Every creative hits a wall sometimes. In this thoughtful session, psychologist Tara Hurster and host Andy Wright unpack what it really means to reset — from the daily distractions that derail us to deeper signs of burnout. With mindfulness tools you can use anywhere, plus free reset rituals that work (walnut optional), this piece helps creatives find clarity without needing to hit rock bottom first.
We’ve all had those days. Staring blankly at the screen, fiddling with tabs, half-heartedly answering emails — knowing something’s off but not quite sure how to shake it. When you’re running on empty or stuck in a creative fog, knowing how to reset isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
This question came up in a conversation with Tara Hurster, psychologist and founder of The TARA Clinic. She supports high-performing people in navigating tough moments and big emotions, especially when the wheels start to wobble. Hosting was Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime — someone who knows the creative grind firsthand.
Before you try to "fix" the funk, Tara suggests starting with a little self-investigation: “Often if we understand what’s going on in the background, we can figure out the next best step.”
Are you overwhelmed? Maybe you need support or clearer boundaries. Are you bored? Perhaps it’s time to ask for more challenging work. Or is it something deeper — burnout, anxiety, poor sleep, or just life catching up with you?
Being honest with yourself about what’s really driving the slump can stop you from treating symptoms when what you really need is rest, change, or connection.
The state you show up in each day isn’t just shaped by your to-do list. Tara points out that what happens outside of work — sleep, substance use, unhelpful coping behaviours — can quietly leak into the workday.
A hangover might not show up in your calendar, but it’ll show up in your focus, energy, and decision-making. A few too many late nights? Same story. Sometimes resetting means looking beyond your workflow and asking: how am I really taking care of myself?
Tara shared a practical way to reset using mindfulness. And no, it’s not about trying to empty your brain (spoiler: that’s not how brains work).
Here’s her five-step version:
It’s simple, but surprisingly powerful — because it teaches your brain to notice what’s pulling you off course and gives you a tool to gently guide yourself back. And no incense or perfect meditation posture required.
The beauty of this mindfulness framework is that it’s flexible. It’s not just for moments on the mat or in a quiet room. Tara encourages applying it to real-life creative wobbles too.
Feeling scattered mid-task? Notice what’s distracting you. Decide whether now’s the time to push through or pause. Then follow through with intention — whether that means getting back to work, stepping outside, or taking a proper break.
A lot of creatives feel constantly in motion but oddly unproductive. Tara hears it all the time: “I’m flat out all day but nothing seems to get done.”
If that rings a bell, you might be stuck in busy work — the kind that keeps you moving but doesn’t really move you forward. It’s a red flag that you may need to reset.
That might mean stepping away for a walk, switching gears, or zooming out to see if the work you're doing is actually aligned with what matters. Productivity isn’t about motion — it’s about direction.
Not every reset needs to be a weekend retreat or a full-blown break. Tara and Andy both shared examples of micro-moments that help ground and recharge — like focusing on a single walnut (yes, really) or peeling a mandarin slowly and mindfully.
These small rituals are like mental circuit breakers. They reconnect you with your senses, help you slow down, and create space to return to your work with a clearer head.
And the best part? They’re free, don’t need fancy gear, and take less time than scrolling Instagram for the fifth time in a row.
Sometimes, even your best reset strategies don’t cut it. And that’s OK too. If you’re noticing signs of burnout, persistent anxiety, or unhelpful habits that are hard to shift, it might be time to talk to someone.
There’s no shame in needing support — it’s actually one of the most courageous things you can do. The Never Not Creative Need Help page is a great place to start. You’ll find helplines and resources for when things feel too heavy to carry on your own.
There’s no magic reset button for creatives. What works for you might not work for your team or your studio mates. That’s why it helps to build a personal toolkit — one that’s shaped by your needs, your signals, and your rhythms.
Whether it’s breathwork, movement, micro-breaks, or mandarin rituals, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness. Tuning into what you need, when you need it, and giving yourself permission to step back before you burn out.
Resetting isn’t a detour from the work. It is the work — the kind that helps you show up with clarity, creativity, and care. For your projects. And most importantly, for yourself.
Creative Director and Partner at Storyfolk, a Melbourne and Torquay branding studio. Blends strategy, design, art direction and copy to craft bold, meaningful brands. Believes in design as a force for good.
Psychologist & founder of The TARA Clinic, helping high-achievers overcome addiction without shame. Focused on practical, flexible solutions like on-demand courses to support lasting change.
Founder of Never Not Creative, CEO of Streamtime & co-chair of Mentally Healthy, driven to make the creative industry fairer & more human. Believes great work should never cost wellbeing.
