2024 9 17 Ep 58 6 Ways To Overcome Burnout & Transform Negativity Into Creative Flow

[00:00:00] Voice Over Artist: Welcome to Your Creative Chord, hosted by creative force, Jenny Leigh Hodgins. Jenny Leigh is an author, poet, and hobbyist nature photographer with over 30 years of experience as a piano, music, and chorus educator and performer. As the voice behind Your Creative Chord, Jenny Leigh shares inspiring narratives, practical tips, interviews with creators, and uplifting wisdom for nurturing creative flow and inspired living.

Join her on this empowering journey where creativity and inspiration meet transformation! 

[00:00:35] Jenny Leigh: Welcome back to Your Creative Chord Podcast. I'm Jenny Leigh, and I'm really glad you're here. Today, we're diving into something that I think will resonate with many of you, especially if you've been feeling stuck, creatively blocked, or just plain burned out. [00:01:00] I'm all about supporting your creative energy and helping you tap into your full potential.

So as you listen, I'd love to hear how the content resonates with you. Please feel free to leave a review, share your thoughts, or ask any questions. I'd really love to connect with you and hear your insights. 

I consider myself an artist for peace. My determination as an artist for peace is based on my 37 years of Buddhist practice, which is a philosophy of humanism and hope.

My constant goal is to develop myself as an empowered, compassionate, capable, and contributive person so that I encourage you to see and fulfill your potential. I do this with a clear awareness that happy people create a peaceful world. Happiness is an inside job, right? Creative expression is inexplicably intertwined with happiness.[00:02:00] 

Enjoying creative flow brings happiness to you and to others you share it with. 

But what if you don't feel creative? Or what if you're feeling burned out? 

Today's topic is all about this. How do you break through a creative block or burnout, transform negative self talk, and turn these difficulties into the benefit of creative flow?

Tapping into or maintaining our innate creativity can be difficult depending on our inner life state. The external world, circumstances, the lack of or imbalance of self care practices and our personal idiosyncrasies can become large obstacles in our way. 

The purpose of Your Creative Chord is to celebrate, embrace, and nurture our creative flow and inspired living.

So when we're in a rut, a slump, or overwhelmed [00:03:00] by the negativity in our world or our personal situation. What do we do? 

How can self criticism or problems be transformed into benefits and creative flow? Today I will share six ways to overcome burnout and transform negativity into creative flow. Let's get started.

First, let go of judgment. Especially when you're struggling with your feelings or your mood, it is critical to throw judgment out the window. Instead, acknowledge and allow how you feel and that it is human to experience ups and downs in life. Steer wide and clearly away from any self slander or inner criticism.

Instead of listening to negativity, Talk with yourself internally, as if you were speaking to someone you really care about. 

You will likely [00:04:00] use an encouraging tone and words for that person. Apply this tone toward yourself because you're human too. Practice countering or reframing the negativity with your reassuring voice.

For example, imagine that I am stuck on an inner criticizing loop about something I failed to do or a mistake I made. Or maybe a bunch of them. I proactively practice countering that judgment with a different, kinder voice. I say things to myself like, "Remember, you're only human." Or, "making a mistake is a human thing."

Or, "you did the best you could where you were, and now that you know better, you can do better. But there's no value in criticizing yourself." Reframing any internal criticism with a kinder, more empathetic voice neutralizes the judgment zone. This [00:05:00] shift clears your mind and mood and allows room for a more positive change or action.

Spend time on the shelf. Silence. Stillness. 

Burnout or daily stress builds up for all of us. One of the things I personally must constantly improve is my ability to rest. I'm a person with constant forward momentum, and I frequently don't look up until I'm already tired or worse, depleted.

Learning to practice downtime or "time on the shelf" is my go-to whenever I need to shift my energy or mood. I know that once I'm rested, not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally, I will be in a more joyful state. Joy brings energy with it. 

Practice sitting in silence and stillness as a regular part of your day.

Schedule time on the weekends for [00:06:00] solitude and quiet. Or plan a whole week long trip once per quarter or every six months. Embracing stillness and silence allows balance to be refreshed within your entire being. Especially if you're stressed or experiencing burnout or block. Taking time to be still and quiet your mind is crucial to restoration. 

Next, let's address the impact of nature immersion. Regular moments spent in nature are scientifically proven to boost wellness, improve your mood, and ignite creative flow. In the study titled, "The Impact of Nature on Creativity, a study among Danish creative professionals" on Science Direct's website. Several of these points are highlighted. 

The study found that: 

nature can enhance creative ways of thinking, [00:07:00] 

nature helps recharge your ability to focus attention on developing ideas, 

nature especially plays a role in the preparation and incubation phases of the creative process.

The study found that: 

nature can enhance creative ways of thinking. 

Nature helps recharge your ability to focus attention on developing ideas. 

And nature especially plays a role in the preparation and incubation phases of the creative process. 

A different study of 97 qualified participants called The Influence Of Natural Environments On Creativity on the National Library of Science website also proved the power of nature on creativity.

That study found that: 

natural environments help recover one's attention. 

People immersed in natural settings had a greater creativity performance than those in non natural settings. 

Natural [00:08:00] surroundings stimulate curiosity and a flexible imagination more than artificial environments. 

"Natural environments allow our minds to temporarily detach from daily states, such as moments when we're in a daze or daydreaming, to obtain a 'flash of inspiration'."

This experiment also found that "planting flowers brings both psychological benefits and stimulates creative thinking."

 The bottom line is that research proves that the restorative characteristics of nature inspire one's creativity.

The fourth way to transform negativity or burnout is daily spiritual prayer or meditation. Regardless of your specific religious or spiritual preferences, research has shown that those who pray, chant, meditate, or even practice positive affirmations, experience positive outcomes. 

Prayer improves [00:09:00] sleep, lowers your stress, relieves anxiety, and improves your mood. The impact of prayer on wellness is positive.

According to the article What Science Tells Us About the Power of Prayer for Our Health on the Daily OM website, studies have shown that praying or meditating can help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

This has been linked to improved mental health as heightened cortisol levels can lead to increased anxiety and depression. However, studies show that those who pray on a regular basis or attend regular spiritual activities, or meditate regularly, experience more of the positive benefits of prayer than those who pray infrequently or meditate infrequently.

So that's a point in favor of making prayer, meditation, or chanting a part of your regular routine.

As someone who has practiced Buddhism for 37 [00:10:00] years, I personally chant and active meditation and I study Buddhist philosophy each morning and evening. My prayer routine is centered on the goal of empowerment through individual happiness and contributing toward a peaceful world in my unique way.

That might seem abstract, far away, and difficult to wrap your head around. But, when I align my prayer with a larger mission like world peace based on individual happiness, that encompasses everything in my life and environment. 

This type of prayer focus also supports my mindset shift toward becoming a better human being and finding the specific actions and behaviors toward that purpose.

Happier people who polish themselves toward self growth have a positive impact on the people in their lives. Influencing our immediate circle of human connection is where real peace starts. [00:11:00] Basing my daily prayer on the compassionate wisdom of Buddhist philosophy in this way motivates me to create positive value.

My daily prayer routine also helps me hone my ability to focus and take impactful action toward my goals.

In a study found on the National Library of Medicine's site called "How Chanting Relates to Cognitive Function, Altered States, and Quality of Life," the study involved more than 450 people from 32 different countries. It focused on the relationship between chanting and psychological outcomes. The result, "showed higher intentionality and chanting engagement were associated with altered states and cognitive benefits that, in turn, were related to overall quality of life." .

If you want to transform any kind of negativity, block, or burnout into creative flow and positivity, use prayer, [00:12:00] meditation, or chanting. 

These will help you experience the wellness benefits of improved sleep, lower stress, anxiety relief, and improved mood.

Try it out.

Pardon this brief interruption. I'm Jenny Leigh Hodgins and I'm excited to share two resources that can truly enhance your life or serve as thoughtful gifts for those you care about. First, Kaleidoscope of the Heart, A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics, is a beautiful, diverse, and therapeutic exploration of the human experience.

My verses reflect my inner transformation and serve as a powerful tool to help others tap into their inherent empowerment. With a range of poetic and lyrical styles and themes, from relationships and nature to self empowerment and resilience, this collection offers hope and strength through the power of authentic expression.

Whether you're new to poetry or a longtime reader, [00:13:00] It's reflective and spiritually optimistic qualities make it a unique source of comfort and insight. One reader shared, "Jenny has gifted us with a comprehensive dive into universal matters of the heart, nature, relationships, loss and grief, hope, and the artist's life.

This poetry offers moments of introspection and illumination about our human condition." Second, if you or someone you know is interested in learning piano, Start Piano, What You Need for Successful Learning is an invaluable guide. This book covers everything from choosing the right keyboard and finding a great teacher to mastering effective practice techniques. It's perfect for new learners and those returning to the piano. Both books make fantastic gifts as well. For holiday shopping or special occasions, buying [00:14:00] Kaleidoscope of the Heart in bulk to share with friends and family is an easy way to spread inspiration and joy.

Similarly, bulk orders of Start Piano can equip aspiring musicians and educators alike with valuable tools for success. You can discover both books at YourCreativeChord.com/books. 

I am confident they'll bring value and inspiration to you and those you care about. 

The fifth tip for boosting your creative flow and breaking out of a negative mindset is to talk with or observe the creative practice or works of others. So, taking in a concert, exploring an art gallery, or watching an artist's creative process can be a powerful way to refresh your creative juices. The beauty of art, music, dance, literature, and poetry is enough to wow your [00:15:00] heart with deep emotions and awe.

Learning how someone else creates can be stimulating and spark new ideas for your personal expression.

The sixth way to boost fresh ideation is to learn something new. Pushing past your comfort zone to embrace the learning process opens up your brain's thinking processes. Learning new things or skills trains your brain to expand beyond your norm or familiar routine.

Take yourself on a creative date once per month to explore new art, music, or a riveting discussion about literature or poetry. Or carve out time to read a new book, listen to music, dance out a groove, or explore the wealth of creative opportunities online or at your local library.

One simple way to do this is to take a different route than usual. You could apply that strategy to driving. cooking, [00:16:00] or your own creative process. For example, to give an example for me, since I usually compose music by using pencil and paper, to take a different route could mean that I instead turn on the recorder and improvise at the piano.

Or, when I write a script for Your Creative Chord podcast, instead of creating a topic and an outline first and then fleshing out ideas, I could instead hit the microphone on my laptop to dictate my stream of consciousness thoughts.

I spoke of this approach to boosting creative flow in Episode 56 titled "Victory Over Obstacles: Embrace The Journey" in a nutshell, doing something new. outside your wheelhouse or even something non creative has benefits too.

You can learn a little more about that by listening to episode 56.

Again, "Victory Over Obstacles: Embracing The Journey."

When we tackle new things, we create new neurological pathways within our brains. [00:17:00] These new thought patterns provoke fresh new ways of thinking and spark ingenuity. When you go back to tackle a creative project after learning something new or different, or working on solving a problem or taking a different route, your brain brings a shift of thought that results in renewed creative flow.

Here are some prompts to help you embrace these six ways to transform block, overcome burnout, or boost your creative flow. 

How do you, or could you, incorporate prayer or meditation to support your creative goals?

Beyond the research, personally, my daily chanting raises my life state, naturally pulling forth my appreciation, compassion, and wisdom and awakening creative energy. 

As we discussed earlier, letting go of judgment can look like speaking kindly to [00:18:00] yourself like you would to someone you care about. Another way to address inner negativity is with reason.

Take a few moments to counter the inner critic by writing out an opposing view. Play devil's advocate.

When you're struggling with negative thoughts, try this activity. Replace each negative thought with three positive statements like: 

I'm a good person. I'm intelligent and capable.

My intent is sincere and I trust that it will have a positive effect. 

You've heard this one. Everything happens for me, not to me. 

I remain undefeated. I'm doing the best I can. 

I'm already winning because I will not give up. [00:19:00] 

And this is one that I like to use: 

Everything that I'm going through is to help me become strong and resilient to be ready for my dream or goal. 

Remind yourself that difficulties become benefits when you face yourself. and do the internal work. 

Using a Buddhist concept, you can "change poison into medicine" by determining to create value from anything. So, look for things to appreciate. Look for ways to find meaning in your situation. Research shows that those who strive to find meaning from challenges tend to be more successful and happier.

Ask yourself what you can appreciate about this issue.

Ask yourself how you can find its deeper meaning.

For example, because I have [00:20:00] experienced abrupt, unexpected losses in my life of people I deeply cared about, I now have strong credentials for encouraging others through loss. Anyone who has experienced loss knows that having someone by their side who has been through it, too, is deeply comforting.

Another example from my personal life is that I've been in many scenarios where I'm the odd one out. I'm a Buddhist and a long line of Christians. I was the only female in my college degree program. Instead of getting married and having children, I taught and performed music, including a five year stint living in Japan.

I'm a strong, outspoken person who believes in standing up for what is right. 

As a woman, my assertiveness has often been met with criticism. But the deeper meaning I find here, and how I reframe all of this for myself, is that I am a [00:21:00] trailblazer.

I am a visionary. And I'm someone who does things first, before someone else does. Or maybe differently than other people do. This reframing of my experiences helps me turn the loneliness of being misunderstood and criticized into recognizing my superpowers of courage and assertive, bold leadership.

Ask yourself how you can turn your perceived flaws into your superpower or find a deeper meaning and purpose from them.

Which of the six ways discussed today will you use to nurture your creativity? To help you put these concepts into practice, here's a quick recap of the six powerful ways you can transform negativity and overcome burnout. These tips are designed to guide you in nurturing your creativity and finding renewed inspiration.

Let's [00:22:00] summarize. 

First, let go of judgment. Replace self criticism with a kinder, empathetic voice to clear your mind and allow positive change. 

Number two, spend time on the shelf. Regularly practice silence and stillness to refresh and restore your energy. Let's do it right now.

Third, nature immersion. Engage with nature to boost wellness, improve mood, and spark creative flow. 

Number four. Daily spiritual prayer or meditation. Incorporate prayer, meditation, or chanting to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance creative [00:23:00] focus.

Five. Observe and engage with others creativity. Explore art, music, dance, literature, poetry, and creative processes to stimulate and refresh your own creativity. 

And lastly, the sixth way is to learn something new. Embrace learning new skills or experiences to open up your brain's thinking processes and enhance your creative flow.

Which of these six ways will you use to nurture your creativity? I encourage you to try them out and see how they can make a difference in your creative journey.

Remember your feedback is invaluable to me, so let me know how these strategies work for you. If you have any questions or insights, please feel free to reach out. I'm here to support you every step of the way. And thank you for tuning in to this episode of Your Creative Chord Podcast. I hope you found these tips helpful and that they inspire [00:24:00] you to reignite your creative flow.

Remember, I'm here to support your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out. Whether it's through a review or a comment, I'd love to hear how these ideas are working for you or if you have any questions. Your feedback and engagement are important to me and to ensure we cover the content that's important to you.

So let's keep the conversation going. I'll see you next time where creativity and inspiration meet transformation. 

[00:24:29] Voice Over Artist: Thank you for joining this episode of Your Creative Chord. We hope the discussion has inspired and empowered you. If you've enjoyed today's episode and have ideas you'd love to share or topics you'd like us to explore further, we'd love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Your feedback not only helps us improve, but also guides the direction of future episodes, ensuring we continue to inspire and empower our amazing listeners [00:25:00] like you. For more updates, inspiration, and community interaction, visit YourCreativChord.com/getinspiredhere 

Your engagement and feedback are deeply valued.

Until next time, keep embracing the places where creativity and inspiration meet transformation in your daily life. Thank you again for engaging with Your Creative Chord. Take care and have a harmonious day.