6 CREATIVE SELF-CARE IDEAS for your emotional wellbeing
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)
Now let’s jump in…..
Creativity is often cited as a great way to promote good mental health. For many, the transformative power of creative living is undeniable. But what about those who doubt their abilities? When “do something creative” is written in self-care guides but doesn’t resonate? I’m sure it could be all too easy to skip over and move on to something else.
“Do something creative" is just too broad to be helpful.
For me, creativity doesn’t involve clearing a table for an art project, something I need to sit at for hours on end. I just don’t have that kind of time or space.
I sneak creativity into my days wherever I can. Stolen moments that aren’t that long but when added up at the end of the day, they’re enough to have made a difference. Enough to make me feel so much better than I did before. So here are some of my go-to creative self-care tips. Ways to nurture a creative mindset, cleanse the spirit, clear the mind and reclaim a little piece of your soul.
1. Music
Playing an instrument can be a wonderful way to drown out the unnecessary noise In your life. Ukulele has to be one of the easiest instruments to learn. It’s the grown up equivalent to learning the recorder and arguably easier on the ear. It’s also incredibly accessible in that you can buy a decent one here for under £50. They look nice enough to keep out all the time and don’t take up any space.
I play for 10 mins here and there, little and often. If you’re looking to start out, I’d recommend checking out Cynthia Lin & The Ukulele Teacher on YouTube. Failing that, if you don’t feel like making your own music, even the curation of a Spotify playlist can encourage a certain kind of creative expression.
“I always think that music is what language would love to be if it could.”
2. Writing
Journaling is a quick self-help tool when therapy is not available. For many of us, counselling might be too far, too expensive or you just might feel not ready for it. In that case, journaling at home can be a meaningful alternative.
To make this one work, a good tip is to have several notebooks scattered around your home. That way you can just grab the nearest one when the mood takes. No real extra effort or planning required. Journaling can be used to honestly explore worries or negative thoughts. Just getting things down on paper can be so helpful.
Something that used to put me off was thinking that I had to write a lot. Stream of consciousness writing suits me well because I simply put pen to paper and write anything. It might be a few words or it might be a whole page. It might be complete nonsense or it might just unexpectedly hit the nail on the head. Whatever the outcome, it doesn’t matter, it’s not meant for anyone but me. It’s process over product.
I know a lot of people also swear by gratitude journaling. I must admit I’m yet to try this but if you’d like to find out more, I found this article helpful.
3. Taking photos
I’m not exactly sure at what point in my life I fell in love with photography but I do have a very vivid memory of being around 13 years old and spending at least an hour photographing a cricket. It was during one of my childhood summers in Spain and I had a very willing model in this little creature.
These days I have to work a bit harder to catch my daughter. At two years old, she needs our photography moments to be a game and that’s fair enough. If I want her to be my subject, I have to respect that she is one half of the creative process. But finding ways to get her on board is part of the fun.
I talk a little more about prompting in my Simple Snaps guide and it’s a great way to feel like there’s something for both of us in these moments.
4. Making iPhone films
This is something I like to do on my best parenting days. Making little videos of family life on our trips out together. A visit to a farm, picnics at the park. I love that we’re creating memories together and yet I’m still able to find a little something that’s just for me.
In terms of mindful parenting, it’s up there as one of the best ways to help me feel most present and connected to all the little details. Really noticing and capturing all the sights, sounds and feelings of our days together. If you’d like to have a go at iPhone film-making on days out with your children you can read more here.
5. Instagram Stories
While social media often gets a lot of negative press, I think we can still enjoy the creative expression it affords us. I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that while I love the connection that comes with Instagram, I dislike the feeling of effectively being ‘scored’ each time I put a post out into my feed. I feel much happier hanging out in my stories.
I forage on Pinterest, as well as using my own thoughts and photos. Then using an app like Unfold, I’ll put something together. Being able to create then release it into the world with no expectation of feedback feels so freeing. Creative expression without the tax on your soul.
6. Having a project
Finding a reason for your photos or writing is something that can give your creative self-care an even bigger boost. I know for many busy mums, the thought of committing to a project might feel like a step too far, but having an overarching goal can bring real purpose and meaning to what you’re doing.
If you’re open to this idea, perhaps you might consider starting a Project 365? Or if you’re looking for something with less commitment maybe you could simply make and print some of your photos for a specific wall in your home?
Sharing on an app like Lifecake or even just finding that sense of creative community on Instagram can also add value. If you’d like to share any of your photos on Instagram, use the hashtag #oursimplesnaps so we can all join in and enjoy the journey together.
I hope you found some of these ideas helpful. If you’d like to carry on the conversation I’d love to hear from you. Just DM me @suziejaygoldsmith on Instagram.
Suzie x
