Why short breaks to move around are crucial for your creative process
This piece also appeared in NPR’s Body Electric newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss the next one.
Let’s talk about movement, not as exercise, but as a secret weapon for creative people.
On a memorable walk with bestselling author Kelly Corrigan, she told me how she’s become a master of getting unstuck: She’s found that simple, physical breaks — like walking, dancing, or just moving around — can reset her mood and focus.
So I wanted to share a few of her tricks, especially for anyone who writes, thinks or stares at a screen for a living (hi, me too)!
Feeling stuck? Hit play and dance it out
Kelly’s favorite fix for writer’s block: a three-minute dance break.
“I love music so much,” she told me. “It’s the cheapest way to change your mood.”
Forget toxic productivity. When the vibe turns sour, don’t power through — shake it off. Literally. Grab your phone, play a song you love, and move. You might be one verse away from your next great idea.
Get up while you’re catching up
Writing can feel like a sedentary sport, but Kelly tries to get upright whenever she can, especially during phone calls or research listening sessions.
Not every task allows for it, but many do. Scheduling a dentist appointment? Returning a call? Try doing it on foot.
Make your break…beautiful
When Kelly finishes a movement break, she’ll often take a minute to tidy her space, clear her desk, take out the recycling, wipe down a counter. It’s not about perfection. It’s about caring for the environment where her ideas take shape.
Work with your body — not against it
The biggest insight? Stop trying to be productive all day long. Kelly doesn’t schedule much for early afternoons — she knows that’s her low-energy time. “I don’t fight with myself anymore about how I work and what my periods of rest look like,” she said.
Most of us don’t have a writer’s flexibility, but we can get curious about our own rhythms and make micro-adjustments.
Think of these breaks as just part of the creative process.
This piece was written by Manoush Zomorodi and Fiona Geiran. It was edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour.
Click here to listen to my conversation with Kelly and definitely check out her show Tell Me More on PBS.
Listen to Body Electric on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
China flexes blockade capabilities near Taiwan on second day of military drills
China's People's Liberation Army is staging a second day of large-scale military drills around Taiwan. It's unleashing live-fire exercises as part of what it calls "Justice Mission 2025."
Policy relief for family caregivers seems stalled out. But there are signs of change
Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum.
Federal appeals court judge is accused of bullying her clerks
The Legal Accountability Project complaint, which has not been previously reported, states that it is based on conversations with multiple former law clerks.
How Alabama Power has left the ‘American Amazon’ at risk
As its polluting coal ash ponds remain in groundwater, Alabama Power has doubled down on fossil fuel energy investments.
How George Wallace and Bull Connor set the stage for Alabama’s sky-high electric rates
After his notorious stand in the schoolhouse door, Wallace needed a new target. He found it in Alabama Power.
FIFA president defends World Cup ticket prices, saying demand is hitting records
The FIFA President addressed outrage over ticket prices for the World Cup by pointing to record demand and reiterating that most of the proceeds will help support soccer around the world.
