many parents, finding time to rest or nurture creative pursuits feels like an impossible dream. When we get a moment to ourselves, we often default to “input” forms of rest—watching TV, scrolling through social media, or diving into a book—only to wonder where the time went. What if there was a way to feel truly rested and fulfilled? Enter my favourite hack: Restful Output.
WHAT IS RESTFUL OUTPUT?
Don’t let the word “output” scare you off. Restful Output is about intentionally choosing a gentle, creative task to unwind instead of passive forms of rest that encourage your brain to “turn off”. Think of it as engaging in an activity that lets you create or express, like crocheting, paper crafts, doodling, or writing without purpose. It’s a way to rest your mind while gently stimulating your creativity.
When I realized how often I felt drained after zoning out in front of a screen, I decided to experiment with this idea. The results were transformative: time seemed to slow down, and I left those moments far more refreshed and fulfilled.
Here’s how you can embrace Restful Output in your own life //
1. CHOOSE A GENTLE CREATIVE TASK
Pick an activity that feels light and enjoyable, not something that adds pressure or a sense of obligation. Here are a few ideas:
-
Crochet or Knitting: The repetitive motions are soothing and meditative.
-
Paper Crafts: Try origami, scrapbooking, or making handmade cards.
-
Drawing Without Purpose: Let your pen or pencil wander without worrying about the result.
-
Journaling: Reflect on your day or jot down thoughts and doodles.
-
Music: If you play an instrument, this is a guaranteed de-stresser. Feeling creative? Write a song!
Cooking: But just for fun.
The goal is to engage in something that allows our mind to rest while our hands stay gently active. This scratches an itch because, after a long day of serving others, we’re working on something just for ourself.
2. SET THE SCENE
After your kids are asleep, create an inviting atmosphere for your Restful Output:
-
Dim the lights and light a candle for a calming ambiance.
-
Play soft music or enjoy the quiet.
-
Put away your devices to avoid distractions.
This intentional setup signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down and focus on something restorative. If evenings aren’t it, try during nap time, on a Saturday when your partner is home or call in the cavalry and get a babysitter to take the kids out of the house for a bit.
3. Notice the Benefits
When you choose output over input, some really cool things start to happen:
-
Time Slows Down: Engaging in a creative task makes you more present, and you’ll feel like you’re savouring each moment.
-
Deeper Rest: Unlike passive activities, creative tasks often leave you feeling mentally refreshed rather than overstimulated.
-
Creative Renewal: Even gentle creativity can spark inspiration that carries into other areas of your life.
THE BIG TAKEAWAY
I can’t count the amount of times I’ve said “I just need to turn my brain off”, especially after an overstimulating day. But rest doesn’t have to mean zoning out. By intentionally choosing Restful Output, we’re not just recharging our energy—we’re also nurturing our creative spirit and creating moments of genuine peace. In the busyness of parenthood, these moments can feel like a lifeline, grounding us and helping us show up more fully for ourself and our family. What’s something you can do to engage in Restful Output this week?
