Have you been feeling stretched to your limits by an unpredictable and demanding schedule? You are not alone. Self-care might be the last thing on your mind, but artists need self-care just like everyone else! Here are some activities and techniques you may find helpful in rejuvenating your artsy self back to the creative rockstar you are!
Physical self-care
Knowing when to take a break can be challenging, but doing so before your body calls it quits for you is essential. When you think you’re too busy to take a break, that’s when to take a break! Commit to slowing down. Work more intentionally and step away from your work.Give yourself permission to fully turn off from your work. This, my friends, is called a break. Set a timer for 20 minutes and take that time to practice some self-care. Make a cup of tea. Light a candle. Each a piece of fruit. Try to stay away from your phone and rest your eyes. Take a walk! Nourish your body by cooking dinner instead of getting take-out.As artists, we sit a lot. We also work long hours! Get up and STRETCH.
Mental self-care
Writing to your intuition involves sitting down with paper and pen, taking in a few slow deep breaths, and spelling out questions or nagging thoughts you are having. Pause after each one and listen for an answer to bubble up from within you. It can feel awkward at first but listen to what answers or words come up from your gut. This tuning into yourself helps to keep out the negative thoughts we sometimes suffer as artists: comparison, jealousy, lack of self-worth, and confusion.
Art visualization
Most successful people, including athletes, use visualization to push themselves further or get past a mental block. Make a vision board or sit quietly and picture yourself happily making art and tap into this powerful technique. For more information on this, https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-create-an-empowering-vision-book/
Connect with other artists
During this time of social distancing, Facebook groups can be a way to find your art people. Finds ones that inspire and uplift you. We have a new Grumbacher group you might want to join! https://www.facebook.com/groups/grumbacherartistclub/
Of course, we all have to work even on the days we don’t feel inspired. But if you take care of yourself during times of stress, you will notice that you’ll not only feel better, but your work will also be better.
