53. Mom-Sanity Saver: How Creativity Helps You Ditch Perfectionism
Why Getting Creative Might Just Be Your Best Parenting Hack Yet!
Ever feel like the chaos of motherhood is a never-ending loop of cleaning up, managing emotions, and trying not to lose it? I see you mama. But before you dive back into another round of mindless scrolling, consider this: what if there was a way to actually enjoy a little "me time" without feeling guilty—or like you’re just wasting time? In this blog post you will discover how creativity helps ditch perfectionism (in under 5 minutes!)
You are feeling like you're losing your mind amidst the chaos of motherhood? Ditch the doom-scrolling and grab some magazines instead.
Expressive arts therapy is a game-changer for moms who need a break from perfectionism and the everyday grind. With simple tools like collage, you can find a way to channel those messy emotions, connect with your kids, and maybe even calm a little of the chaos.
Let’s face it: modern motherhood is exhausting.
Between the pressure to be the “gentle” mom, bake sourdough, and make it all look effortless on Instagram, it’s easy to feel like you’re always falling short. But here’s the thing: you are not the problem, trying to be perfect is not only impossible; it’s downright damaging.
Kelsey Brier (this week's podcast guest and my friend) is a mom of two who’s been through the wringer and found her sanity in tearing up old magazines. No, really. During the pandemic, she discovered that using collage and fibre arts helped her process all the heavy stuff—grief, anxiety, you name it. And guess what? It didn’t require hours of free time, a spotless craft room, or special skills.
For Kelsey, collage became more than just a way to pass the time; it was a lifeline. By cutting, tearing, and rearranging images, she found a way to express emotions that words couldn’t quite capture. It wasn’t about making something pretty or perfect—it was about taking whatever she was feeling and turning it into something tangible. And it turns out, this simple act of creativity had a ripple effect on her family life too.
One of Kelsey’s favourite creative rituals involves using collage as a way to help herself and her kids process their emotions.
When their family cat passed away, instead of just talking about it, they made a collage together. It was messy, it was emotional, and it brought them closer as a family. It also helped her kids understand their feelings in a way that no amount of talking ever could.
The beauty of using art as therapy is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to be an artist or have hours of free time to reap the benefits.
Just keep some basic supplies on hand, and when the stress of the day starts to build, grab whatever’s nearby and start creating. It’s a way to hit pause, breathe, and remind yourself that it’s okay not to have it all together.
Creative Coping for Busy Moms:
Grab What’s Handy: Old magazines, kid’s stickers, scraps of paper—anything goes.
Set a Timer: Five minutes is all you need. This isn’t about creating a masterpiece; it’s about letting go of stress.
Get the Kids Involved: When things get overwhelming, and you “have no time,” do this alongside your kids. It’s a great way to bond and teach them that it’s okay to express their feelings.
Want to make creativity a regular part of your life? Designate a small “art corner” in your home where materials are always available. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just a place where you and your kids can easily reach for something creative when the mood strikes.
Modern motherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding ways to stay sane in the middle of the madness. By making a little room for creativity, you can break the cycle of stress and perfectionism, connect more deeply with your kids, and maybe even find a moment of peace in your day.
So the next time you’re tempted to scroll your stress away, remember that creativity can help ditch perfectionism so why not grab some magazines instead?
Quick Creative Collage Exercise:
Create Your Own Creative Compass Collage in 3 Simple Steps (28:00)
Step 1: Grab What You’ve Got
Don’t overthink it! Gather some old magazines, flyers you were going to recycle, papers - whatever’s lying around. Scissors, glue, and a piece of paper or cardboard are all you need. No fancy supplies required.
Step 2: Ask Yourself These Questions
Let your brain do its thing. Don’t force it - just notice where you feel pulled. Reflect on these:
What might my creative compass look like?
Where is it guiding me? Where would I be holding it? Where is it guiding me? What's behind me?
Or is it an inner compass, is it inside you? Where does it live in my body?
Step 3: Put It Together
Cut, tear, or collect whatever resonates with you. Start arranging it in a way that feels right - like it’s pointing you in a direction. No right or wrong here, just let it flow. Trust yourself, and have fun!
You can do this anywhere, with anything, as long as your intention is to explore something about yourself or your experience. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can approach it with a specific topic in mind or simply see where it takes you. Yet, we tend to overcomplicate things. We think we need the perfect setup—25 uninterrupted minutes, all our favorite supplies, the right mindset—but that’s not true. One of the best parts of expressive arts therapy is its spontaneity. Sure, it can be carefully planned, but it can also be unplanned, like building a sandcastle at the beach just because it feels right.
Kelsey is passionate about combining her creativity, knowledge, and experience in using an expressive arts approach in all aspects of her life.
As a teacher and art therapy grad student, Kelsey hopes to integrate an intermodal expressive arts approach as a healing tool within public settings, including schools, while advocating for accessible mental health for all.
Mama, you might find these interesting:
Download this free guide: 101 Ways to Be Chill Like a Mother
Follow Kayla on her Instagram account @kayla.huszar
Click here, I'd love it if you could do a solid and leave a review under the Ratings and Reviews section. A 5-star rating would be amazing, and if you're feeling wordy, let me know what you love about the show! Your support means everything to me, thank you so much!
Disclaimer: This site contains some affiliate links. I get a little moola in exchange for creating this content and you get cool book and product recommendations at no extra cost to you!
This information is for educational purposes only. Kayla cannot provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique situation or circumstances. Therefore, nothing on this page or website should replace therapeutic recommendations or personalized advice. If you require such services, please consult with a medical or therapeutic provider to determine what's best for you. Kayla cannot be held responsible for your use of this website or its contents. Please never disregard or delay seeking medical or therapeutic treatment because of something you read or accessed through this website.
© 2024 Kayla Huszar - All Rights Reserved.
