Rituals Writers Use to Think Clearly and Live Slowly
What some of the world’s most imaginative minds can teach us about calm, flow, and creativity.
1. A Day in Patti Smith’s Life: A Lesson in Destressing
Patti starts her day with gentle stretches to clear her mind, then spends a few moments with her cat small rituals that center her. With notebook in hand, she steps out for coffee, writing wherever inspiration strikes, whether it’s a cozy café or a quiet park bench.
She lets herself wander, giving her mind space to breathe until “something good is on TV.” At home, she enjoys writing in bed, a comforting way to process thoughts.
Why it works for you:
Following a similar rhythm mixing movement, small mindful tasks, and unstructured wandering can help you clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and spark creativity throughout your day.
2. Jack Kerouac’s Writing Routine: Flow to Destress
Jack Kerouac lived by the motto, “First thought, best thought.” He carried a notebook everywhere, capturing ideas or quick “sketches” as they came. Mornings were reserved for free-flow writing, letting intuition guide him without editing. Afternoons and evenings were for refining and revising his work.
Why it works for you:
Embracing a similar approach writing freely without judgment in the morning can help you release mental clutter, relax your mind, and let creativity flow naturally before tackling the day’s tasks.
3. Haruki Murakami’s Routine: Repetition as Calm
Haruki Murakami starts his day at 4 a.m., writing for five to six hours before heading out for a 10-kilometer run, a 1,500-meter swim, or both. His afternoons are filled with reading and listening to music, and he’s in bed by 9 p.m.
He calls this disciplined rhythm “a form of mesmerism,” where repetition lulls him into a deep, focused state perfect for writing.
Why it works for you:
Following a steady, intentional routine mixing work, movement, and quiet moments can calm the mind, reduce stress, and help you reach a flow state in your own creative or daily tasks.
4. Toni Morrison’s Writing Routine: Finding Calm in the Morning
Toni Morrison began her day before sunrise, savoring a quiet coffee before children or phone calls could interrupt her. She wrote steadily until noon or until life called her away.
She often imagined her ideal routine: nine uninterrupted days to write, free from distractions, allowing her creativity and mind to fully settle.
Why it works for you:
Starting your day in peaceful solitude, even briefly, can help reduce stress, create mental space, and give your thoughts room to flow—turning mornings into a sanctuary for focus and calm.
5. Henry Miller’s Routine: Balancing Work and Life
Henry Miller dedicated his mornings and afternoons to writing. On groggy days, he jotted down notes to keep his mind active. Evenings were reserved for what he called “Keeping Human”—meeting friends, reading, painting, biking, or discovering something new.
He watched movies sparingly and visited the library weekly for inspiration.
Combining focused work with enriching activities and meaningful social connections can reduce stress, keep your mind engaged, and maintain a healthy balance between creativity and life. Try it—it does wonders.
