When we're in the creative zone, our minds can be so full of colours, sounds, words, and images that we forget we have a body. But when unhealthy habits drain your body of energy and strength, they also drain your creativity and productivity.
What could be more frustrating than having a headache, back spasm, brain fog, or the "shakes" stop you in the middle of a creative project?
As a guitarist, I've heard it said that I'm a "small muscle athlete." This means that I need to warm up those muscles and take care of them. Maybe we are ALL small muscle athletes because we are all artists. In the end, we do need a good amount of physical stamina to do creative work.
Our creative tools all require us to use our bodies, whether we're hunched over an easel, playing a musical instrument, standing and walking on stage for an entire show, or sitting at a computer keyboard for most of the day.
It takes care every day to keep that body healthy and strong.
Taking care of your body means doing things like getting enough sleep, eating three healthy, balanced meals spread out evenly throughout the day (plus healthy snacks if you need them), moving your body, and drinking enough water.
Taking care of your body has an effect on your mind as well. Tiredness, not getting enough to eat, being inactive, and not drinking enough water will all make it harder to think, focus, and connect ideas.
The creative cycle and taking care of yourself
Touring with a band, practising for a show, or staying up all night to finish a painting before a gallery opening are all examples of unusual situations in which we might relax our self-care rules and follow a whole new set of rules.
Then, when the show, tour, or piece is over, we sometimes go through a "low" or a period of transition before we can get back into the creative flow.
When things are "normal," the things you do every day will help you be able to handle things that are out of the ordinary. They also help you build healthy habits and skills that you can use when life gets harder.
Put it into action.
Getting enough sleep and rest is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind, and spirit. Tonight, stop what you're doing a half hour early and use that time to relax. Write or talk about your worries to get them out of your head. You can relax by taking a bath, having a massage, listening to music, or reading a book that doesn't make you think about work.
We can all think of reasons why we can't work out, choose different foods, or pay more attention to our health.
You have a unique creative gift to share with the world, but your creativity depends on a healthy mind and body.
So, which of the other reasons you don't take care of yourself is more important?
(c) Linda Dessau, 2005.
