The term “self-care” is used a lot these days. That is because it has become a trendy buzzword and many people are jumping in on the trend to try and make money. Self-care is a real thing, though, and you are probably wondering how it can possibly relate to creativity.
Here is how: you cannot function adequately, much less create, if you do not take care of yourself.
It should be noted here that self-care does NOT mean expensive vacations, spa days, spending hours soaking in a bubble bath, or any of the other things you see in ads for wellness products. Real self-care requires only four things, and they are all necessary for you to be at your best.
Get Enough Rest
The majority of adults in the U.S. have a sleep deficit, and the picture is not much better for other industrial nations. Lack of sleep is not only harmful to your long-term health and job performance, but it impacts everything else in your life from your relationships to your memory.
Being too tired kills creativity. Sure, everyone is busy, but if you have to prioritize only one form of self-care in your life, it should be sleep. Sleep should be your top goal when it comes to self-care. Rest up and your creativity will increase dramatically.
Eat Well and Drink Water
This does not mean you need to switch your diet as much as it means you need to watch what and how often you eat. Make sure you are eating at regular times (no more 3 pm lunches and skipping breakfast) and that you are eating a semi-balanced diet. Drink more water to improve your health while you are at it.
Reduce Your Stress
Stress kills creativity as well as people. Some stressors you cannot get rid of but do what you can to reduce your stress and investigate new ways of coping with what is left. Learn to say no to commitments. Cut back on activities that do not make you happy. Seek out therapy if you need help getting your stress under control.
Move Your Body
Go for a walk. Dance in the kitchen. Try yoga or stretching. You do not need to hit the gym or become an athlete. All you need to do to care for yourself and improve your creativity is move more. Just find some way to move your body a bit each day.