As we face uncertain times during the Pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, many find themselves stuck in a feeling of overwhelm and heightened anxiety. Many are finding new ways to cope by picking up new and old hobbies. Finding their way back to their creative side, sometimes long lost passion for art or creating things by hand. Some creatives are finding themselves uninspired and their creativity has gone down.
Being one that has an anxiety disorder, I’ve found solace in creating for much of my life. Drawing, sketching and painting has always been a source of release. Creating is a necessity as much as breathing in my life. I’ve luckily continued my daily practice of creating something daily, even if its unusable sketched, scratches and doodles on a scrap piece of paper, redesigning my website, looking or inspirational images online, I’m actively creating something daily. When I’m focused on creating, I’m letting go of the daily stress, refocusing my mind on what matters. I’m currently flowing with a surge of creativity and focused heavily on my creative business. Setting goals for my business and building my portfolio up has been what I can control and manage therefore its helped me manage my anxiety as of late.
I’ve seen some social media posts of other artists anxiety has stopped them from feeling creative. The worry and challenges of what we are all facing during these uncertain times definetly affects us all differently. It’s tempting to throw in advice to keep creating, force the daily practice, but I remember that these individuals need to focus on what they can, sometimes is not focusing on creative practices. So those of you seeking advice on how to remain creative when anxiety and uncertainty is all consuming, I offer up to just simply breathe.
Yes, just simply that. Right now that’s the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Breathing exercises are known to help lower anxiety. Once you’re refocused from breathing, do something that will inspire creativity. That could be playing board games with your family, take the dog for a walk, talk on the phone to loved ones, read a book, watch a movie you haven’t seen in years, binge watch a show you love, listen to music that inspires you, sit on the floor and play with your children (if you have them), get out old photos and old drawings, the possibilities are endless and up to what you’re capable of accomplishing to feed your creativity. Make yourself a promise to be kind and patient with yourself and know that creativity always ebbs and flows, if it’s now flowing, it will.
Stay Safe – Shanna
Shanna Lynne Design 