We highly sensitive folks tend to have a tougher time compartmentalizing in healthy ways in order to access our creativity. A huge fan of The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, she shares in her book how articles over carpet over their creativity through vices–work, alcohol, food, and the like. While using things like substances is not a healthy way to cope, sometimes there are healthy ways to leverage your life in order to put things in their place–and succeed at being the creative soul you want to be. Hence, I give you seven tips to compartmentalize for increased creativity in your career. These are especially helpful tips for HSPs.
Table of Contents
1. Time Blocking for Increased Creativity
- Set dedicated time slots for creativity, treating them like non-negotiable appointments.
- Use alarms or calendar reminders to mark the transition between tasks.
- Example: Mornings for deep creative work, afternoons for admin tasks.
2. Create Physical & Mental Boundaries
- Have a designated creative space (even a small corner) that signals “this is my time to create.”
- Use rituals to switch gears—light a candle, play specific music, or use a special notebook.
- Mentally, imagine placing your worries in a “box” before diving into creative work.
3. The Parking Lot Method
- Keep a “mental parking lot” (journal, whiteboard, or notes app) where you temporarily “park” distracting thoughts or to-dos.
- Reassure yourself that you’ll come back to them later, reducing the urge to multitask.
4. Use an Alter Ego or Creative Persona for Increased Creativity
- Step into a “creative identity” when it’s time to create, separating it from other roles (caregiver, business owner, etc.).
- Give this persona a name or visual cue—wear a specific piece of jewelry or adopt a mantra like, Now, I am the artist.
5. Sensory Anchors & Transition Rituals
- Use sensory cues like scent (essential oils, incense), sound (instrumental music, nature sounds), or movement (stretching, deep breathing) to shift into creative mode.
- Example: Before writing, take three deep breaths and sip tea to signal your brain that it’s time to focus.
Looking for an HSP-Trained coach to help you align your life with your priorities?
Through my Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) certification with the Nickerson Institute, as well as being an HSP, I offer HSP coaching to develop specific goals around your HSP needs. We HSPs frequently deal with anxiety and overstimulated nervous systems that prevent us from achieving peace and attaining our life goals. HSP coaching with me includes a detailed review of your sensitivities and a mutually-desired plan for growth and management of this superpower to shift negativity and begin seeing yourself as the hero of your own story. [Coaching packages start at $150 per month.]
6. The “First 15-Minute” Rule
- If you’re feeling stuck, commit to just 15 minutes of creativity. This small start often leads to deeper focus and flow.
7. Compartmentalize Emotionally for Increased Creativity
- If heavy emotions feel overwhelming, set aside “worry time” where you allow yourself 10-15 minutes to process feelings, journal, or vent.
- Then, consciously shift into a different mindset by visualizing a door closing on those thoughts.
How do I know if I’m a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
This is a great question. Many people who are highly sensitive feel that they were not understood as children. They were frequently told they were too sensitive or cried too often. You can reference our list of HSP quizzes to see how you score and this can inform whether or not you are a Highly Sensitive Person.
How do I know if I’m a High Sensation Seeker (HSS)?
Some Highly Sensitive Persons find that they often get bored with the status quo. They seek unique and exciting experiences on a regular basis to be able to reach an experiential high that feeds into their work and relationships. This online quiz can be a good litmus test to find out if you’re a High Sensation Seeker.
Be sensitive, be free
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