8 Self Care Ideas For Creatives

So many of the self care ideas floating around Instagram are generic (even though, I do love a good face mask, and honestly I kinda need the reminder), so lately I’ve been challenging myself to write down ideas of helpful activities that work for me, a creative (and introvert and empath…) with a hard time relaxing. Anyone else relate? I’ve finally got a pretty good list going, so I thought it would be fun to share and maybe even keep each other accountable with it! Let me know which of these self care ideas for creatives resonate with you.

self care ideas for creatives and sensitive people

Record your dreams

Do you like to record your dreams? I do this a couple times of week but ideally I’d do it everyday. (This dream journal is our personal favorite.) Even without looking for deeper meanings of the dreams themselves, this is a therapeutic exercise for me. I feel more connected to myself and deepest feelings, and as a creative the content of these dreams often sparks inspiration for tangible projects!

Spend time alone

I don’t think you need to be an introvert to benefit from time alone, but of course this is my perspective as one. Alone time can be helpful for reflection, processing, and brainstorming, all vital to the creative process.

Talk to other creatives

Humans are wired to be social. Connection is SO important to our very being. Something as simple as reaching out to someone you admire or re-connecting with a creative friend who “gets” you can be a meaningful act of self care.

Start a new project

Whenever I’m feeling down, I know that just starting–even if I don’t fully dive in–will lift me right back up. Of course, this is challenging when you’re feeling unmotivated or struggling mentally, but if you can find a way to force it, it always helps me.

Learn something new

I love learning, but sometimes it totally seems like work, and not a lot like “self care”. Which is why sometimes I have to force it, by signing up for an online class or workshop, to keep me accountable. But I never regret it! I think pushing yourself like this can be a really good way of nurturing your mind and creativity.

Spend time outside

This is the only cliche one I’ll put on here, I swear! Time spent outside is never time wasted, even if it just means a short walk around the block. It’s not only nourishing for your body, but helps get ideas flowing too (and studies have shown that short, frequent breaks are important for creatives!).

Read a new genre

The great thing about creativity is that it’s ENDLESS! I love the idea of using exploration as a way of self care. Visit new websites, read fiction if you’re used to nonfiction (and vice versa), bounce around in different virtual spaces. Get lost in a book you wouldn’t normally pick up, it’s a great way to relax.

Say YES!

Many self care ideas involve saying no to things that don’t suit you–taking that time for things that give you life rather than burn you out. I totally agree! But it’s about picking your opportunities. Sometimes opportunities arise that challenge you creatively and contribute to your growth. This takes a lot of putting yourself out there that not everyone is thrilled about (hi!). Next time a new opportunity like this comes around, take a little time to tune into your intuition and ask yourself if it’s really your busy schedule holding you back? or your anxiety? or your comfort in your current situation?

Creative people, what is your favorite form of self care? I hope these ideas inspire you!