how to do creative self care (even when you’re exhausted)
You might be trying anything and everything to fill your cup (even just one single drop) so that you can go on serving the people who need you. You might be feeling that compassion fatigue setting in.
Hoarding chocolate in the kitchen, binge watching Netflix, doomscrolling, maybe even a little bit more alcohol than your normal.
Do you see or hear yourself in any of these?
She is overwhelmed and anxious about “simple” things.
She can’t stop her racing thoughts, they keep her up in the middle of the night, and she is even worried that her anxiety and depression are affecting her kids.
She is too busy making sure everyone else being taken care of, she has forgotten about herself.
She is scared of judgements.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She feels like she is drowning. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She has been wearing the same clothes for days. This is her fourth day without a shower (she really wants a shower).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She knows she needs to take care of herself...but feels so guilty for even thinking about it.
She “shouldn’t” be putting herself first when so many people rely on her.
She feels rage and a deep sadness that seem to come out of nowhere.
She feels like she “should” be doing so much better. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She puts way too much pressure on herself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She knows she needs support and help but has no idea who or how to ask.
These are intrusive thoughts, they are wreaking havoc on your nervous system, emotions and relationships. These thoughts are also keeping you quiet. They are full of “shoulds” and expectations you can’t possibly manage on your own.
None of these are a “normal” part of postpartum or motherhood. If you found yourself in any of those, mama, I see you. Actually, wait maybe I don’t see you… I want to see you, if you’ll let me. If you are struggling alone and haven’t breathed words about these thoughts, I urge you to find someway, somehow to get your voice heard. We are all stronger when we share our stories and don’t let shame hide in the darkness.
It doesn’t have to feel this way.
You are not alone and there is a better way.
These thoughts are preventable, treatable and temporary.
When we’re in survival mode sometimes the chocolate helps, sometimes the numbing out to screens helps, but when it doesn’t help anymore, what keeps you moving through your days? Creativity! Creativity helps. People have found meaning for centuries through creative expression. They find it through writing, painting, baking, sewing, and so much more. Creative expression is one of the ways people find a way to string one day to the next.
People have painted their way out of depression. They have written songs and poems to heal their pain and trauma. They have quilted themselves through grief.
Three ways to use creativity to boost your mood and decrease anxiety and depression:
Julia Cameron’s morning pages
The Morning Pages are featured in Julia’s book The Artists Way. All you need is a journal and a pen. You write three pages everyday. You write everything that comes into your conscious, everything, good, bad, ugly, all of it. It’s a practice, like meditation. It will feel uncomfortable and vulnerable and not worth it in those early days – but with perseverance you will start to see shift in your life and in your mood.
Self-Led Art Therapy
Start with a blank page and some pastels (or pens, markers, paint, whatever you have handy). Put a circle in the middle of your page and start making colored marks. Don’t think about it, just let the colors lead. When you feel your page is finished, ask yourself with this image is telling you. Is there a story here?
Ps. Have you seen my Show Up With Love online expressive art program?
Intentional playlists
All it takes is 20 minutes of intentional music listening to boost moods and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. Listen to your favorites for 20 minutes and notice how you feel. Can you feel your heart rate slow - can you feel your breathing getting deeper? For a fun twist, throw in a dance party or a sing along.
Creativity will regulate you - if you let it. Practicing self-compassion, being patient with yourself and believing people are doing the best they can with what they have, is how you build your capacity and keeps on supporting, guiding and leading YOU towards wellness.
If needed, level up your wellness check out some of my online self paced creative eCourses.
Until next time,
