I have a confession to make.
I’m a workaholic.
I love Artist Strong. I love the community we create here. And I’m always encouraging everyone to act on their creative dreams. It’s about the decision to do. But something I’m learning myself is: we only have so much fuel for our body, mind and spirit. We must take time to refuel.
This month I want to remind you to consider the many ways you can show yourself some love and care. So rather than sharing a specific art activity, I want to list 100 different ways you can slow down to practice mindfulness. Give yourself some of that emotional and mental space your body and mind need to be healthy, connected and happy.
Sometimes creativity is an act of self-care, sometimes it isn’t. Regardless, self-care is an integral part of honoring and supporting your creativity: don’t ever forget it.
- Bake cookies
- Watch a movie
- Play a boardgame
- Doodle
- Embroider/cross-stitch
- Knit
Hiking is a great way to take care of your body and clear your mind.
- Play a video game
- Go for a walk
- Swim in the ocean
- Collect seashells
- Play with a puppy
- Swing on a swing
- Read a book
- Color
- Draw a Mandala
- Meditate
- Walk barefoot in sand
- Lay down on grass, looking at the clouds
- Picnic
- Go for a run
- Do Yoga
- Sign up for a wine and paint class
- Watch re-runs of your favorite TV Show
- Garden
- Cook a nice meal
- Curl up under blankets on your couch with a loved one
- Call your best friend
Making a sand castle is tactile, playful and you get to listen to the ocean too.
- Go on impromptu city or weekend trip
- Get a massage
- Snuggle with your kitty
- Intuitive Paint
- Shoot at a target range
- Rock climb
- Camp
- Glamp
- Scrapbook
- Hike
- Crochet
- Build a pillow fort
- Play the piano
- Sing
- Dance party in your house
- Bike ride
- Kick boxing
- Figure drawing class
- Karaoke
- Journal
- Pray
Yoga is a hugely useful tool to clear body, mind and spirit.
- Decorate a cake
- Attend a religious service
- Kayak
- Fishing
- Bowling
- Horseback riding
- Vision Board
- Write a letter (not an email) to someone you love
- Nap
- Acupuncture
- Pilates
- Laugh
- Crossword Puzzle
- Mad Libs
- Turn off your phone
- BBQ
- Play with a baby
- Card game
- Listen to the ocean
- Watch sun set
- Watch the sun rise
The repetitive nature of knitting can be quite calming.
- Volleyball with friends
- Take an acrobatics/circus class
- Run an obstacle course
- Get your hair washed and styled
- Mani/pedi
- Quilt
- Art Journal
- Skype with loved one
- Create a bucket list
- Talk with a counselor
- Draw in a botanical garden
- Urban sketch
- Hug someone
- Kiss someone
- Take a bath
- Dance in the rain
- Build a snowman
- Build a sandcastle
- Volunteer
- Go to a nice restaurant
For some, getting sweaty or doing activities that are a bit more high risk gets them reconnected.
- Hire someone to clean your home for a day
- Organize your art studio
- Breathe deeply
- Boat ride
- Tubing
- Smile
- Eat nourishing foods
- Cook your favorite childhood meal
- Skip rope
- Hula hoop
- Daydream
“Sometimes creativity is an act of self-care, sometimes it isn’t.” (Click to Tweet)
BE COURAGEOUSLY CREATIVE: Commit to an action of self-care today and tell me in the comments which activity best helps you take care of you.
I do lot of playing and smiling already, and I’m going to the Chiropractor every month for re-alignment and a massage, but I need to get back to Yoga and meditation.
I’m glad to hear self care is a part of your routine Linda it’s so important. (Says the woman to remind herself.)
Lately the language of negativity was influencing my daily thoughts. I was feeling stressed, sad and struggled to find pleasure in the wonderful and amazing opportunities and events. So now I practice a daily gratitude challenge with my youngest child. I am allowing myself the gift of joy. It’s impact is immense and I am grateful.
Sophie Marie that is an absolutely amazing idea. I love that you are sharing it with a loved one – what a wonderful thing to model for your young one’s future. It is going to help them develop a growth mindset about life, which is a key ingredient for people to feel successful and fulfilled. I’m so pleased to hear you have found a way to honor yourself and your need. Thank you for reading and sharing your story here on Artist Think. Blessings to you.
I love the simple reminder of self care…I shared it with my Dream Warriors group!
Thank you Catherine! Have a lovely day.
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