The February Greys: Keep Your Creativity Flowing

Every year, I hit the same challenge, without fail.

I’m going to call them The February Greys – it’s sort of like the blues, only it’s naming the colour of the British sky during this longest, shortest month.

I know I’m not alone in this, and yet, I *suspect* other, more sensible folk, plan ahead for it more successfully than me, aka going to sunnier climes for at least 4 days!

But, this year, whilst stuck in amongst the gunky funk of my least favourite month, I thought I’d finally give this some attention to set up my future self for happiness.

Here’s what I came up with, in case you too are a February sufferer!

1) Shift my mindset   

Ultimately, absolutely every life improvement boils down to this one thing: MINDSET! And that includes long, grey winters!

Instead of ‘just surviving; February, I get to reframe it as something to look forward to.  My choice of words and language makes such a difference, so I thought I could rename February – to Feb-ME-ary!  It could be a month shamelessly focussed on self-care, whether on my own or modeling it with and for my family. I like the idea of a theme of ‘PLAY’ and ‘PAUSE’.

2) More Play

February feels heavy for me, so I brainstormed how to inject more lightness and fun:   

• Book something fun ahead of time — a short trip, a spa day, a creative retreat, or a stay-at-home ‘YES’ day.  
• Plan creative play  — one project just for me, no deadlines, no pressure. (Some ideas: a wild sketchbook,  a mood board session, a silly animation). Note to self: this is NOT the month to try to write/illustrate a picture book in a month – you live and learn!
• Surprise myself  – schedule one treat a week (an artist date, a gorgeous bunch of flowers, a new book, afternoon tea somewhere new).  

3) Plan for Light & Warmth    

The biggest part of February’s struggle for me is the grey and cold, and the low energy I get as a result.  Some ways for me to counteract this: 

• Light therapy: Invest in a Lumie light or a few more lamps to keep my space cozy.  
• More outdoor time:  Tog up, grab a friend (canine or human) and get a walk in every single day, even if it is just 10 minutes – any walks make such a difference with all that natural light and fresh air!    
• Warmth rituals: a heated blanket, cozy clothes, candlelit evenings, visiting the new local pop up sauna, or a lovely snuggly hot water bottle — I will make physical warmth a priority.    

4) Adjust Work Rhythms

February does not have to be a heavy work month!  I’ve working extra hard recently, so this is a new learning:    

• Lighter workload if possible – plan projects so February is more about ideas & creative play vs. intense deadlines.  
• Batch schedule content ahead of time, so February’s marketing & admin feels effortless.  
• Build in “gentle weeks” – More half-days or creative reset days where I don’t force productivity.  

5) Connection & Social Life    

February has felt a little isolated this year, holed up in my studio scribblin’ away, so it’s time to remember connection!    

• Pre-schedule a cozy meetup or two – book in advance so I don’t have to make plans when I’m feeling low-energy.  
• Host a mini event – pottery painting, a book club night, or a cozy film evening with friends.  
• Send more warmth out – little drawings or notes, small gifts – checking in on others lifts my spirits too.    

How about you, do you find February a breeze, or have you got some top tips to add in?

Wishing you joy and creativity as we go into Spring!