If you’ve ever sat down to paint, draw, or write after a long workday and felt stuck, it’s not just you. For me, creative flow means being in the right mindset to create – feeling confident, curious, and free from judgement. But after a full day of office work, my brain is usually stuck in task mode, unable to create effectively.

Here are a few habits that help me get back into a creative flow, even after a 9-5:

Do something small to shift the focus

Reading, listening to lo-fi music, or going for a walk helps me loosen up. Sometimes I’ll sketch quick objects like coffee cups – nothing serious, just put something on paper. When I feel too stuck to create anything, I might scroll through art for inspiration or watch a painting video instead. It still keeps me connected to the process without the pressure of making something.

Change the space

Even just sitting in my studio helps. The bright natural light and my artwork on the walls remind me this is my time, not work time. Seeing my finished pieces also gives me a boost of confidence. Tidying up or rearranging the space gives me a fresh reset. And when I travel, the change of scenery (plus using my own photos instead of someone else’s references) helps spark new ideas.

Shift out of task mode

After a full day of structured, output-focused work, I have to actively move out of that mindset. Moving and stretching helps (considering I work in an office all day). So does anything that gets me into a more calm, curious, and playful headspace. It’s not about chasing a finished product, it’s about being present and enjoying the process.

What helps you reset your mind after work?
Drop a tip or habit in the comments. I’m always looking for new ideas to try.