Five Tips to Self-Care for You and Your Creativity

Show of hands...

Who's been feeling a little to the left lately? Anyone?

You in the back. It's okay, don't be shy. 

Listen, I get it. I've been having a real hard time sitting at the drawing table. My brain is a bit fried. My productivity is a little wonky and if you're anything like me, I get hypercritical of myself and my work when I can't and don't produce enough. 

But sometimes, it be like that. 

And that's okay. That's what I try to remind myself. You're human, you are an empath, and you are sensitive. I mean, that's why we write and illustrate children's books, no?

So when the going gets tough, and the well feels dry and barren, it's okay to step back and reassess. 

Here are 5 Tips to Self-Care that I have collected over the years not only as a writer/illustrator but as a "semi-functional" human being in the world.

1. Get some SLEEP / REST

I'm a HUGE culprit of this. I stay up late, and wake up early. I overbook myself. I am a busy body like nobody's business. Though we have a day off, it doesn't mean we have to have it occupied. Prioritizing sleep or moments of rest through out your week and your day can help you reset. Also, rest doesn't have to mean complete stillness, but stillness of the mind and spirit can help you feel connected and energized.

2. Hydrate

I see you grabbing that water bottle by your laptop. It's okay. No judgement. Drink. That. Water. Especially these days that feel like a dragon's armpit! My goodness! Replenish your body and hydrate regularly! It's refreshing for the body and the soul, trust me.

3. Set a Writing/Drawing Routine

I'm an early riser. And if I'm well-rested with the recommended thirteen hours of sleep (it's thirteen hours, right, Henry? No? REALLY?!)...well, when rested, I am unstoppable! Find the time that works for you and stick to that time. Create steps that make you feel empowered, ready and excited. Do you like to write in the mornings? Evenings? Does a cup of your favorite tea help? How about your favorite crystal, twirling in your palm? Set the writing routine that works for you and that gets you to the drafting table. And keep that routine sacred. You don't have to be crazy productive when you finally get to creating, but honoring the routine will help you feel in control, and confident and accountable.  

4. Stay Connected

In difficult times, community is what we need. Writing and drawing can be isolating, and with deadlines, and project goals, we can become super insular. But remember to stay connected. Call a friend, go on a date night, play Words With Friends. Those little moments of connection remind us we are not alone. That we are all working toward the same goal. Like the Beatles said "Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends." We all need each other. Reach out and stay connected.

5. Get Physical 

Have a solo dance party in your room. Go to the gym. Go for a walk. Play wall tennis by yourself. Ride a bike. These are things I do to get my blood pumping, my mind clear, and my body moving. Writers and illustrators can get very cerebral and forget that the body is also a huge component to our well being, as people and as artists. Physicality not only has health benefits but encourages/stimulates the mind. Unstick yourself from that chair, get physical and work out those kinks, mentally and physically! It maybe the key to unlocking that artist's block.

So there, person in the back with their hand still raised...ooooo, sorry, forgot to tell you to put it down...but hope these small tips help as you incorporate them into your day to day. So join me in committing to tiny changes toward our well-being!