Monday, August 25, 2025

Author Kelly Corrigan on movement breaks in her creative process : NPR

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Kelly Corrigan(left) and Manoush Zomorodi(right) on a walk around Vancouver. Corrigan has her notebook in hand.

Creator Kelly Corrigan(left) and Manoush Zomorodi(proper) on a stroll round Vancouver. Corrigan has her pocket book on the prepared.

Katie Monteleone/NPR


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Katie Monteleone/NPR

This piece additionally appeared in NPR’s Physique Electrical publication. Join the publication so you do not miss the subsequent one.

Let’s speak about motion, not as train, however as a secret weapon for inventive individuals.

On a memorable stroll with bestselling writer Kelly Corrigan, she advised me how she’s develop into a grasp of getting unstuck: She’s discovered that easy, bodily breaks — like strolling, dancing, or simply transferring round — can reset her temper and focus.

So I wished to share a couple of of her methods, particularly for anybody who writes, thinks or stares at a display for a dwelling (hello, me too)!

Feeling caught? Hit play and dance it out
Kelly’s favourite repair for author’s block: a three-minute dance break.

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“I really like music a lot,” she advised me. “It is the most cost effective technique to change your temper.”

Overlook poisonous productiveness. When the vibe turns bitter, do not energy by way of — shake it off. Actually. Seize your telephone, play a track you’re keen on, and transfer. You is perhaps one verse away out of your subsequent nice thought.

Stand up whilst you’re catching up
Writing can really feel like a sedentary sport, however Kelly tries to get upright each time she will, particularly throughout telephone calls or analysis listening periods.

Not each activity permits for it, however many do. Scheduling a dentist appointment? Returning a name? Attempt doing it on foot.

Kelly Corrigan and Manoush Zomorodi enjoying a windy walk.

Kelly Corrigan and Manoush Zomorodi having fun with a windy stroll.

Katie Monteleone/NPR


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Make your break…lovely
When Kelly finishes a motion break, she’ll usually take a minute to tidy her area, clear her desk, take out the recycling, wipe down a counter. It isn’t about perfection. It is about caring for the atmosphere the place her concepts take form.

Work along with your physique — not in opposition to it
The most important perception? Cease making an attempt to be productive all day lengthy. Kelly does not schedule a lot for early afternoons — she is aware of that is her low-energy time. “I do not combat with myself anymore about how I work and what my intervals of relaxation seem like,” she mentioned.

Most of us do not have a author’s flexibility, however we will get interested in our personal rhythms and make micro-adjustments.

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Consider these breaks as simply a part of the inventive course of.

This piece was written by Manoush Zomorodi and Fiona Geiran. It was edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour.

Click on right here to take heed to my dialog with Kelly and positively take a look at her present Inform Me Extra on PBS.

Hearken to Physique Electrical on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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