By Grace Newlin
When pursuing a creative career, it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the time-consuming class projects. There is a fine line between using creativity as an outlet and getting stressed by the pressure to produce great work quickly. Here are some self-care tips to keep your artistic mind and strong body at ease.
Move your body. It’s easy to get lost in the creative process for hours. This can be taxing on the body after being hunched over a painting all day. I recommend setting a timer to remind yourself to move or stretch every hour. Taking walks or practicing yoga can help to heal the body in between projects.
Write down short-term goals. It seems like creative projects never end. By writing down small, achievable goals, you give yourself the ability to cross things off and feel accomplished. If working on a piece of artwork, create the outline before moving on the color.
Pick up your workspace. At the end of the day, I find colored pencils and paintbrushes in disarray across the room. I like to take a few minutes to make neat piles, so I can hop back into it later. Decluttering your space helps to declutter the mind.
Create a wellness ritual. Having one self-care routine is great to have something to look forward to every day, whether it’s applying a face mask or going for a jog. If routines aren't your thing, switch up your self-care act. Try a new recipe one day, and go to bed early the next.
Step away. Inspiration strikes when you’re not creating. It’s important to put energy into other aspects of your life such as spending time with friends, grocery shopping, or treating yourself to dessert. This will allow you to produce better work in the long run. Your mind will burn out if it’s only focused on your to-do list.
Photo by Veronica Szmit
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