What Exactly Is Creative Self-Care

All humans are creative beings, and finding an outlet to explore your inner creativity can be a great form of self-care. When we engage our creativity we get to know our authentic selves just a little bit better. Creative outlets can look differently for each of us, but for the purposes of this site I will be focusing on visual and written creative practices through art journaling.

My story

I was always interested in arts and crafts when I was young. I was a pretty shy kid and I struggled to fit in, but art was always something that brought me comfort. As I grew I became pretty self critical of my art. I lost sight of what it was that made me feel good when I created. It eventually got to the point where I pretty much gave up on it all together. I had just graduated college and I had no solid direction. I did not feel I was talented enough to make it in a creative field.

I was a young mother when I started to explore art again, but I quickly fell into old patterns that left me frustrated. In 2014 I moved back to my home town from living in Portland and I was presented with an interesting opportunity. My dear friend was interested in opening a business with me. The Basement Community Art Studio was formed. The premise was to provide a space for creative play for children of all ages!

The Basement operated for around 3 years. During that time I learned a lot! I learned that many people don’t feel creative but that once they got going they had a blast! I learned to let go of harsh criticisms and to simply play. I began to explore the idea of pairing creative play with self care. I discovered mindfulness and meditation and I learned how to create art in a mindful way.

My Mom, Gayle Browne preparing to lead the meditation at our 1st day retreat.

Dorothy Verbick & Jennifer MacIsaac, partners in Creating Mindfulness

Group shot at our 1st weekend retreat.

Another collaboration was born. My mother and I began pairing meditation and art classes for adults and I fell in love. Another friend of mine was also interested in this concept and we began a monthly women’s circle called Creating Mindfulness. These circles combined a multitude of self-care practices including: Art, Journaling, Yoga, Meditation, Play, and more. We met women where they were in the moment. We hosted monthly circles, retreats, and workshops. I learned so much over the 3 years we held these circles!

My experiences with both of these amazing opportunities began to shape my own creative self-care practice. I have learned so much in my journey and I love to share my experiences with others in hopes that they can tap into their own inner creative spirit and all of the amazing rewards that come form a creative self-care practice!

Benefits of Creative Self-Care

You may be wondering how creativity can fit into a self-care practice, and why you might want to explore it. Studies have shown that creating art can help lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Simply spending time in a creative activity can help lower stress!! The best part is you don’t even need to be good at it. Here are a few other benefits:

  • Lower anxiety

  • Promote feelings of wellbeing

  • Work through feelings/emotions

  • Be present in the moment

  • Boost imagination

  • Enhance self knowledge/self expression

  • Promote personal growth

  • Push our boundaries

What if I am not creative?

First off, that is simply not true! All humans are creative. But sometimes it can be hard to tap into our inner creativity. If this is the case for you, I encourage you to start by practicing these 3 simple rules:

  • 1. Embrace your inner child. Play!

  • 2. Release Expectations. Don’t worry about an end product. Art does not need to be beautiful to be a beneficial experience!

  • 3. Follow your curiosity. Ask yourself “What if…” then see what happens.

One of the most amazing things I have learned over the years is that you do not need to produce great art to explore the benefits of a creative self-care process. You do not have to share it, or even keep it. I sometimes cut up pages to make collage papers. The more you practice creating though, the more confident and comfortable you will become in your practice and the more you will benefit. So go ahead and just play!

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