Being online constantly often comes with running an art business, but it can also drain us of creativity and energy. 

It may sound crazy to someone solely in charge of running their own business—or at the very least, unrealistic—to unplug from work, social media, and emails.

With so much to do, work to sell, and clients to communicate with, how is it even possible to switch everything off for a few days?

We promise you, all of your work will still be there when you come back. 

As artists, creativity is our currency. Creative ideas are all around you, but you have to be in the right mental state to actually catch those ideas and turn them into worthwhile creations. Exhaustion, stress, anxiety, negativity—these all affect our ability to create because they affect our ability to think clearly.

To think clearly and create our best work, we need to give our minds the time and space to refuel. And you simply can’t do that by answering emails, worrying about your to-do list, and obsessing over creating the latest and greatest body of work. Creative burnout is all too real, especially during the holiday season.

If we expect ourselves to do our best when we are “on”, then we need to learn how to turn “off". 

And, what better time to hit the reset button for the year ahead than during the holidays?

We'll show you why it's so important to truly unplug. Plus, learn exactly how you can switch off (and keep your business afloat) without the guilt:

 

Unplugging can...

Reduce creative burnout

The demands of constant deadlines, social media upkeep, and perpetual connectivity can turn even the most passionate artist's career into a challenging balancing act.

Juggling these things all by yourself will likely leave you questioning your sanity. Trust us, working all the time in and out of the studio can't last forever, you will burn out. 

Don't think of unplugging as just a break; rather, it's a strategic move to reclaim your mental and creative capacities. 

In order to keep a pace that you can maintain (and therefore keep making work in the long term) you have to do a little planning.

 

Here's what to do:

First, identify and tackle your big priorities ahead of time

Take a look at all of the projects you have coming up. Write out everything that needs to be done for each project and by what dates—applying for shows, finishing commissions, holiday fairs and sales, sending a monthly newsletter, etc.

What can you schedule ahead of time? There are so many tools these days for artists to schedule social media posts and newsletters. That way your online presence is not forgotten, but it doesn’t require you to log back on when you’re really trying to unplug.

Staying organized may seem like a lot of extra work, but the time and stress it saves you is tenfold. If you manage your time and priorities well, you should be able to take a well-deserved break when the time comes!

 

Unplugging can...

Give you the time needed to invest in important relationships.

No artist can go it alone. Even the most isolated artists benefit from the support, encouragement, and camaraderie of a solid network.

Take time to deliberately pause and dedicate your focus to the people closest to you—at least for a little while. 

Without constant digital distractions, you can prioritize, strengthen, and truly nurture the relationships that fuel your fire.

 

Here's what to do:

Put space and time limits on your devices. 

It might not be completely realistic to forget your phone altogether, you still need to communicate with friends and family and get around town. 

But, try setting a time limit on your social media apps and email. Give yourself 15 minutes a day to check in (if you must), activate your time limits, and stick to them.

Next, designate "no phone zones". You might be surprised at how many times a day you mindlessly pick up your phone out of habit and yes, a little out of digital addiction. Break the habit by establishing zones in your home where you don't use your phone.

Put your phone away for a few hours and enjoy really, fully, engaging with your friends and family—cooking, playing games, talking, and connecting without all the distractions. 

 

Unplugging can...

Improve your mental health.

Being constantly connected can not only lead to burnout but can also take a serious toll on your mental health. 

The pressure to keep up with the constant stream of notifications, social media updates, and emails bombarding you day in and day out can make your stress levels soar and anxiety spike. 

Maintaining an always "on" mentality, fueled by the fear of missing out if you dare power down your devices actively keeps you from establishing a healthy work-life balance. Plus, the blue light from screens can mess with your sleep and overall well-being.

Your mental health deserves a holiday too. Give yourself the space to unplug and let your brain recharge, replenish, and refocus. You'll end up with a more positive and resilient mentality that you can tap into after your break. 

 

Here's what to do:

Set boundaries for yourself and let others know about them

Start by announcing on social media or in an email when you will be on holiday. Small business owners actually do this all the time, and their clients completely understand! Everyone needs time off, even artrepreneurs.

If your art business relies on holiday orders, promote well in advance the last date you will be accepting any art orders.

TIP: When picking that date, be sure to factor in the time it will take to fill orders, pack and ship any artwork in time for gift-giving, and finish up loose ends, so you aren’t scrambling to do things last minutes or cutting into your own time off.

When the time comes to actually unplug, notify your followers that you are signing off for a little rest and relaxation! Keep it positive and explain that you’re excited to share with your art fans how your holiday was when you’re back in a few days or weeks. They’ll understand, we promise!

Then, try making a list of at least 10 things that you enjoy outside of your screen—reading a book, going for a walk, doing yoga, learning a new craft, cooking, coffee with friends—and choose one when separation anxiety kicks in.

“Our dependence on our various screens has become automated, but that doesn’t mean that they help us thrive,” says writer Ayla Khosroshahi. It’s a dependence, after all. Our devices now have complete control over our attention, and our brains becoming hooked on the feeling of entertainment. It’s why we jump at the chance to keep scrolling through posts or responding to an email or text the second it appears in our inbox.

If you are truly looking to recharge your brain, stamina, and creativity this holiday season, it’s going to take a conscious effort.

 

Unplugging can...

Provide the space for exploring new ideas.

In taking a digital hiatus (at least for a few days) during the holiday season, you can gift yourself a restorative retreat.

This break from constant work creates precious space in your head, perfect for the cultivation of fresh ideas, new perspectives, and untapped inspirations. 

 

Here's what to do:

Create something just for fun—in a different medium than your own.

Unplugging is all about giving your mind the space to recuperate.

And to do that, we have to turn off our inclinations to achieve, to produce, to perform, to succeed (fill in your own verb here). We have to remember the reason we started making art in the first place—it brings us joy.

There’s nothing like that happiness!

And, giving yourself some time off doesn’t always mean sleeping in and sitting around all day. It’s also about finding a way to spark that joy in you once again so that when you jump back into it, you feel renewed and ready to take on new challenges.

So by all means, create! Just don’t do it because you have to. Don’t do it for the sale. Don’t do it for likes on social media. Do it because it’s fun. And it makes you feel good. 

Now is your chance to try something new. Test out a new medium, a craft you saw on Pinterest, or something entirely unrelated to art. Make the effort to experience something new this holiday season—not because it will get you ahead in life, but for the joy of it! Embrace being a beginner at something new and laugh at your struggles or failures.

Creating with this sense of lightness will undoubtedly renew some joy in your own process as well. Feel like you're in a creative slump after this busy season? Here are 20 artistic prompts that will get your creative juices flowing again! 

 

 

Unplugging can...

Allow you to reflect and plan for what's ahead.

As the year draws to a close, embrace the opportunity to reflect and plan.

Unplugging becomes your intentional pause—a dedicated space for introspection. Celebrate your accomplishments, both big and small, learn from what went wrong, and set meaningful goals for the upcoming year.

This deliberate break from your screens allows you to gain clarity of what it is you actually want for your art career. Think of it as a strategic move to lay the foundation for the next chapter.

 

Here's what to do: 

Embrace the silence

When was the last time you sat in true silence? No music, no television in the background, no conversation—just the sweet sounds of nothingness.

Granting yourself a time and place for silence is another essential step for unplugging.

“Studies have shown that silence is more restorative and regenerative than filling that space with relaxing music, podcasts, conversation, etc.,” reminds Ayla. And while the holidays are definitely fun-filled, they aren’t always tranquil. That is unless you actively choose to make them so!

Silence allows you to refuel your brain in a way no other method can.

It’s where you can turn your worries off for the moment, reflect, let go of your constant focus, and give in to the peace and calmness surrounding you. And once it gives your mind a refresh, it also gives it a space to think clearly once again, without all the noise of everyday life.

So, how does one quiet down?

Try to momentarily check your worries and stress at the door, and focus on your senses in the silence. If you’re having a hard time, try lighting a candle, turning down the bright lights, practicing some deep breaths, and reflecting on how to be more mindful.

Pick a space that’s clear of distractions. It could be a walk in a quiet neighborhood, sitting in your favorite chair, or giving yourself a few extra minutes before bed (try doing this instead of scrolling at night). 

 

 

When you're taking time off this holiday season, actually allow yourself to unplug.

No work. No devices. No distractions.

Holidays are holidays for a reason—it’s a time we’re supposed to take to relax, enjoy life with loved ones, and regroup. Don’t miss this opportunity in a world constantly asking you to achieve! Give your brain the rest it deserves, so you can come back refreshed, ready to discover new ideas, and create the art you’ve always wanted to create.

 

Looking for more ways to recharge? Try these seven self-care habits artists should commit to during the busy season.