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How creative pursuits restore mental energy

Core Idea: Engaging in creative activities helps us become completely immersed, allowing us to forget our worries and rejuvenate our mental energy.

Key Elements

• Four Energizing Mechanisms:

  1. Competence: Creative activities unlock our sense of competence as we gain new skills
  2. Autonomy: Creative pursuits provide a sense of ownership over our work
  3. Liberty: They help us properly disengage from work mode
  4. Mellowing Effect: Creative activities are relaxed and low-stakes

• Psychological Benefits:

  • Provides mental distance from stressors
  • Creates flow states that absorb attention
  • Shifts focus from productivity to process

Connections

• Related Concepts: CALM Hobbies (specific implementation), CALM Projects (structured approach)
• Broader Context: Energy Management (part of restoration practices), Flow State (related psychological state)
• Applications: Stress Reduction Techniques (practical application)

References

1. Abdaal, A. (2023). Feel Good Productivity. [Book highlights]

#creativity #energy #productivity #mental-health

Connections:

Sources:

• From: Abdaal-Feel-good Productivity