It’s 5:00 a.m. in Abuja, mid-harmattan season. The air is cool, crisp, and carries with it the faint smell of dust — a scent uniquely tied to my memories of studying beneath kerosene lanterns as a child. This is my sweet spot. No emails pinging, no WhatsApps blinking. Just me, my thoughts, and the chaos of inspiration waiting to be wrangled into something coherent. My house sleeps, and the coffee gurgles in a pot that has seen better days. It’s in this moment, wrapped in the silence of the dawn, that my creativity stretches, yawns, and begins its dance.

But don’t let this poetic opener fool you. Creativity isn’t always the whimsical muse the movies promised us. Sometimes, it’s unruly and petty, like that friend who borrows your clothes and doesn’t return them. You have to coax it, trick it, sometimes straight-up bribe it — and this is where rituals come in. If you’re looking for ways to show up for your creative self — whether you’re crafting the perfect date night idea or finally writing that novel — join me as I pull back the curtain on my creative rituals, with a hefty side serving of humor and actionable tips.

1. Mornings Are Sacred (Don’t Let Anyone Tell You Otherwise)

Hear me out: mornings are to creativity what Beyoncé is to music — foundational. I’ve found that the earlier I wake up, the better my ideas flow. This wasn’t a habit I came into naturally. Growing up in my large Nigerian family, early wake-ups were mandatory (the sound of brooms sweeping by 6:00 a.m. still haunts me). But as a creative adult, I’ve realized that those quiet sunrises gift you uninterrupted time to plot, ponder, and procrastinate effectively.

If mornings are your kryptonite, ease your way into it. Start with the small stuff:
- Stretch before your scroll: Instead of diving into Instagram, give yourself time to feel awake first.
- Create a “wake up to” playlist: Mine has Tiwa Savage, Asa, and a dash of Burna Boy. Nothing gets your neurons dancing like Afrobeats.
- Make tea, coffee, or whatever fuels you: Yes, I’m basic, but coffee is my forever bae.

Here’s the thing — creativity loves routine. Giving yourself a stable morning ritual, even if you're just sipping chai while staring into space, signals your brain: it’s time to get weird, in the best way possible.

2. Move It Like Shakira (Loosening the Mind Starts with Loosening the Body)

If creativity is a river, then movement removes the debris. When deadlines suffocate me or writer’s block taunts me, I dance. And I’m not talking about the elegant kind you’d see on "Strictly Come Dancing." I’m talking the no-rhythm, hips-leading-the-way gyration you save for when nobody’s watching.

Movement sparks joy and sparks joy sparks ideas. Research even backs me up on this: exercise releases endorphins that light up the brain’s creative centers. So whether it’s slow yoga, a sweaty run, or breaking out your best Azonto moves, get to stepping (or swaying).

One time, I spent twenty minutes trying to mimic Rema’s viral “Calm Down” moves. The result? An unbroken iPhone tripod, a very sore back, and an outline for an article I’d been stuck on for weeks. Coincidence? I think not.

3. Analog over Digital (Sometimes)

There’s something grounding about putting pen to paper, isn’t there? For me, it’s ritualistic. I have a notebook for everything: random ideas, gratitude notes, future articles. I even keep one to plan trips I haven’t saved enough money to take yet. Sure, apps are great, but there’s a rawness to writing by hand that stirs the creative pot.

If you’re new to this:
- Buy a notebook that speaks to you (bonus points if it comes from a local artisan).
- Use colorful pens or stickers if that’s your thing.
- Pick one small prompt or intention daily: "What’s the funniest thing that happened this week?" or "Describe your dream date using only emojis."

The magic is in slowing down. Analog tools quiet the noise, helping you prioritize ideas instead of scanning TikTok when you’re allegedly brainstorming.

4. Feed My Soul (And Maybe My Stomach Too)

Confession: I think better when I’m eating. Some of my best article ideas have been birthed over a bubbling pot of jollof rice or a sneaky indulgence of puff-puff. There’s probably some deep, philosophical connection between nourishment and creativity — or maybe I’m just a better human when I’m not hungry. Either way, food as fuel cannot be overstated.

Pro tip? Plan a creative snack break.
- Bake something new (bonus points if it involves chocolate).
- Try cooking a dish tied to your heritage — making egusi soup reminds me of my mom and always brings clarity to my thoughts.
- Or simply slice some fruit, toss it in a bowl, and marvel at the beauty of symmetry. Creativity thrives when you’re not starving like a contestant on "Survivor."

There’s no shame in using food as a tool to spark ideas. Who knows? That “one glass of wine” could turn into a masterpiece outline in disguise.

5. Set the Mood (Lighting, Music, and a Dash of Drama)

My writer’s nook is a vibe. Period. Whether I’m working from my Abuja balcony (with the symphony of distant motorcycles and morning prayers in the air) or my London kitchen table, I set my scene. It’s part ritual, part motivation. I’m basically remixing home décor into creativity scaffolding.

Here’s my simple formula:
1. Sounds: Afro-jazz or instrumental lo-fi beats for focus. For something moodier, Asa’s “Fire on the Mountain” comes through. Always.
2. Objects of joy: Candles, fresh flowers, or even pictures from my travels pinned to the wall keep me grounded.
3. Comfortable setting: Soft blanket, zero distractions, and slippers I refuse to replace.

Don’t underestimate the environment. If your space allows you to dream freely, your ideas will follow suit. No Pinterest-worthy setup required — simplicity works just fine.

6. Let It All Breathe (And Don’t Force It)

The final rule, which may just be the most important? Sometimes, I don’t do any of these things and let my creative well refill naturally. When you treat creativity like a chore, it shuts down faster than a party where someone touched the jollof rice before the elders ate. (If you know, you know.)

Take time to breathe. Wander outside. People-watch on your next coffee shop outing. Creativity isn’t always about control. Sometimes, it’s cultivated in the messy, unstructured moments — the same way connections bloom in natural ease, not forced perfection.

Conclusion: Your Rituals, Your Rules

The thing about creativity is that it doesn’t always present itself as grand strokes of genius (though we love those moments too). More often, it’s in the micro-rituals: the whispered quiet of early mornings, the sway in your waist during an impromptu Afrobeat break, or the comfort of scribbling in a notebook as clouds gather overhead.

There’s no “right way” to fuel your creative spark. Try different things, toss what doesn’t fit, and build the rituals that fit your rhythm. Whether you're navigating writing, relationships, or life’s million tiny uncertainties, your rituals are yours to own and perfect. Creativity will always meet you halfway — you just need to show up.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think this article has earned me some mid-morning puff-puff. Care to join?