5 WAYS TO FIND TIME FOR YOUR CREATIVE SELF-CARE
BEFORE WE GET STARTED:
If you’re here for creative self-care guidance, you might enjoy my book: The Rallying Cry - Healing the Hardest Parts of Life Through Creativity (click here to see on Amazon) or my free creative self-care planner.
Now let’s jump in….
Finding time to do something creative every day is a really high priority for me. It just makes me feel better to do this. If you’ve followed me for a while now, you’ll know that I’m parenting after loss and I’ve honestly found creativity to be the best way to help me keep my head above the water and generally feel lighter.
At the start of the year, just after my second Termination For Medical Reasons, I was finding things really tough. One of the things that made it that much harder this time round was the fact I had a living child to take care of. I was so busy trying to look after my daughter that I didn’t have any time or space to process these really difficult emotions. Working creativity into my days has given me that space. Honestly, it’s like therapy.
Like you, I’ve got a lot on my plate- I’m at stay at home mum to my almost three year old and I take on photography work as and when I can. In spite of there being a lot to juggle day to day, I always try to prioritise my self-care. Without it, I’m not much use to anyone. Every day I try to do something creative. I take photos, I write or I make music.
So how do I find time to fit it in?
Well I believe we don't really ever find time, we make time. In fact, the more I try to make time for these things, the easier it gets. I made an IGTV video sharing my thoughts on this which you can watch here:
If you haven’t got time to watch it right now, I’ve summarised the 5 ways to find time for you here:
Multitask with a podcast
This is all about getting into the creative mindset. Shifting your thinking from that of someone who thinks “I can’t fit this in” to believing that anything is possible if you want it enough. There are two great podcasts to check out if you haven’t already: Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert & The Heartful Podcast with Brooke Schultz.
Make it easy
I keep notepads dotted around my home so I can easily grab them when inspiration hits. I also keep my camera equipment out so I’m able to cut out the time spent rummaging around in cupboards. Lenses are kept in my fruit bowl, and so on. I want to make it as easy as possible to be able to jump straight in.
Little and often
Just do something small everyday. Even if its just a three line poem, a doodle or an iPhone snap. Creativity begets creativity. Austin Kleon writes “Inertia is the death of creativity”. I think what he’s saying is that if you keep doing what you’ve always done, nothing will change. By contrast, if you can find ways to sneak creativity into your days, you’ll be amazed by what it can bring.
Create your Zen space
Your Zen Space doesn’t have to be a physical space. For me, it’s about having a sacred time which I claim for myself. My daughter’s nap time is my Zen Space. It’s the time I protect for those daily creative habits which bring joy to my life. And it’s so worth doing.
Dial down your duties
Mama I’m talking to you! One of the biggest things that stops us taking time for ourselves is guilt. The belief that we should be all things for our children holds many of us back way more that we realise. To make space for creativity in my life, I’ve given myself permission to do a little less. Less cleaning for example. No-one is worse off for this change and I’m better for it.
So how about you, do you make time for the things that light you up? I’d love to hear from you. Just head over to my DMs @suziejaygoldsmith to keep the conversation going.
Suzie x