The Best Advice for Creativity I Wish I Tried Sooner

[@NahreSol]

Grab a Nahre Sol sweater!! I only have a few dozen units of each size left: www.nahresol.com/sweater (use code NOTHINGVID for $5 off) 👚

[@clicclac2902]

I would like one… but I’m in Europe :(

[@Nasibu.R.K]

Thank you for this (and also every other video). I really needed to hear that. Guess we musicians have the most cut out for us by default. It is good to wind down and pause for a minute. Like my grandma used to tell me, "Work will always be there. You cannot finish it. So stop before it finishes you."❤😂

[@Piggy24]

I knew I was onto something

[@omtakes]

😂😂😂

[@Lovealwayswins1]

You can do it

[@artonion420]

Doomscrooling does not count! No screens 📵

[@azumi5459]

but it's nothing

[@povilasl5383]

I think this is how we should actually live life in general. Technology has robbed us out of our boredom, out of our right to process our emotions and enjoy the world and life in general.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

When my wife and I watch TV together at night, I put my phone in the other room. And leave it there. No distractions.

[@eigojiyouzu]

This is soo true. We have a need to be constantly stimulated by media and in general. It feels like never being switched off. I intentionally slow down for at least several little moments a day. Just meditating for 10 minutes a day or having 10 minutes of uninterrupted silence with yourself can be a big deal.

[@frogandspanner]

I am a doddery old git, in my 70s. I was a university academic here in UK. It was early in my life that I discovered my subconscious mind. My conscious mind is the bit I talk to directly, which I pester with questions, and which bombards the subconscious mind with its interpretations of those questions. The subconscious is the clever, creative bit, that hates being interrupted. It was when I learned to provoke the subconscious into a direction I wanted, then wait for the response, that I discovered I could achieve so much more. Many people think I am mad when I talk of this, but when I mention something being _on the tip of one's tongue_ , and that being the subconscious breaking through, they get a hint of what I mean. Whenever I have a problem I want to solve I'll do something that stops the conscious mind interrupting the subconscious - such as going for a long walk around university campus, or having a drink in the Senior Common Room bar. The subconscious got on with its work and produced amazing results. The thing to learn is _when_ and _how_ to communicate between the two aspects of the mind, and not to feel guilty about giving the subconscious the time it needs. Burnout is not giving the subconscious its personal time.

[@lenni1215]

That's very interesting, thank you!

[@latteARCH]

It's one of the unfortunate weaknesses of our hyperproductive and efficient society. We simply do not always work with or fully understand how we interact with the strictly logical systems we've set up.

[@HunnysPlaylists]

freudian terms are the wrong way to go about this.

[@remem95]

​@@HunnysPlaylists Mostly agree. Its important to understand these terms as metaphors and then they can be helpful. But physically there is no distinction. To me, conciousness is just what emerges from the collection of brain regions that are most active at any given time and the ability of the brain to dissociate from its own processes to perceive them from the outside.

[@frogandspanner]

@@HunnysPlaylists I was not using Freudian terms, merely using my own views on personal experience.

[@freethinker79]

"Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing" --Lao Tzu

[@Odihmantich]

this is gold 😅

[@mb23ism]

Jazz guitarist here. Your video helped. I responded by going down to the river and just laid in a tent and watch dragonflies. Thank you.

[@JariSatta]

Neoclassical / Fantasy Metal guitarist here. Nothing happens next. ( Enlightenment joke )

[@JariSatta]

@@maillardsbearcat Thanks for the recommendation. / I play in Chamelion (Rockshots Records)

[@LightsOnTrees]

This! a work colleague recently said to me half-joking, "how do you get so much done, I only ever see walking to get another cup of tea". My main gig is a writer, and I think it's a too popular habit to prove your dedication by spending lots of time tapping a keyboard, only for most of what you do to be pointless edits, or words that you will never end up using. There was a lot of resistance in me at first, but giving things time to cook and digest, then sitting down and actually working for short, intense blocks really did up the quality and the personal satisfaction of what I did, more than I would of ever expected. What's frustrating is that people then look at the improved quality and say, "Well imagine if you did 8 hours like that!"... sigh

[@Goldencarddx]

Wow this is very relatable. I use to feel guilty for not being creative/productive all the time. But after watching this I realized I should embrace the still hours of my day. I am going through some huge creative blocks lately so I've taken a step back and focusing on other things like exercise. Although I'm a night owl I also need to try front loading my day because lately I find myself vegging out in the evenings before I sleep and i dont feel great about that. Anyhow thanks for sharing your thoughts about this matter, it's really eye opening!

[@NahreSol]

I really know the struggle!! I hope you can find some breakthroughs in creativity soon… the night hours are very important to cinch down. I feel like that’s the toughest part, but once you start leaning into having more stillness in the day, I feel like it also comes naturally!

[@jackjack8390]

You worked diligently and consistently to get to where you are. Don't let the guilt of privilege poison your mind, which is different than being grateful for what you've earned - through focused hard work. You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

[@adrienneparks9791]

Great food for thought!

[@eigojiyouzu]

Exactly. I hear this kind of thing from most people that have done the work to accomplish xyz only to then try to slow down and wonder why they didn’t before. Now they can without guilt, with less pressure because with security we feel more able to do so. At least this is how i interpreted it. I think we have to be a bit mad to accomplish lofty goals.

[@HarmonicaJamz]

This was incredibly helpful, and all the background little videos you put along made it much more engaging than just another talking head video. Thanks!

[@andrewwoodpiano]

I was preparing for a recital last month and discovered the same exact thing ~ 2 weeks before the concert. I felt very secure with the work I’d done up until that point, and randomly I tried this idea of just letting my mind digest the music, creating lots of time for these empty hours of “nothing”. Sure enough, every day when I would practice, the music was unbelievably elevated, & the concert was amazing.

[@mikaellind2589]

YES! Especially in our society of constant information overflow and instant gratification.

1:45 That's two philosophies I noticed with composers. Some composers like to work on something everyday, even if it isn't good, just so they have something to come back after some time and work on. While some other composers like to do nothing and catch that pure inspiration and creativity.

Two widely different examples of the first one: Bach and Grant Kirkhope. Write something everyday, even if it isn't good, then take a break. Once you come back you'll see where it's lacking and fix it with a combination of both technicality AND creativity.

[@NahreSol]

So interesting! You’re right, there are different approaches for everyone ☺️

I myself found ideas flowing when doing something absolutely unrelated, riding a motorcycle, walking, working on something else.

[@aegeanbo]

Surprised to find so enthusiastic responses from so many? This has come to resonate with wisdom from many cultures. In Chinese, it is called Wu Wei, from sages like Lao Tze and Chuang Tze from almost three thousand years ago. The power of effortless action. Think of sailing vs rolling--- following what is natural.

[@PianoLandscapes4film]

I am retired for seven years now and I now have the luxury of spending all of the time I want composing and playing my piano. Everything you said resonated with me. Only difference is my "early" morning is more like -8:30. I spent 32 1/2 years getting up at the crack of dawn for work, so I no longer have the early rise - I enjoy my sleep. Going for my daily walk is my quiet time. What you said about doing nothing and how that can catapult your creativity is so true. Thank you for this.

[@JayTheLane]

I'm a musician, quite obviously obsessed with music. I practice a minimum of 2 hours per day. Yet, I still have periods where I do nothing. It refreshes me immensely.

[@jetmarshall]

Beautifully done. A contemplative approach to life is not a waste of time, or a "means" to greater productivity. It is the generative space from which all creativity and insight arises.

[@forkless]

Us Dutch have a dedicated verb for "doing nothing". Niksen.

[@zakolache4490]

What're your plans for the weekend? Niksen Nice man, enjoy it!

[@junkgum]

Ah nixin' for fixin'

[@latteARCH]

@@junkgum just don't let it get into politics

[@rmatson]

I think Americans might too: chillin'. :-)

[@forkless]

@@rmatson Chillin' can have multiple meanings. :)

[@ecris37]

❤ You're so on point. You can't force creativity because it is a form of "receving." You "receive," then you create and build.

[@NahreSol]

Yes so true! I like that - “receiving” …

[@thebuckeyeballoonguy]

From one piano to another: yes, it's within the stillness some great ideas come. Usually when least expected. Sometimes it's good to sit down and write out 20 of those ideas and circle what you consider to be the best three! You are an inspiration to me and my discipline of piano - and many thanks!

[@DallinJeppsonMusic]

I love this! I'm going to start calling the "chill times" "the empty hours" from now on 😊 Thanks for sharing your insights! Super helpful 🙏

[@soundtreks]

Totally agree! Creativity is a well and it has to be filled up to be potent. A break from the studio in nature has long been a source of inspiration for so many composers. Great video as always Nahre!

[@adrienneparks9791]

I was doing nothing and then I watched this. So glad i did! You are wonderful and such a blessing. Thank you for all of your posts ❣️

[@NahreSol]

Thank you back!!

[@curiouslvb4917]

Hi Nahre! You have been an inspiration for me throughout my composition journey. Just 2 years ago, I stopped my music work because of medical studies and there was a piece I had been working on and it prompted me to stop it along with every other music piece. For 2 whole years, I didn't compose anything new and original. Recently, my exams were conducted and I was free and I struggled with composing again. I watched your videos again, especially those videos which had you deciphering composition techniques of classical composers and composing your own work in their style. Slowly but surely, I began composing again and though, it was hard. Making melodies was difficult, following the music form was agitating and playing my old piano keyboard was exhausting. Muscle memory didn't serve me well and I kept on grinding to compose. You're the inspiration that made me go back to composing and bring out my old instrument from the closet. And after finally finishing my 4th piano sonata which I left unfinished in 2022, I am happy to state that my piano sonata's inspiration is none other than you.Thank you so much!

[@everpuremusic]

Stress and burnouts are real. I had a burnout and was away from work for three months, plus three more months slowly getting back into full-time again, back in 2019. And I know people who have been away from everything due to burnout for two years. So, yes, doing nothing and understanding how to listen to your body and mind are crucial for our health. My mileage definitely varies from the creative work regime in Nahre's video, since I have a "regular" 9-5 office job. And people with family, kids and all sorts of other activities (sports, clubs etc.) have many more constraints to juggle. But it's the same for everyone - find a balance between being busy and recharging.

[@thomasarneson4511]

Boredom is a problem. If you take a few days off, when you come back every thing sounds better, fresh. Also I think slowing down and relaxing is very important.

[@maikunokoe6823]

I very much agree with you. I'm a digital illustrator and many of the tips you give in this video I already apply to avoid burnout. I'll try some of the things you mention too! Something that helps me clear my head but enriches my creativity is to do something artistic that has nothing to do with my job, like sewing or sculpting, it helps me to be creative without having to resort to drawing, and it helps me a lot.

[@nsiepmann]

Been doing a weekly songwriting challenge and was struggling to come up with something for this week. Watched this, had a nap, and it ended up being melody ideas that got me up off the sofa - thank you!

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

It's an important part and a hard part to give yourself sometimes.

[@JamesMichaelStevens]

Some great advice, Nahre! I often over produce, but indeed doing nothing has some wonderful benefits. Keep up the great work!

[@christopherhammann1607]

Napping by a lighted window that is warm has always been a go to for relaxing my mind that or sitting on a windy mountain top. 😺 I understand the fact of overworking oneself... so this video has been a good reminder to rest well again. Thanks.

[@splashesin8]

This is something I have to really stay on top of, as I easily continue to be caught in the riptide over and over, of nonstop deadlines every waking moment, with no real full sleep. It helps to hear others talk about a similar situation. Thanks Nahre. ❤

[@ChalumeauLOL]

Thanks! I always do "nothing" during math class in school! 😝🤩🤩

[@Stephen-dm2cj]

Lovely TedTalk for all creative arts (fine arts, writing, etc.)! Very helpful, thanks! More space, more quiet time allows the creative battery to recharge. Like Mahler, I do my work first thing but not so early, then rest through the remainder of the day. I may need a dog and a door basketball hoop.

[@robertmueller2023]

I like watching all the unique postures and actions. My professor once spent an entire hour showing me correct action ... elbows level with the keyboard, move hands backward and forwards.

[@sebt4981]

Number 6 is actually meditation ! It sounds logical 'cause if you stop doing things, then you'll actually become more aware of your surroundings, just like you can't hear someone if you're talking all the time, you can't "hear" the world if you're busy all the time, while maybe this world actually has some nice stuffs to tell you

[@stephenhill3875]

It's letting your creative , conscious waves time to recuperate..🙏..we love your energy, passion. Thank you for your time

[@eskaroon]

Taking the time to be yourself and stay grounded is so so important .. you can hear the music talking to you if that doesn't sound too off the wall. you find your own voice. so many good things flow from this. very best of luck with it Nahre.

[@mariecloutier3548]

I love this. I'm a writer and I agree that stillness is so important for creativity. You have to refresh and process and let ideas come up. And just live your life. I've always been an early riser and I agree that frontloading work at the beginning of the day and then getting the downtime later is what works. Being organized and intentional with how I use my time is so important!

[@jordangreen3573]

This is so awesome! I’ve been trying to incorporate space into my life but your point about being more focused when working was super helpful and I’m gonna try it out! I always like to think of Howard Shore when he would walk around his garden when writing the music for The Lord of the Rings. That space seems to just fill our souls up again..

[@pauglader5410]

Thank you so much for yet another wonderful and inspiring video!

[@henrycadman5564]

This really reminds me of a section in 1 Kings 19 where Elijah goes to speak with God. A powerful wind comes by, then an earthquake, then a fire. But it says, God was not in them. However, a gentle whisper comes by, and that is God.

[@frankspears4597]

Agree. Make time for daily walks and occasional cycling is essential to me.

[@NahreSol]

Yes!!

[@frankspears4597]

@@NahreSoli have a full time non composing job so it’s even more important for me to have a balanced life along with composing

[@Jack.Strait]

I feel like I know so few people that engage in long term creative work, yet this video is clearly finding a large audience! I'm curious what kinds of projects you guys work on? If it's on YT, I'd love to check it out :)

[@daniellekropp]

I'm studying engineering and doing nothing + taking breaks to rest and such is very helpful to me too.

[@MatchaMouse]

As an aspiring creative I already follow a lot of these points like front loading my work day, but I think my personal take away from this is that I need to fully embrace those hours of nothing and not let them weigh so heavily upon me as "unproductive hours". Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@marcusgregoryduke]

Way cool, Nahre: I once was so fed up with the quality of my work, I stopped playing piano for 1-½ years. I did dabble with guitar and bass during that time, but not to the degree I played and composed for piano. Never worried about it because it was so liberating. Came back with a head full of new ideas for compositions, and being re-energized to dive back into the breach!

I appreciate how much love and appreciation you have for your pups, including so much footage of them in the video. I'm curious if you've ever written them a theme on piano? Great video. It's very relatable as a fellow freelancer.

[@charlespattison8138]

Wonderful and very informative, thank you for sharing! I am grappling with similar issues and it’s interesting that I’ve reached some of the same conclusions like waking up very early which is also quite unnatural for me… I also think that the free time doesn’t have to be “nothing” but could also be any activity you love as long as there is no deliverable expected from this time

[@FictitiousCtrlGames]

I've been feeling this way too. I think dopamine is easier to receive when you have breaks from anything. Literally anything. I found that when I was literally always consuming content, I wouldn't have moments to think about projects that I'm excited about and thus start working on them.

[@MathieuFiset]

Thank you Nahre ! I really really needed that today...feels like you did it for me but obviously we are a lot of people feeling like this ! Being a self-employed musician is a blessing and a curse for sure...

[@GeorgeKiernan]

"Sitting quietly, Doing nothing, the spring comes, Grass grows by itself." This is my favourite Haiku by Matsuo Basho, the most famous Zen poet from Japan. Using this as a model for my thinking has helped me to do more by doing less.

[@thomasmcgill7229]

This is wonderful! I find my most create time is a 5 mile walk. When I walk, the world speaks to me! 🙂

[@NahreSol]

No wonder many of the great composers talked a lot about walking !

[@paulograca3937]

In fact in some moments we need make a pause to search the inspiration to keep going . I understand you Nahre

[@kaitlyn__L]

It's amazing how much crossover there is to things I've learned from chronic illness communities. Especially the part about front-loading the day, avoiding burnout (because if you don't schedule it, your body will force the matter), working-out what you can reliably do every day, and then actively rest (not just "not work") either alone or with pals.

[@NahreSol]

How interesting!! Thank you for sharing ☺️

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@NahreSol it was very validating, especially the part about sounds and colours popping out at you when you’re Still :) when I had times when I was bedbound I was often frustrated at being kept away from my music, my head filled with unrealised ideas, but at least it kept the passion! So yeah, I’m coming at my music routine from the opposite end but it seems to be a similar methodology to maintain the middle-ground :) (I have dozens or hundreds of sketches, too. Haha)

[@sniffableandirresistble]

We all lose everything, every conceivable separation will occ,ur, everything will pass.

[@andrewharman6861]

Yes in other words finding a balance At the moment I have the opposite of doing nothing, and that is working all the time for so long that I have not played my piano since May. In a nutshell, I basically was not making enough money from music to pay the bills building work does. Just think of it, If a walk in the park gives a boost of inspiration just imagine what six months grafting would do devastating or liberating,, Great to see you going over your phone drafts and continuing to put out these videos and inspiring us. You mentioned getting back to work in this video,believe me creating and playing music is a blessing and when we feel it is work we have lost the balance what you may not see at the moment is how age and terrain has a role in these daily routines,as we are constantly evolving yesterdays set routine needs constant natural changes for instance you have developed techniques through yes hard work but now is the time you’re routines should be utilising these techniques playing with them and enjoying they will continue to develop all by themselves without the old outdated work practice routine you had years ago it’s time to enjoy creating,, pushing yourself no no no. Reading lots of comments like this no no no Thank you.

[@mathewarrellin]

Love this! time management is crucial for creativity, and I agree with pretty much everything you said about this. One of the challenges I experience with this is being a parent of 2 small children, so there's even less time to figure out how to composer and not really any time to actually do nothing unless they're not around😂although, I will say that one thing that has helped me lately is finding brief moments to paint while my son is coloring.

[@ravenbom]

Honestly, actual work (or school when I was in college) is the best thing for creativity. Watching movies and listening to other music and traveling also helps. So does dating. You need inspiration, you can compose when you're not in front of your instrument. Sometimes you need to push through to make something make sense. Sometimes you need to step away. Hard to know when each is appropriate.

[@falsaapariencia5898]

What a great take on creativity. This channel just keeps getting better and better over the years.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you ☺️🙏🏻!

[@claraartnow6645]

This is so refreshing, because, aside that a lot of us completely agree, there's this idea between musicians that you can only become better the more you practice non stop. Whenever I did things with that mentality, I ended up feeling a loss of creativity, and almost no one from the music world talks about the importance of silence and the space to rest and do nothing. Thanks Nahre! ❤

[@TitiLatulipe]

C'est vrai, que c'est magnifique de voir votre évolution de femme compositrice, dans une vidéo spontanée. Il y a de quoi être admiratif de votre équilibre de vie de musicienne. De plus, vos conseils d'organisation et de composition sont précieux. Les gens parmi vos ami(e)s ont beaucoup de chance de vous connaître. Cela donne envie de travailler avec des personnes comme vous. Merci pour ce sympathique partage et à très bienôt peut-être, chère Dame de la musique ^^

[@AkiMoonlight]

This video came at the perfect timing for me. Thank you for these precious tips and for the inspiration it gives!!

[@NahreSol]

Thank you back!!

[@MotifMusicStudios]

This is such a wonderful reminder for me - always appreciate your insights. Fellow hyper-focusing night owl over here.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you! 🦉

[@TheTutorialMan42400]

I should definitely give this a try! Even though I'm still a student right now which means I can not have the same routine every day due to changing classes hours but yeah that's inspiring

[@pauloliveirasonius6807]

I have no idea how to compose (I wish I did) and at first I followed this channel cause I thought I might be able to learn something about that, especially since I love your music. But at this point you’re more of a life coach to me haha. Anyways it was a funny coincidence that you uploaded this right when I thought I need more time doing nothing. I hope we all end up being more receptive, joyful, appreciative and creative by doing nothing for a while!

[@richardyasushiii3848]

Thank-you for making this video. As someone in the creative economy, I can't emphasize how much the posture of "stillness" matters. Hustle culture and productivity gurus are as toxic as social media in my mind, as they're essentially selling the same thing: making people prioritize their image over where they're actually at. This is as much about mental health as it is about being effective in the world. Nahre Sol's advice is priceless in this video.

[@HarveyHirdHarmonics]

When I was a teenager, I used to just lie on my bed and stare at the ceiling. My mom sometimes asked me what I was doing and I answered "looking around", which she found hilarious. But I was very creative then. I need to get into that habit again. We are so distracted all the time by social media and we scroll and watch videos (which I'm doing now dangit!). And I'm just feeling numb and empty of any inspiration. Thank you for the video and reminding me. Time to just look around regularly again!

[@smorzando...]

Thank you

[@TheMontagueOdyssey]

An excellent video, have watched three times! Thank you Nahre

[@rina-nv5yr]

This is a great video. I noticed a couple of years ago that whenever I’m on a walk without earphones or I’m doing the dishes, songwriting just happens to me. The first time I wrote an entire song was actually after doing the dishes. It really is so important to let your brain just be

[@areyougary]

Great video! But I gotta compliment specifically how well you made the beginning, because let me tell you that the first 20 seconds were enough to have me completely into the video! You hit incredibly well the target you were trying to hit

[@areyougary]

Pretty sweater design by the way

[@klein1883Klein]

Loved this video, so many great tips. I have recently discovered what my Chronotype is and it has solved many of my "when" questions. I think large changes like this are powerful, and take time to implement. 🤗

[@_DrumsArt]

I feel my best when I’m stuck at work. Then, come home crash. Used to try combine the two. Coupled with certain barriers, and responsibilities projects just fall behind. Days become months, and time just goes.

[@fortissimoX]

We live in totally different age than people just 50 years ago have lived. Things we consider "normal", are in fact not normal at all, meaning how much we are bombarded with information from all sides, and how much different technologies are in fact trying to steal our attention. Therefore, unlike people who lived before, and for whom periods of stillness were in fact "normal", we actually have to intentionally create space for ourselves to recover. That would mean move away from computer, tv, mobile phone... and simply just relax. Most of us struggle with that, which is good indicator how much are we in fact addicted to consumption of information. So, doing "nothing" is in a way extremely important for all of us, but especially to those of us who want to be creative. Thank you Nahre for sharing this story!

[@PhilKelley]

We live in a society that values efficiency (a holdover from WWII) and calls it "productivity". So, you asked a really good question right, which many other people are beginning to ask, at the beginning. Also, a saying that came out of WWII and is still quoted today is, "You can't beat something with nothing," to which I say, "Of course you can." You just gave me another proof.

[@pavelbasov5488]

Person may experience different periods during lifetime, some are more busy, some more loose. But well balanced day schedule will save a lot of energy, mental heath and creativity for sure as well as prevent burning out. Thanks for video.

[@Dylanthestudent]

I’m exactly in the mood for this kind of video thank you!!!! 🙏

[@NahreSol]

☺️☺️☺️

[@SamuelSciarra]

Awesome video as always. Very inspiring. Thank you

[@nikolaytrofimov4175]

I just read "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin, and you basically seconded some of his points! By doing "nothing", you're letting your brain rest, you're creating intentional distractions, so your brain will have time to accumulate and adapt to the information received during practice. Our brain is way slower than our movements, so it takes time to process the amount of motions we just did. Also by doing "nothing" you're creating space for ideas to come - this was your point at 5:00. Good video!

[@NahreSol]

Oh! Do you recommend it?

[@nikolaytrofimov4175]

@@NahreSol oh, absolutely! It's a book of his thoughts about creativity, where shares his vision on ideas, inspiration and creative process in general. Worth to read for any artist in my opinion

[@torlack]

So much this. While I no longer do creative “art”, my job still requires a creative mentality. I’ve found all of this works great for me. I’ve also learned from being in a cross culture relationship that there are cultural pressures pushing people to always be productive. I would add that maintaining “personal space” vs “professional space” is extremely important for people who work from home. These last two videos have resonated so much with me. It is a very interesting subject.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you for your comment!! I love these points.

[@shilloshillos]

Tao te ching is exactly pointing to that goal. The void. Which ends up being everything. I find Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao, incredibly inspiring. So, yes, blocking in time doing nothing, is extremely important.

[@PsychHacks]

You might enjoy the book, Daily Rituals, by Mason Curry. Also, I’ve found it most beneficial to avoid news, eschew social media, and give my brain a chance to breathe. All input is mental inhalation, but at some point you have to exhale, and you do that by not putting anything in. Love your videos and own your harmony book.

[@Cddsr]

Always love watching your videos!

[@johnnyfog8134]

What happens in the body, is that the brain has time to refill the stocks of „readily releasable dopamine“, so we can be focused again (dopamine is the molecule of motivation and focus) The hard part is to let go and understand that not being under Stimulation has value itself. Love your video :)

[@zerksari]

This is as you mentioned not just about musicians. I am returning as freelancer as I need that creativity back and that state allows me that, including increased professional hunger.

[@NahreSol]

This is very true!! Thank you for sharing… 🙏🏻

[@tenywajimowen1002]

As a content creator too, I usually do this most of the time. I am able to also explore my own thoughts and how to come up with bigger and better creative ideas in the space that I work in. Usually taking time off and pushing the pause button enables me to think and be myself more on the otherside of things. I am also able to process information much more quicker and faster.

[@jngl-jim]

i think for me the key is just simply having the space and time to process life and that's what allows for in the moment living and adaptability. routines and structures aren't life, imo, yet that's what a lot of urban centers are about, which has its pros and cons. i can't think of anything in nature that has a "set routine" of when and how things should unfold.

[@voskresenie-]

I do something similar, but less intentional. I leave my phone and everything but my keys at home when I walk my dog, and I often go for a 30-60 minute drive in the afternoon, but it's not planned, just something I do if I feel like it. I have almost all of my ideas while driving. Something about driving aimlessly helps me daydream in a way I rarely do otherwise. I think it's a combination of the 'time doing nothing' that you talk about, and the curiosity and exploration of going places just to see what's there. I also meditate for 30 mins most days, usually late morning, which doesn't usually result in new ideas directly, but seems to put my mind in a more pliable state afterwards.

[@xway2]

I've come to kind of a similar realization recently. I would work as much as I could, I think because I felt some kind of pride in that, but a lot of it was just empty busywork that didn't move me forwards. I've started actively taking breaks and making sure I actually work efficiently when I do work, and I'm starting to feel better about life in general. I'm less irritable is the big one I'm noticing. This is still a process, and this past week I'd stay at work late and find things to do but I've realized there's no point to that. This week I'm going to be more disciplined about also stopping work and going home at a reasonable time. It's important to figure out when you're the most productive (for a lot of people it's in the morning even if we don't want to admit it) and take advantage of that, making sure you work efficiently and take regular breaks to maintain efficiency, so that you get your work done and can enjoy the free time without guilt for the rest of the day. It's important to remember you're doing this for your own sake, to make your own life more enjoyable, so you shouldn't try to cheat because you're only cheating yourself. Also if you fall back into bad habits, that doesn't mean you've failed. Just try again and maybe with this experience it will work a little bit better this time, and then even better next time, and so on. Those are my thoughts and what I've been doing lately, and so far I'm happy with how things are going.

[@song4night]

As a night owl myself, I feel what you're saying and how you're adjusting. I am tempted to try it too. Bed before midnight seems so strange.

[@farnaztabatabaee]

Such a helpful video!I do meditation for 45 mins in the middle of my work!:D

[@Anson120]

When I was younger, I read a article in a Guitar magazine ,and it was about how not playing guitar(or instrument) can help your playing. It is totally true. I have the mag with the article somewhere.

[@Blend33]

Another Composer, Mattias IA Eklundh talked about this, saying being bored is important for creativity, great video 💯

[@TDRKB]

Great content! Will try. I like the morning concept!

[@susanvaughan4210]

Yes! MAKE SPACE FOR GRACE !

[@GeorgeKiernan]

I really wish you would make the sweater available outside the US ☹️ I've been a fan and a supporter for a very long time from the UK, and would love to be able to buy one🙏🙇

[@michaelperryviolin]

Wonderful video Nahre! I'm so glad you found this new routine! I think it is a really great idea. You must feel great! I'm going to try your routine! Sounds like a great way to live :) And I've noticed I'm also more creative when I have more time doing nothing.

[@auariasmusic]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

Sound advice. Visiting fellow workaholics in hospital is scary. Especially when they all say they have no memory of the injuries sustained after burning out. I'll do my best to try these tips.