In the zipper pocket of my purse, I keep some just-in-case supplies. These can make a big difference when I have small problems. There’s something for a headache, a peppermint (you’re welcome), and lip balm that actually works.
But during this last year, which has included some ongoing heavy situations, I’ve felt myself wishing for another kind of relief. I’d love for someone to blow a whistle and declare, Time for recess! (Okay, strike the whistle. My nerves are already shot. Let’s imagine a gentle breeze nudging a windchime instead.)
As fun as double-dutch sounds, I have something else in mind for recess. During stressful times, I’ve been recalling the physical lightness I’ve felt when suspended in the flow of creating. Have you experienced this? For me, this has particularly happened when I’m assembling cut-up found poems or erasures and somehow involving color.
This combo of delight, focus, and experimentation noticeably lifts my mood. I feel more at ease as I allow myself to get lost for a few minutes in the possibilities of the writing game. It’s like someone has finally opened a window on a stuffy day, and the air starts to stir. The pleasure is real, and this is no small thing.
But what often stops me from jumping back into these refreshing times is that I don’t have my supplies handy, and I don’t have the time and/or energy to assemble them when/where needed.
So, I got to thinking, what if I did my future self a little favor and pre-assembled a little portable kit? Then, I may be more aware of a chance to snag even 10-20 minutes to explore the materials.
Now I’ve made one. And as I type this article, I’m setting up a (gentle) alarm on my phone for a time tonight that might work for a recess. At the moment, I feel like this might make it more likely to happen. Other days, I prefer spontaneity. (Ask me later, and I’ll let you know if I got a recess after all.)
How about you? Could you use a short recess to creatively explore? What kind of supplies might you tuck into an envelope to keep in the pocket of your purse, bag, drawer, or glove box?
I enjoy colorful, simple items that make me feel lighter. Please customize your kit(s) to your liking and give yourself lots of grace to make this as low-key as you want. It’s all for you. A break to just mess around, play, and create.
Mine might vary from week to week, and could include a handful of the following:
- An envelope or small bag
- A tea bag to enjoy during the break
- A piece of paper (I love colored college ruled notebook paper.)
- A favorite pen/pencil
- A page ripped out of a magazine
- A page of words for an erasure
- Small scissors
- A little bit of double-sided tape
- A stamped postcard pre-addressed to a pal (2-for-1 fun times)
- Stickers (I just bought a variety of scratch-and-sniff varieties. Creativity Café friends, one could be coming your way)
- A scented highlighter
- A mystery item/secret ingredient
- A photo that brings a smile
- A phrase from an inside joke
- An encouraging quote, line of poetry, or lyrics
- Something from nature you enjoy
- Something tiny you would have loved as a kid
- A set of colored pencils, crayons, and a page from a coloring book, or whatever art supplies work well for you
- A tiny treat (I’m thinking of the hard candy my grandma used to give me.)
Your Turn
Writing prompt: Try writing for 10 minutes about something you used to love playing at recess or in a park, or playtime. See if you can include at least two different sensory details to describe your favorite experiences of the sound, smell, sight, feel, etc.
Crafting prompt: Cut a couple colorful little rectangles of paper to turn into tickets that read, “Admit One for Recess”. You might try reusing something like a cereal box or junk mail for this. Decorate as you like! Perhaps it’d be fun to give one, or a photo of one, to a pal who’d also appreciate a break?
Now, [soothing windchime tones] I’m handing you your admission ticket. Time for recess, my friend!
Share with us in the comments:
- Have you ever experienced a lift while working on a creative project? What did it feel like for you?
- Do you think you might try making a little recess kit?
- What other kinds of creative explorations could you go on in 10-20 minutes that don’t require any of the above materials?
- If you tried a recess, how’d it go?
Post and photos by Bethany Rohde.
- A Creativity Recess Kit - August 20, 2025
- Collage: Unwrapping Gifts from the Quiet - May 28, 2025
- Postcards from Burrow & Meadow · No. 4 Seeing - February 16, 2023
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