Great Creative Getaways – 9 Secrets

Imagine this. You’re an artist with a big showcase coming up in a couple of months. You’ve been doing a lot of preparation and there’s still a lot yet to prepare: schedules, materials, people.

The reality of the big event is near and you are uncertain if everything that needs to get done is going to get done and in time.

How are you feeling right now? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Ready to hide under the bed covers to be woken when it’s all over?

You’re not alone.

Perhaps you want a break from it all. Perhaps you want to get away from it all.

Whilst many folk take a break after a big launch or tour, one option is to take a break before.

Fully loaded with moving home and tying-up bills, contracts, commitments and loose-ends, Sandra and I prepared for a busy winter season in the mountains by scheduling in some time getting away to Norway to check out the northern lights.

Here’s how we did it.

You can use one of these ideas, or several; it’s up to you.

1. Plan Ahead

When is your launch or next busy period? When can you block book a few days, a week or a couple of weeks away beforehand?

Taking a break before you need one can help you sustain and maintain your creativity energy.

2. Choose a New Destination

Visit at least one new place each year. We chose Norway as we had wanted the chance to see the northern lights for a long time. Sandra is a photographer and I am a writer. This felt like the perfect place to focus on our own creativity.

New destinations bring new meaning and inspiration in to your life.

3. Leave the Laptop Behind

Challenge your creativity by locking your every day ‘essential’ devices in a drawer for a few days.

Leaving the electronics behind can give you the time and opportunity to focus on your creative talents.

4. Take a Sketchpad

Or a notebook and pencil. Everyone is an artist. Sketch images or jot thoughts and ideas as they come to you.

You may be struck by inspiration whilst you’re away so you’ll need a way of capturing your magic.

5. Take ONE Book to Read.

Too many can be overwhelming. Take one you’ve been itching to read or the one your friend recommended last week.

Reading inspires the soul and reinvigorates our imagination. You might find this is the relaxation you need.

6. Don’t Take Any Work

Leave the briefcase at home.

Use your getaway as a new deadline to get as much preparation for your launch or event done beforehand.

7. Pack the Bare Minimum

Trust your own resourcefulness. You’ll likely find most of what you need where you end up.

Most places have laundrettes that means less clothes to pack as well as a chance to read that book or jot down those ideas.

The less we take the more creative we have to be.

8. Walk

For at least one hour a day, if you can, walk. Take the notepad or sketchpad.

You might want to take the same route each day noting or drawing the small changes you see.

Walking in this world can be a powerful way to re-inspire your creative energies.

9. Find Something New Each Day

Follow your nose and inspiration. Take a look in that old building, find out where that road leads to.

Explore the market on the other side of the city, the one the receptionist mentioned to you.

New sights, smells and sounds will inspire your inner muse giving you a fresh perspective on old ideas in time for the big day.

Try it

Getting away and relaxing in a fresh and inspiring environment can help remove anxiety and increase your natural energy, motivation and focus preparing you for big action in time for when it’s most needed.

Next time you have a busy launch or event, such as tour, exhibition or showcase, why not plan in some time to get away before you need to.

What helps you prepare for big events?

Share your secrets in the comments below.

Photo Credit: © Richard Wakefield and Nikki Loy