59. How 5 Minutes of Creativity Fits Into the Chaos of Motherhood
Can Five Minutes of Creativity Really Make a Difference?
Spoiler: Yes, It Can
You know that feeling—you’re constantly giving, whether it’s to your kids, your work, or just trying to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit it. It’s so easy to lose sight of who you are outside of all those roles. And then there’s this lie we’ve all been sold: that to take care of yourself or “find yourself again,” you need some big chunk of uninterrupted time (cue hysterical laughter).
But here’s the thing—just five minutes of creativity can actually make a world of difference.
Picture this: you’re juggling tantrums, snack time, and that endless mountain of invisible work that keeps everything (and everyone) running. Finding even an hour for anything—let alone creative expression—feels impossible. But what if I told you five minutes could shift your day? And no, you don’t need to be an “artist” to make it happen.
In our latest podcast episode, I sat down with art therapist Ashleigh Gureckas (straight from the creative haven of Nelson, BC) to tackle this idea. Here’s the bottom line: creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline, especially for moms. Let’s dig into the how creativity fits into the chaos of motherhood in just 5 minutes.
Creativity isn’t about time or talent. It’s about small, intentional moments that help you reconnect with yourself.
In five minutes, you can shift your brain into a more relaxed state, regulate your nervous system, and find some peace amidst the chaos.
Why Moms Need Creativity (Even If It’s Just 5 Minutes)
Ashleigh nailed it: motherhood is a constant state of giving. Your kids need you. Your partner needs you. Even the dishwasher seems to have demands. And somewhere in that mix, your sense of self starts to disappear.
The kicker? We’ve been fed the myth that self-care requires a weekend retreat or an uninterrupted hour (cue laughter from every mom reading this). The truth? Five minutes of mindful creativity can work wonders.
When you doodle, paint, scribble, or even just admire the colors in your kid’s crayon box, your brain shifts into an alpha state. That’s a fancy term for the calm, meditative brain wave state that gives you space to breathe. Think of it like hitting “refresh” on your mental browser.
2 Myths About Creativity
Myth: Creativity is for “artsy” people with time to spare.
Reality: Art therapy isn’t about creating something perfect or taking hours out of your day. It’s about showing up for yourself in small, manageable ways. Creativity can be as simple as scribbling in a journal, doodling on a napkin, or writing down a single word that reflects how you feel.
Myth: Five minutes isn’t enough to make a difference.
Reality: In just five minutes, your brain starts shifting into a more relaxed, alpha state—the same state you’d experience during meditation. This helps regulate your nervous system, expands your perception of time, and brings a sense of calm and control to your day.
How Creativity Heals and Grows Us As Mothers
Ashleigh brought her neuroscience A-game to this episode, and here’s the takeaway: creativity works like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And here’s the best part: creativity doesn’t judge.
Feeling stressed? Doodle it out. Feeling joyful? Color it in. Every small act builds emotional resilience, helps you process feelings, and creates a safe space to just be.
Ashleigh also highlighted the communal magic of art therapy—how shared stories and creative spaces can foster deeper connections. Even when picking up a paintbrush feels foreign, simply showing up creatively can be healing.
How to Start (and Keep It Realistic) 3 practical tips for sneaking creativity into your day without adding stress:
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Grab a pen, pencil, or crayon and let your hand move without overthinking.
Notice textures and colors around you. See those clouds? That vibrant red mug? Pause and really see them.
Keep a mini sketchbook. No one else needs to see it. Doodle, scribble, or write one word that describes your day.
The Next Step: Deeper Creativity with an Art Therapist
If you’re curious about working with a trained expressive art therapist can help you process emotions, untangle mental knots, and reconnect with parts of yourself you might have forgotten, keep reading. It’s not about being “good at art.” It’s about creating a safe space to heal and grow on your own terms.
Over time, those small five-minute moments can grow into a practice that leaves you feeling more grounded, connected, and emotionally regulated. And here’s why that’s important: when your nervous system is regulated, you can be more present—not just for yourself but for your family and your life. It’s the opposite of burnout—it’s a reset button.
Creativity isn’t just another item on your to-do list; it’s the thing that makes that list feel less overwhelming. Whether it’s a five-minute doodle or a full-blown art session, creative acts remind us that we’re not just moms, workers, or partners—we’re humans with stories to tell.
So, grab a pen. Take five minutes. Scribble, doodle, or simply notice the colors around you. Creativity isn’t waiting for you to find more time—it’s waiting for you to say, “Okay, I’ll try.”
Listen to the full podcast episode and start your five-minute creative experiment today.
Ashleigh Gureckas is a Professional Canadian Art Therapist, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and founder of Discover Art Therapy.
Known for her engaging Instagram content (@discoverarttherapy), Ashleigh empowers individuals worldwide to use creativity as a tool for self-care, emotional regulation, and self-discovery. With a focus on making therapeutic art techniques and ideas accessible, she helps her clients and followers embrace creativity to navigate anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout - but most importantly to bring more joy in the world through creating! Ashleigh’s work demonstrates that art therapy certainly isn’t just for kids but a powerful resource for adults seeking deeper emotional well-being and personal growth.
For more mom life reality, follow Kayla on Instagram @kayla.huszar
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Ready to rediscover your authentic self? Read my blog post for 4 steps to find your spark as a busy mom in less than 30 minutes that includes a brain dump, visualization and a creative practice.
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