Creative Chill: Holiday Self-Care
Whether your world right now is filled
with twinkling lights and festive cheer, or quiet time with a friend or family member, I wanted to chat about our self-care practices during this hectic and sometimes emotionally difficult time season. It's very easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and the emotions and forget to nurture our creative spirits. So, let's dive into some self-care tips tailored for us, the creatives, to savour or survive this holiday season.
I used to believe that as long as I kept showing up every day, doing my job, taking care of my family’s needs and my household 'chores', I was okay. Right? Well, I now know that I was so wrong. Not slowing down, or stopping to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, family crises… is detrimental to your health, both mentally and physically. To make a long story very, very short. I had a mental breakdown and I was forced to stop, just about everything. I had to learn the importance of practicing self care the hard way. Recognizing the signs that we need to stop, or start, doing something differently is the most important thing I have learned in the past two years.
I am now very self aware as I move through my healing process. I am always checking in on myself, slowing down, taking breaks, saying ‘no’ to many things.
So, I guess this was a long version of my intended message which is please pay attention to your own needs, treat yourself like the precious person that you are. Take time out for you, for your self care, and say ‘no’ to things that might end up causes you stress. As women we often feel a responsibility to take care of those around us to the detriment of our own health. And yes, we may able to do ‘everything’, but it is not always what we should do. At some point, it may catch up with you, like it did to me. You might have to put your life on hold to rebuild your mental health.
This is me sending you
compassion, grace and a big hug. You shouldn't 'do it all', even if you can!
A creative side note, art has be at the centre of my healing journey. It was what I turned to in my time of greatest need. My relationship with art is big! It is a part of who I am, it is friend, healer, stimulator and self care.
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
which starts with Holistic Self Care for the Holidays (and beyond) , Part 2 -Choosing that one fabulous word that's going to be your guiding star or your secret weapon, for the next trip around-the-sun. An exploration of how, why, and okay I chose it, what now, for the upcoming year. Part 3 will be a sharing of my process of creating a piece of art, maybe a journal page, to visually express and reinforce my word’s significance in my life.
Part 1: So where is this creative chill and is it really going to help
Let’s give our self care practices a refresh or maybe an overhaul, depending on where you are at right now!
Holistic self-care for us, the makers,
who pour our hearts into creative practice! Our art is a reflection of our inner world. Nurturing our entire selves – mind, body, soul, will in turn nurture our creativity!
I think it is important to define the kind of self-care we are exploring here. It is the ongoing commitment to nourish our physical, mental, and emotional health. It's saying "yes" to yourself amidst life's chaos, honouring your needs, and fostering a positive relationship with the most important person – YOU.
“Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.
”
From setting boundaries to embracing rest,
engaging in hobbies, seeking support, and practicing mindfulness, self-care encompasses all the things we can do to cultivate resilience and inner peace.
Art Date. If you're anything like me, your art is your happy place. This means make it a priority! Dedicate daily creative time if you can. Or make a date with your creative side – no pressure, just some creative play. Let your creative spirit run wild without any deadlines or pressures. That’s self care!
Time Alone: I just read somewhere that, “A calm mind and a healthy body make for a more focused creator.” It is really important to take some quiet moments to just be. Tune into the present, acknowledging our thoughts, and letting them flow freely.
Time together: Go where the good vibes are. Hang out with the people in our lives that feed our creative spirits. If that isn’t easily accomplished, read inspiring books, watch movies that ignite your imagination, or listen to a podcasts that fuel your curiosity. These good vibes themselves are a form of self care.
Time to Move: Sometimes we're so caught up in our art bubble that we forget about moving our bodies. Nature walks, meditation, or some yoga stretches can do wonders. As I mentioned above, the creative journey (and the rest of our life as well) is filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. This type of holistic self-care builds resilience, it gives us the ‘GRIT’ needed to bounce back from setbacks, embrace challenges, and most importantly, keep creating.
Visit YogaJournal.com to see all 16 Yin Yoga poses for creativity.
Eat Good Food: Fuel up with the good stuff – veggies, fruits, water, and yes, indulge in some holiday goodies too. Remember balance, is the key! Treat your body as the artistic masterpiece that it is. “ A happy belly equals a happy creative.” (I made this one up, but it works!)
Repeat after me: Boundaries are beautiful! I think this may be the most important and the hardest one to do. Protect your mental and physical health, creative space and your time. Setting boundaries is like putting up a fence around your happy place. Say “yes” to what lights you up and “no” to what doesn’t.
Wrapping this up!
Let's give ourselves the gift of holistic care – mind, body, and spirit. When we take care of ourselves, we foster our creativity, and are just better human beings living better lives!
Let's go create some self care magic.