Maintaining a Creative Spirit in Your Post-College Years by Ellen Harborton

With college finally behind you, it feels like your creative endeavors have taken a backseat to the more cumbersome parts of life. Whereas your college years were all about finding yourself and doing things at your own pace, making rent and holding onto a job are now your foremost concerns. The writing, painting and drawing that you used to enjoy now play second fiddle to punching the clock and earning a living. When you were still a student, you made time for each of these things on a daily basis. In light of the relaxed schedules many college students enjoy, this never proved particularly difficult. Conversely, now that you’ve become a working adult, your leisure time isn’t nearly as abundant as it once was.

Sure, you understand the importance of earning a living and being self-sufficient, but you can’t stand the thought of all your passion projects falling by the wayside. Being an adult doesn’t mean bidding adieu to all of your creative outlets. As you’re well aware, creativity has the power to reduce stress levels, calm the mind and promote self-esteem. Regardless of how much the working world tries to break your spirits, it’s important to remain true to yourself and keep those creative juices flowing. Artistically-inclined individuals looking for effective ways to stay in tune with their creative passions should consider the following tips.

Get up a Little Earlier

After coming home from an excruciating workday, few people have the energy to dive right into their passion projects. Aside from fixing a meal, relaxing in front of the television and heading off to bed, there aren’t many things you have the stamina to tackle after a long day. Mornings, however, are a different story. A sizable number of creative individuals are able to combat workday fatigue by making time for their artistic pursuits early in the day. Getting up 30 minutes to a full hour earlier than normal may prove difficult at first, but within a few weeks, your body and internal clock should adjust to your new routine. There’s no better way to start a brand new day than doing what you love.

Express Yourself through Personal Fashion

If you want to be an artist, it can’t hurt to look the part. Donning aesthetically-pleasing bohemian attire is sure to help you reconnect with your creative spirit. At bohemian clothing stores like Ooh La Loft, you can find stylish, affordable clothing and accessories that perfectly mesh with all types of artistic sensibilities. As you’ll find, not all bohemian retire is loose and relaxed – certain suits and dresses that fall under the bohemian classification are perfectly suitable to wear to the office and formal events.

Form a Creative Support Network

When you don’t have anyone cheering you on or taking an active interest in your projects, staying motivated can prove very difficult. With this in mind, consider forming a support network of creative individuals. Like any support network, this group’s members will encourage one another to meet their goals and provide each other with emotional support every step of the way. In addition to receiving the encouragement you need, the friendships you form with the members of this group may last a lifetime.

Becoming an adult is easier for some individuals than others. The transition from laidback college student to self-sufficient career person is seldom a smooth one. Still, entering the working world and moving beyond your youth doesn’t have to entail abandoning your creative outlets. With a little bit of effort and compromise, you can remain committed to your passion projects for the rest of your life.

About the Author: Ellen Harborton is a financial advisor and accomplished painter who resides with her family in Southern California. Whenever she’s in the market for clothing that reflects her bohemian sensibilities, Ellen pays a visit to Ooh La Loft.

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