How to Battle Burnout with Creativity with Alyssa Rosenheck and Soho House

It is such an honor to be a Soho House Expert when it comes to Creativity! I was recently asked to share my tips on how to counteract burnout with creativity. As a proud member, I am grateful for the community Soho House continues to cultivate and share (not to mention their swoon-worthy aesthetic) .  

I like to return to my “Why” with most things in life. And full transparency, I struggle when I turn on the news. I feel heavy and helpless when I read misinformation on social media. It is hard these days to take a casual scroll for inspiration without running into stress and feeling the weight of the world. It is very easy to spiral from there, but I am here to say PAUSE and return to our baseline — Conscious Consumption and Creativity. 

Here is the good news: We have so many tools at our fingertips to alleviate our daily stress! Creativity is one of them — one I didn’t discover until later in life. One of the quickest ways to feel connected to ourselves and others is through creativity. Creativity may be used as an antidote to stress and stress is often a precursor to burnout. Creativity connects us to ourselves by helping us identify our inner needs.  It allows us to be present, process our feelings while offering a calming and nourishing practice. 

For more information and my quick and easy steps — Watch a Two Minute Video I created for Soho House. Save this for later when you need a kind and gentle companion to self care. 

For my two main tips to consider this week…

How to incorporate more creativity into our daily lives? 

1. Work with your hands: this can be cooking, gardening, floral arranging, making a vision board, and or framing artwork in your home.

2. Learn a new skill - photography, a new instrument, learn to write a song, morning pages, poetry, painting, and or styling.

I am so grateful for your time as you watch this video, and allow creativity to make the world feel a little more nourishing for you this week! I encourage ALL of us to incorporate more creativity into our lives, and, for those who have a copy on hand of The New Southern Style, check out pages 312-315 for “childlike is the new grown up” with additional  tips on ways you can do this TODAY!

Treat yourself! I am offering signed and personalized copies of THE NEW SOUTHERN STYLE that may be purchased through our local Nashville book store, Parnassus Books. They ship nationally and this is the perfect gift that will reconnect you to your creative power and cultivate the strength of community. This is a gift that keeps giving.

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Alyssa’s debut Coffee Table book, The New Southern, Out now via Abrams!

Thrive Global | Alyssa Rosenheck’s Tips to Creating Wellness Stations at Home

Who has hit a wall? I think we all have to be honest. These are the times to dig deep and do the internal work. These are the moments to slow down and this is a simple reminder to pause. An indicator of hope is how one can maintain internal peace while transitioning through turbulent times. While we are within the four walls of our home, doing the best we can, I am inspired to share a sense of reprieve from the unknowns and offer a new way to attach meaning to our space. This is about being intentional and dedicating space to live in, to love in, to learn in and to grow in - highlighted in my new coffee table book out this fall, The New Southern Style - A Lifestyle and Design Book. By doing this, we are able to bolster the energy empowering us to show up; it begins within us and starts at home. Below, I am walking you through how we can incorporate wellness into our space to yield more peace, productivity and organization. 

Set up wellness stations at home. 

Working from home is not new for me. In order for us to maximize our output,  we have to re-imagine our everyday spaces and reassign meaning to create not just literal space, but also emotional and mental space for ourselves. Co-opt a few spots at home as “Wellness Stations” —  literal places in your home to find a sense of peace and calm. Here’s how your space can reflect a schedule for wellness: 

• Morning Wellness Station: The Shower.

  Water soothes most of my needs. It is a source of renewal and in our day-to-day lives, a reminder for stillness. I encourage waking up early to give yourself quiet time in the shower to start the day off with an intention. A few questions to get going are: How do I want to feel today? How am I going to show up for myself today and for the world around me?

• Afternoon Wellness Station: The Outdoors.

  Go for a walk. Take time over lunch to connect with the sun, the clouds and the wind. Even taking a moment to rest by a window can reveal simple splendors — natural light, the details of winter transforming to spring, birds singing. 

• Evening Wellness Station: Tub Time.

  Carving out time for a bath is a sacred way to take stock in the day. This stillness yields awareness of what was working during the day and where we need to pivot. Taking this time to recharge along with a mindful meditation is one step closer to a good night's rest and optimizes your effectiveness for a brand new day ahead. 

Create a schedule: Time Management vs Energy Management.

Over the years, I have had time to fine tune the levers of my schedule to accommodate two growing businesses, speaking engagements, managing a team, and writing my first book. I discovered the vital force behind our effectiveness is the quality of our energy. I am a firm believer in energy management over time management.  Working from my home studio is normal when I am not traveling for clients; however, due to the current #socialdistancing climate, we are all adjusting to new characters and new schedules adding complexity to a new normal. Husbands are at home, moms suddenly have kids 24/7, remote learning is taking place, and domestic responsibilities have increased (and are hopefully being shared!).

More than ever, it’s critical to manage our energy, to be innovative with a new schedule and to be forgiving with ourselves. It’s about a flexible approach. Develop a loose schedule that not only prioritizes family and work, but also provides for conscious media consumption with an equal amount of space to unplug. And finally – let yourself do something new! 

Do something new.

I recently did this by incorporating my husband, Ben, into my creative space on social media. He is a highly trained head and neck surgeon, and, after finding myself overwhelmed ciphering through the rapidly changing news everyday, I noticed I felt much calmer hearing it from his (scientifically-trained) perspective. So I decided to share that with my New Southern community, and now our nightly Q+As on Instagram Stories not only helps us to stay on top of news and share unbiased data with others, but also brings us and others together. 

Whatever it looks like for you and your household, now is the time to tap into creativity as a resource. Here are a few ideas to explore:

• Art Therapy.

  This can look like anything from picking up a paintbrush to simply picking some greenery on your afternoon walk to arrange in a vase. 

• Cook with intention and INTUITION.

  A tradition as old as time, cooking is a way to show love and nourish relationships around the table. 

• Create a dedicated reading space.

  Steal a throw or some pillows from somewhere else in your home and break out the good candles. Get cozy! 

• Create a dedicated meditation space.

  Carve out a corner that cues your body and mind to slow down when you’re in it – wherever it may be.  

• Start a book club.

  My friend Allison Moorer, an Academy and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, is taking it virtual on Instagram daily, reading and highlighting passages out of noteworthy, soulful reads. She is curating accompanying playlists weekly as well. Take a note from Allison’s Instagram and start supporting artists and authors. A few books I recommend starting out with: Blood by Allison Moorer, Vibrate Higher Daily by Lalah Delia, You Are Enough by Panache Desai, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, or Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.

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Stay Sane + Sanitize | Alyssa's Virtual Survival Toolkit

How are we doing? Really? Let’s take a deep breath together. . .Inhale for the count of 6 and exhale for the count of 6.  Let’s do a quick body scan before we begin. What feels good in our body? What feels tense in our body? What are we doing to process our feelings?

I am sharing my virtual survival toolkit today to help us navigate our new normal. Below you will find - digital therapy resources, virtual museum tours, personal learning tools, and how I harness creativity during times like this. There are financial relief funds for artists and creatives along with trusted sites on how to continue to navigate social distancing and the corona virus. We are all in this together and I am sending love and health to you. Xx

Personal Growth 

To Be Magnetic 

Dive into the concept of manifestation through workshops, a podcast, and insights from founder Lacy Phillips to get clarity and, ultimately, get out of your own way. TBM is even offering a free resource kit designed specifically for these strange times. 

Digital Therapy Resources 

If you are wanting to dive deeper into traditional outlets for mental health while we are social distancing, you can still connect with a professional virtually. If you have health insurance, start there, as it may have a portal to connect you to in-network options. Alternatively, you can go straight to the source with platforms like Betterhelp and Talkspace. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association is a great place to start, with information on seeking out online therapy and dealing with the mental and emotional side effects of social distancing. 

Cultural Growth 

If you need to get out of the house. . .without actually leaving your abode, cultural institutions have harnessed digital tools to make their art, talents, and natural wonders available to all. Stoke your curiosity and ignite some inspiration with these: 

The Met Opera is sharing performances available for streaming nightly at 7:30 p.m EST. Check the full schedule here to see some of the art form’s greatest performers and performances from the last decade. 

Google Arts and Culture partnered with some of the top museums around the world to bring famous galleries to your living room. Get inspired with a quick virtual trip to The Met, or travel across the globe to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. 

Google Arts and Culture didn’t stop there. If you need to get outside (beyond your cul-de-sac), they’ve made some of the nation’s most beloved national parks into a virtually explorable experience. Explore one of the darkest night skies in America or one of the South’s own tropical treasures. 

Creative Growth 

Let’s talk about harnessing creativity during hard times. This is more important than ever; creativity connects us (even when we can’t in-person!) and dials up the light in the world, something we could use more of right now. (And it’s what The New Southern community is all about!) 

The good news - we are all creative – it’s in our blueprint, it’s our birthright, and can be unlocked at any time. We have to learn however, to connect to our own creativity. To do so, we first have to show up every day, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Showing up for creativity is as easy as going for a walk, listening to music, or hopping in the shower or tub – anything that gets you outside of your own head and allows for a stream-of-consciousness to flow. Here are a few strategies: 

1. Get into your most relaxed state.

   When we are calm, we don't feel pressure, stress, or anxiety. This is when we are most receptive to our creativity and innovation. Whether I’m editing, writing, ideating, or whatever it is, I find it’s simply about getting out of my own way. So,  if I’m stressed, I may need to go for a walk, play with the dog, fold the clothes, read a chapter in a book, or just get outside. There are so many tricks for us to get out of our own head or our own way. Maybe it takes the form of meditation, yoga, gardening, listening to music by inspiring women (i.e., Lady Gaga!!), cooking, or painting. You don’t even have to be good at those things–it’s simply about showing up and slowing down. 

2. Be in receiving mode.

   Learn to welcome the little ideas that land on your shoulder and say, “Hey, you many want to pay attention to me!” Start a journal of dreams and ideas–including the worst, most boring and mundane ideas. Get in the practice of documenting everything, and you may start to see the light shine through the cracks.

3. Learn something new.

   Maybe it’s learning how to edit videos, immersing yourself in a new language, diving into philosophy, queueing up a new Masterclass (see below!), or simply picking up a fresh book. Whatever learning looks like to you, embrace it. It doesn’t have to be related to the medium or outlet your creativity typically takes–it just needs to get you engaged. 

Inspirational Growth 

Masterclass

Whether you want to learn more about photography or poker strategy, business leadership or basketball, space exploration or story telling, this is the place. It’s an upfront investment, but a robust resource for growth. You can even learn about conservation from Jane Goodall herself. 

TED and TEDx 

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and the slogan explains it all: “Ideas worth spreading”. Much like The New Southern, TED is all about connecting over creative ideas and forward progress. TEDx in particular hits home with my passion for community building, as it’s a grassroots effort to bring communities together through the sharing of ideas and experience. Explore TEDx talks from around the world here. 

Conscious Growth 

Lalah Delia 

The author of “Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power”, Lalah Delia teaches others her hard-won lessons on rising above your circumstances, living intentionally, self-actualization and ultimately, how to “journey back home to their empowered, higher-potential, and whole selves.” Start with a podcast interview, a blog post, or read the book! 

Panache Desai 

Spiritual leader and author Panache Desai has created a package of tools specifically for this crisis to help readers cope, including a free, daily guided meditation. His mission, aside from bringing peace in challenging times, is to help others find and then live their purpose. Get a taste via his blog here, or dive in with his book, You Are Enough. 

The Goop Lab

Not one to shy away from curiosity, Gwyneth and her team volunteer as guinea pigs in this six-part Netflix series exploring the world of alternative healing. The show explores everything from medicinal mushrooms to mediumship, giving viewers an insider look at mystical topics and if anything, modeling the power of a curious spirit. 

SELECT RESOURCES

FINANCIAL AID – For freelancers and creatives 

FREELANCE CO-OP

Freelance Co-Op exists to connect freelancers with tools and resources for success. During uncertain and unprecedented times like these, that means an emergency relief fund that individuals can both contribute to and request temporary assistance from. Learn more here. 

ALLIANCE OF ARTIST COMMUNITIES

The Alliance is offering support for artists by connecting them with their network of residency programs around the country. They have also aggregated a collection of other programs artists can turn to for emergency relief and grants. See it here.  

CREATIVE CAPITAL

Creative Capital has created a list of resources for emergency relief funding and assistance for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals. You can also add to it here. 

THE HAVEN FOUNDATION

Founded by Stephen King, this foundation offers financial assistance to U.S.-based freelancers in times of crisis. Learn more here. 

ARTIST RELIEF TREE

This Facebook Group by artists for artists is collecting donations from individuals with the means to help. Funds collected are used to support artists, particularly freelance artists, as “the arts help make life worth living, and help us lead more thoughtful, compassionate, enjoyable lives.” Donate, learn more, and request aid here. 

SCIENTIFIC 

• The CDC 

• WHO

• The Johns Hopkins Map 

• Why It's So Important to Stay Home

Major news outlets providing free PUBLIC access for COVID-19 coverage:

• NYTimes

• Washington Post 

• WSJ

• The Atlantic 

• Los Angeles Times 

Join the Movement. For more soul-sparking stories from The New Southern along with upcoming book tour dates and speaking engagements, sign up for my newsletter!

Thrive Global | Alyssa Rosenheck’s Tips to Counteract Burnout with Creativity

I am thrilled to be sharing a few personal tips with Arianna Huffington’s new site Thrive Global. Starting a new decade on a high note is one thing, maintaining our healthy mindset throughout the year is another. Let’s discuss ways to bypass burnout, corporate comas, and good ole autopilot to set ourselves up for success this year and many more decades to come. I speak from experience. Before becoming a creative entrepreneur, my corporate background involved two Fortune 100 companies in intense sales positions where vacations and dialogues of healthy habits were often overlooked for 80 hour work weeks. Ensuring the corporate bottom line came at a personal price. Today, I am sharing my universal tips to counteract burnout while yielding creative connection and maximum well-being. Investing in yourself and your mindset will result in the ultimate ROI.

ONE | Prevention is predicated on self-awareness

How do we achieve self-awareness? This involves a daily practice of being both objective and present with what we are feeling and how we are experiencing the world around us. Being honest about our emotional check ins helps us understand if we are on the right path, where we need to pivot and what we can personally improve. Great tools to help us identify our self-awareness are journaling, breathing techniques, guided meditations and simple questions.

“How am I feeling”
“What are my needs in this current moment?”
“Am I fulfilled?”
“What do I need to incorporate or limit to achieve a state of internal fulfillment?”

TWO | Creativity connects

One of the quickest ways to feel connected to ourselves and others is through creativity. Creativity revitalizes the human spirit, connects us to our heart equity and exposes our passions. When we look at life or problems through the lens of creativity we immediately restore a sense of childlike wonder and open ourselves up to creative possibilities, solutions and shifting our energy to that of positivity. I am a firm believer that when we connect to our creativity, our purpose shortly follows along with our community.

Three | The power of Visualization

How many of us feel restricted by our current set of circumstances? I have been there and have raised my hand to this. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with cancer, did I begin to surrender to something greater than myself. I lived an entire decade prior being ruled by my current set of circumstances, living paycheck to paycheck in the corporate world while giving away my personal power. There wasn’t room for me to dream, there wasn’t space for my femininity within the male dominated industries, and I was operating from a place of fear. Going through cancer allowed me to switch the script and start visualizing the life I wanted to create for myself and for my family. Cancer at the time was an external event that awakened internal choices creating a new life and new reality for myself. On a daily basis, visualize the life you want for yourself - feel the emotions that come with feeling internally fulfilled. Visualize what you want your life to look like from a 50,000 view and then reverse engineer what you want your weeks/days to look and feel like. Visualize being greater than your current set of circumstances and follow these intentions with small actions. When we start shifting our mindset coupled with action is when change and transformation happens.

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