Escaping the Trap of Overconsumption and Rekindling Your Creative Spark

The Creative Calm Podcast

Deep dive into the topic of overconsumption and how it’s holding back our creativity—something so many of us can relate to, especially in today’s digital world.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, Denise Christenson Rae explores the often overlooked impact of overconsumption on our creativity and personal fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences as a creative wellness coach, mother, teacher, and business owner, Denise opens up about the challenges of living in an information-saturated world. She discusses how easy it is to slip from healthy learning and inspiration into the abyss of passive overconsumption—and how this habit steals time and energy that could be used for creative pursuits.

Denise candidly admits she hasn’t mastered this balance and shares her ongoing journey toward spending more time creating than consuming. She examines the main culprits—overconsumption, overthinking, and perfectionism—and offers practical tips for setting healthy boundaries around consumption. From limiting time on social media to the powerful strategy of “create before you consume,” Denise gives actionable ideas for listeners who want to reclaim their time and bring their creative visions to life. Listeners are invited to contribute their own tips and experiences for managing overconsumption, as Denise fosters a sense of community and shared growth.

Highlights:

• The distinction between healthy consumption and overconsumption and why the latter can drain both time and creative energy.
• Denise’s personal struggle with consuming more information than she creates, and her commitment to shifting this balance.
• Identifying the “big three” pitfalls: overconsumption, overthinking, and perfectionism.
• Denise’s strategies for reigning in overconsumption, including setting time limits and prioritizing creating before consuming.
• A gentle challenge to stop consuming and start creating, sharing your unique gifts with the world.

Action Steps:

1. Notice your own consumption habits—are you learning or just endlessly scrolling?
2. Experiment with creating before you consume each day.
3. Set clear time limits for consumption, especially on social media or research-related tasks.
4. Reach out to Denise via Instagram with your own tips or success stories on managing consumption and creating more.
5. Share the episode with a friend to spark a conversation about finding creative calm in an overwhelming world.

Connect with Denise:Instagram: @DeniseChristensenRae

Like what you heard?Leave a five-star review wherever you listen and screenshot the episode to share on social media—don’t forget to tag Denise!

Remember:Prioritize rest. Unleash your creativity. Embrace playfulness.