A lot has been said about the importance of a healthy mind and body, but you may find it challenging to stick to a routine that supports your wellbeing as a creative person. This can be especially true if you're used to putting yourself last or working long hours. But don't worry, we've got you covered with this guide to staying healthy as a creative person.
The benefits to creativity in learning healthy habits
Pooja Sheth
Mar 14, 2022
| Max
8
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Bad health habits can stifle your creativity
Creativity is an essential part of life. It's something we can all use more often, from the artist who prefers to spend their time in the studio creating pieces for others or even just dreaming up new things themselves; it always offers something special when you find your voice and share what matters most with those around us through art.
There are many things to think about when it comes to being healthy, and as a creative, you may find that some health decisions may stifle your creativity. For example, if you're always so busy that you don't have time for yourself or push yourself too hard and never take a break, you may find it challenging to be as creative as you could be. It's important to remember that your health is just as important as your work, and you should take the time to care for yourself to be your best creative self.
Here are some tips we'll expand on in this article:
- Prioritize your health: This means taking care of yourself mentally and physically. Make time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy, even if it's just for 10 minutes. This can help you relax and de-stress, which is essential for maintaining your health.
- Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-relieving properties. Endorphins can also help you focus and concentrate better.
- Eat healthily: Eating unhealthy foods can lead to low energy levels and poor concentration. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And try to limit your intake of sugary and fatty foods.
- Take breaks: Breaks allow you to relax and recharge, essential for maintaining your health and productivity. Take a break every hour to walk around, get some fresh air, and drink some water.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of rest can lead to many problems, including poor concentration, irritability, and fatigue. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Understanding how the brain works for a creative person
The right side of our brain is more active when we're in a creative, intuitive, or imaginative mindset. The left fires up during tasks that require logic and analytical thinking.
What is the difference between being in a decision-making mindset or one that's more creative and intuitive? It can be challenging to switch from what we're used to. However, there are ways you'll learn how to do so effectively. Here I recommend some tools for getting into your zone.
Prepare your mind for the job ahead
Like many artists, it is crucial to understand this mental state. As soon as we start working on our projects, creation or decision-making modes will become clear depending on the time constraints holding back progress. Try using these helpful tips below.
Your physical health is what drives your mental health
As our bodies are interconnected, when one part of the system becomes stressed or overworked, we will experience symptoms such as feeling tired and less focused. The best way for us all to start on a path towards better health is by eating a balanced diet of good foods, which can help keep your mind clear, so you have no trouble staying productive.
If you want to keep your brain relaxed and prepare it for steady studio work, then load up on root vegetables. Eat pumpkin or yams and leafy greens like spinach to help regulate blood sugar levels in your system while also providing enough roughage needed daily by an active individual such as yourself.
Tips on Making healthy eating a routine
There are many things that a creative person can do to help feel their best. Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Eat light dinners so you can get enough sleep.
- Drink plenty of water and juice throughout the day.
- Eat healthy foods that give you energy, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid eating fatty or processed foods.
- Take a salt bath to relax your body and mind.
- Drink tea to calm and soothe your nerves.
- Listen to music to energize yourself.
- Exercise regularly to keep your body and mind healthy.
Here are some suggestions for feeling healthier in general
Exercise, even if it's just for a few minutes
Creatives aren't the best at engaging in exercise; we're generally exhausted by creative thinking, it's hard to get yourself together to work out. But even a tiny amount of activity can make a significant impact on how we feel. A quick fifteen-minute walk around the block can help clear our heads and give us some much-needed fresh air.
Consider practicing Yoga
The benefits of a flexible body are well known to yogis, who practice asana to sit in meditation with a calm mind. This is why it makes sense for you to try working out beforehand if you're going into an extended studio session where there will be a little break from movement or take some short outdoor strolls.
Mindfulness as a type of mental wellbeing
To change something, you have to be aware of it. So make sure your habits are set up for success and start checking in with yourself regularly, a form of mental training. Ask questions like "How am I? What do we need/want more often?" or try focusing less attention when negative thoughts arise, so they don't take over completely.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking negative thoughts. But as you check self-esteem, be kind and patient with yourself, just like how we would want someone else in our lives, which is important enough for us to take time on them.
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Creative people need to be healthy in order to be productive. Eating a balanced diet of good foods, exercising regularly, and taking care of your mental health are all important ways to feel your best.
Practice deep breathing
To calm your mind and breathe more deeply, remind yourself to check in on air quality coming into each nostril. Inhale through pursed lips while exhaling out mouthpiece-first; this will help you slow down enough for deep belly breathing patterns that are soothing as well as rejuvenating.
Stay well-hydrated
Hydration is essential for optimal health, and drinking water can be vital to staying hydrated. If you find regular tap boring, try adding some citrus fruits like lemons or limes in your drink—they not only look great but also have vitamin C, which helps strengthen our immune system. Or why not enjoy an energizing sip with herbs such as mint? For those days where I need my caffeine fix before noontime has arrived, then the coffee will do just fine too thanksgiving, anyone?
Avoid alcohol & substances
There's a fine line between being productive and overworking yourself. It's essential to take care of your mental health by finding the right balance in life and mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, so you don't become overwhelmed.
A little alcohol sometimes goes hand-in-glove with going out socializing, but too many drinks can undo all those good intentions because they're dehydrating.
Don't make comparisons to others
The pressure to be social is intense for artists. The need and demand from fans, followers, or subscribers can become too much when they are not active on the platform--especially in this day where people have become so dependent upon our updates about what's going inside of life as an artist.
When someone feels like they're not as successful or good enough, it can take away their sense of self-worth and happiness.
Creatives need to stay authentic and original. Staying focused on what other people want will make you lose your confidence as an artist. Comparing yourself with others feeds the desire for recognition but strips away the ability to be creative.
Try these strategies:
- Give yourself a time limit for your daily social media bender. It's important to set boundaries and Structure to maintain mental wellbeing and physical health.
- When you are logged in, take some time to think about your next move. You could create a new post, for example.
- You deserve to feel good about yourself, so don't follow any profiles that make you angry or frustrated.
- Use Airplane Mode at night to prevent phone radiation exposure.
- Scientists have found that checking social media first thing in the morning or before going to bed may be bad for your mental health.
Take regular breaks to maximize flow state
Exhaustion is a severe problem for artists who are constantly on the go and running from one commitment to another. To avoid burnout, it's essential to take regular breaks to ensure that you're getting the most out of your work. When you're in a flow state, you're more productive and efficient, so maximizing that time is crucial. Breaks also help you avoid burnout, which can be detrimental to your work.
What is a flow state?
It is a mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment of your work. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.
Try this to maximize your productivity:
According to the science of Ultradian rhythm, we can only really have about 4 phases of peak activity throughout the day. So here's an excellent guide to help you break in balanced amounts and maximize your productivity:
- Ninety minutes of activity, followed by twenty minutes of break.
- Repeat that four times in one day, and you'll feel incredibly productive.
Improve your sleep quality
Good sleep habits are the foundation of a balanced lifestyle. Creatives people need to relax and reset their minds especially. Get plenty of rest to feel energized and ready for whatever life throws your way. Here are some tips on how to get better rest:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This will help your body get into a rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. A few minutes of relaxation before bed can help you transition from your busy day to a restful night. Try reading, listening to calm music, or taking a warm bath.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. These conditions are ideal for sleeping, so do your best to create them in your room. Consider using an eye mask, earplugs, or a white noise machine to help block out light and noise.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Both of these substances can interfere with sleep, so it's best to avoid them in the evening.
- Don't use your bed for anything else but sleeping. This will help you associate your bed with sleep and make it easier to fall asleep when you go to bed.
Staying consistent with "sleep hygiene practices" is more effective than drug therapy for overcoming insomnia in the long run, and over time your brain will eventually surrender its resistance against your good sense when staying awake becomes less appealing due to lack of fatigue or other reasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining proper health habits will assist you in remaining as creative as possible throughout your life, and there are a few simple things you may do to achieve that. Make a balanced eating routine, find an exercise you enjoy and can stick with, practice yoga or some other form of mindfulness meditation, and take regular breaks. Most importantly, get some rest! When it comes to your creativity, bad health habits can stifle your productivity and sabotage your best efforts to be creative. Give yourself the tools you need to succeed by following these tips for increasing creativity through better health habits.
Takeaways
- Trust your intuition when it comes to what makes you feel balanced.
- Honor your body and mind by creating an environment that supports your unique needs.
- Experiment with different activities, foods, and thoughts until you find the combination that works best for you.
- The key is to be patient, persistent, and open-minded.
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