Self care is the path to creative expression. By paying more attention to your self-care, you can have easier access to your creativity, your muse, and your inner strength and resilience. You will also have more energy, more tolerance towards others and towards yourself and more confidence in your work.
Beginning. Have you been putting something off? Do you need to update your resume to be ready for the next audition or show? Edit the last chapter of your book? Call that gallery owner? Learn that new piece? Well, just start. Set your timer for 15 minutes and remember that as soon as it goes off you can stop.
Stop. Today, just for five minutes, STOP. Stop and listen to what her inner muse might be trying to tell you (if only she could get her attention). This process will be easier and more effective if you first consciously relax your mind and body; a few deep breaths can be enough or a few minutes listening to your favorite relaxing music. If you have time, try a progressive relaxation exercise where you imagine a ball of light traveling through your body, relaxing each muscle as it passes.
Turn around. Turn around your negative perceptions. When you start criticizing yourself for procrastinating, remind yourself that you worked for 15 minutes on that project today! If your inner critic tells you more, try this method from my “Preparing for Performance” worksheet. Write down everything your inner critic tells you. Now, imagine that you are saying those things to a small child. Then, for each statement, write down what you would say to comfort and encourage that child and show him or her another way of looking at things.
Tap. Speaking of kids, just for today, approach your art like child’s play. Paint with your non-dominant hand, play a new instrument, or write a song or story using only words that begin with the letter “d.” What other fun things could you try?
Break. Do whatever it takes to get a good night’s sleep. And, just for today, rest when you feel tired. Not getting enough rest and sleep is one of the most direct ways we sabotage ourselves and our health. When was the last time you jumped out of bed in the morning, eager to start your day and feeling completely rested?
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