3 Ways To Stay Creative During The Pandemic, From An Entrepreneur

Staying creative can be challenging even in the best of times, but it can become more of a struggle amid a pandemic; without your usual modes of inspiration (traveling, conversations with colleagues, and the like), you may be feeling a bit stale. 

That said, many have been searching for ways to keep their creative juices flowing, whether you're facing a WFH slump or are simply looking for new ways to get inspired. That's why we consulted Elizabeth Stein, founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth; Stein sure knows a thing or two about creativity (especially in the entrepreneurial space), as she's personally using this time to turn lemons into, well, blueberry lemon oatmeal. 

"Being on the road, for work or pleasure, was always that time I felt the most inspired," Stein shares. Whether it's trying different restaurants and flavor combinations or simply exploring a new city with a friend, she values that time to spark new innovations for her brand. 

It's a little more difficult to replicate during our new normal: Travel is limited, not all restaurants are opening their doors, and social distancing is still very much in effect. So Stein looked inward: What was it about her time on the road that truly made her feel so inspired? After some reflection, she realized what truly makes her tick is engaging in something new—exploring restaurants is a plus, sure, but the real kicker is that sense of adventure.

Stein loves trying new restaurants for inspiration, but she also sees creative value in her own kitchen. "I've always loved the creative outlet in the kitchen, but [the pandemic] amplified it so much more for me," she says. As trips to the grocery store become a bit more limited during this time, Stein has challenged herself to use up whatever ingredients she has on-hand in new, creative ways. 

Her favorite concoction of the moment is a simple broccoli bake: She mixes broccoli, pesto, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, lemon, and capers together and roasts it all in the oven. Casseroles like this are perfect to keep your creative juices flowing—simply chuck whatever yummy ingredients you have on hand into the pan, and you've got yourself an easy and delicious meal. 

Sometimes, the best creative moments stem from a little self-care. Stein is certainly on board, as she notes: "I need to feel good in my body in order to be a good business person at the same time." 

Allow us to emphasize: There's no rule that you have to keep your creativity up to speed, as we all are coping with the pandemic in different ways. Quarantine can feel like a productivity contest at times, but if you feel like watching an episode (or season) of TV or getting lost in a novel—that's OK! The No. 1 priority is your health, both physical and mental; by no means is it necessary to brainstorm a business plan or spring on some home projects in the name of creativity.