Self-care is any deliberate self-initiated act we do for ourselves for mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial health. It seems simple and self-explanatory. For the artist, it’s not. Artists are natural givers. We are innately sensitive to and analytical of everything around us. We receive cues from the environment and people around us, processing our experiences and what we see and hear from others with keen awareness. Whether we fill in the details with idealism and grace or harsh, critical realism, we paint portraits of the world in and around us.
In a fast-paced, production-driven world, grace and critique come with heavy burdens for an artist. Many artists derive self-worth from creating, producing, and doing for others. Often, we are so inspired and over-stimulated by the goings on around us that we forget that to deliver our best work, we have to care as much for ourselves as we do our art and others.
Here are seven simple self-care strategies for artists and others that don’t include a trip to the spa or salon.
Breath
Watch your breath. It’s our connection to Life force and guides the rhythm of our lives.
If your breath is shallow and scattered, your mind and life probably are, too. Take a few minutes each day to watch and listen to your breath. Don’t overthink it, but do breathe deep.
Unplug and Disconnect
Many thrive around others, getting creative inspiration from the world’s happenings. We may be missing out if we seclude ourselves. We always remember to charge our phones and other devices. Consider this your recharging. Set aside time away from people and social media with your devices silenced or powered off. Even if it’s only an hour each month, make this time just for you. Log off so you can power up.
Get Grounded
Walk barefoot in the grass (clean, I hope.) Pull your head from the clouds and put your feet (or hands) in the dirt. Research suggests that exposure to certain microbes in soil might lift your mood. Similar research has shown that children breathing, playing, and digging in the dirt might have long-term benefits for the immune system. So kick off your shoes or get some plants, and don’t be afraid to get dirty.
Take Notes
We are sensitive to everything around us, so always keep a notebook journal or note-taking app handy to catch this inspiration without processing what you’re receiving. Write down or take a picture so you can return to it late.
Open Up
Just like you must disconnect from people to recharge, you’ll benefit from being open about your feelings. When people ask you how you’re doing, don’t lie. It’s going to put people off at first. They’re used to your canned response. If you’re not fine, don’t say you are. A few things will happen when you do this, the people who care will respect your vulnerability, those who do will get out of your way, you’ll feel catharsis, and your artistic expression will flow more freely.
Be Mindful
It’s just as important to watch your thoughts as it is to watch you breathe. Mindfulness is being aware and conscious of what you are thinking. Make it a practice to be present with your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You’ll find you are less reactive and more responsive to things around you.
Practice Gratitude
There is always something to be thankful for. In our current cultural, social, and political climate, it’s getting harder to find those things, but you’re an artist. There’s one thing, your creativity. You’re reading this, Over twenty percent of adults in our nation’s capital and more than probably can’t. There’s another. You’re breathing. Yet, another. You can take it from there. Keep a list in that notebook.
Remember to take care of yourself and others.
Leave a Reply