There are so many ways to engage in self-care. Of course, finding time to engage in self-care can be tricky, but we encourage you all to take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to allow your brain to get into the flow by using creative outlets as an option.
By engaging in a creative activity we allow ourselves to reduce stress and “we nurture different areas of the brain in new ways.” CNN reports that “engaging in creative tasks protects neuron growth by promoting the production of new neurons, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy central nervous system.”
Creative activities also help the brain recover after illness, injury, or stress, according to the Croatian Medical Journal: “Various artistic disciplines have helped patients with diverse disorders that include developmental or acquired, medical, and/or psychiatric conditions.” CNN also reports that people who take on craft-based projects in midlife and older have a 45 percent less chance of developing cognitive issues such as dementia.
Not a “crafty and creative person” by nature? No worries! Check out some of our tips below to fuel some inspirational fire, even if you’re a “numbers-only” type of person.
1. Use a nature walk as inspiration.
Try exploring our beautiful state of Colorado or anywhere you can have access to trees, grass, and open skies! We encourage “Leave No Trace” practices by suggesting you “take only photos and leave only footprints”. Take some close ups of leaves, some distance shots of mountains. Take your kids (or just yourself!) to find the “ABCs” in nature: find things that look like the letter “B” naturally, or start with the letter “B”. Find a good walking stick and decorate it! Use the photos you have taken to decorate your home, office, etc. Give them as gifts or create postcards to friends and family you haven’t spoken to in a while or haven’t seen due to COVID.
2. Get into some craft-ivism.
In our current political climate, flex your creative muscles to make a difference about a topic you feel strongly about. We have seen an increase in protest signs, yard signs, and more to make a clear and creative message. To take a deeper dive into this gentle form of activism, check out Craftivism: The Art and Craft of Activism, edited by Betsy Greer. Leave an encouraging message for health care workers to drive by every day or support your local politician of choice!
3. Coloring Books
With the hot trend of coloring books out now, there are numerous adult-oriented coloring books. With differing levels of intricacy and humor available, from ones oriented to nurses, therapists, doctors, etc., explore your color wheel choice and get to doodling.
4. Art with Social involvement
COVID-based social distancing has taken a toll on many of us. Finding and maintaining a social circle while still remaining safe has proven difficult. There are still options, though, for opportunities to be both social and creative at the same time. Check out some local options for classes for adults and families at locations such as the Carbondale Clay Center. There are also options for online/virtual meet ups, such as this online knitting group. Movement more of your creative outlet? Colorado Mountain College is currently offering intro to ballet, swing dancing, and more!
5. Journaling/ Scrapbooking
Journaling is a great way to get out ideas, frustrations, and goals. Try setting a timer for 5 minutes and just writing, without pausing for the entire time to see what pops up (even if you’re just writing “why am I even doing this?” for the full five minutes). Write a reflection on what is brought up. You could also try doodling a comic strip that sums up your day in 5 panels or less. The internet and Pinterest are also full of journaling prompt ideas. Everything from fiction writing, to real-life reactions, your journal is a chance to let it all flow out!
Not into writing? Try ripping up your favorite magazines and cutting out words/images that stand out to you. It can be fun and enjoyable to make a collage of the striking images you chose!
To sum up, we embolden you to flex those creative muscles. Everyone is an artist in their own right, and we encourage you to find a medium (AKA art style!) that best supports how you operate.