How to Manage Stress with Creativity
It’s in my DNA
Ever since I was little I knew I would be an artist of some sort when I grew up. My mind deviated for a second when I was around 8 and thought it would be fun to be a dentist or teacher, but art persisted to take over my life from a very young age. It was basically in my DNA that I loved to create and that it allowed me to escape to a place of calm.
I wish I could share the feeling I know when I’m creating. If I could bottle it up and give it to people that are lost in what they want to do, I would. It’s not always easy being a creative person as a profession, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I want to draw, design, paint, sculpt, build… anything I can do to create something is what I will be doing forever.
“Many studies suggest that engaging in art and creative activities can have physiological effects that reduce stress and promote well-being. Whether through formal art therapy programs or informal creative hobbies, incorporating creativity into a stress management routine can be a beneficial way to reduce stress levels.”
Let Go, and Create for Yourself
It’s so true… and ironic because creativity can help stress a LOT. I have found that there are two creative outlets for me. One is the projects that I am paid for, and the creativity it takes to produce designs for my clients. The other is being creative on my own time and making things that make me light up inside. I have to keep these separate so that I don’t lose my passion for being a creative human being. Even when it’s at the end of the work day and I feel mentally exhausted and stressed, I push myself to get out my iPad and draw something solely from my subconscious that I am feeling. It’s the no limitations for me. No constraints or brief to follow that allows me to make whatever the hell I want. That is the beauty of art and creating. It’s a therapeutic practice.
Rick Rubin Wisdom
Art is often misunderstood as a certain list of expectations to be met by the viewer. But that is the complete opposite of what art is. It’s an expression of what’s inside of you. And that looks different for everybody. That difference, that uniqueness - is what art IS. I’m currently reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. If you haven’t, this book is truly magical and breaks down all preconceptions about creativity.
“No matter what tools you use to create, the true instrument is you. And through you, the universe that surrounds us all comes into focus.”
-Rick Rubin
It’s quotes like these that he prefaces each chapter with, setting the tone for the knowledge and wisdom he is about to drop into your mind. It’s really beautiful how simple and impactful his words are. It makes you want to take a deep breath at the end of each chapter because you feel like you’ve been released from all of the silly little constraints you put on yourself as an artist and the meaning of creativity.
“Do what you can with what you have. Nothing more is needed.”
-Rick Rubin
How to Maintain Personal Creativity
It’s an intuitive act that allows me to connect with my personal inner creativity. It’s often that I find myself putting constraints on what I am creating because of the rules and guidelines I have learned in my creative career and throughout college. But finding that time to break away from those boundaries is what keeps personal creative passion alive inside of us all. This can be so many different things. Baking, scribbling, throwing paint, singing a song, sewing, cooking your favorite dish - creativity comes in all forms. Not just drawing, painting, designing, or illustrating. Reconnecting with your beginning memories of creating is where you will find release of stress around you.
Create Like Nobody is Watching
Scribble, splatter paint, express yourself and the emotions within you on a canvas. Smash things, reconstruct them in new ways. Listen to loud music and let it come through you on the canvas or sketchbook. Meditate in your mind and let emotions come through you onto the canvas. This is therapy. This is creating without limitations. It is freeing and will relieve stress. It will let you just be.
Stop Thinking, Just Do It
You probably read things like this all the time - that are trying to inspire you to go create and break away from the everyday hustle we call life. But I hope you can take something away from reading this, and that it makes you create something that releases you from worry, stress, and any other burdens. Creativity is a beautiful thing like meditation. It shouldn’t just be used for work, it needs to be used for working through our inner selves and take us to a new place of peace.
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Written by Ashley Munson of Libra Collective
Hey! I’m Ashley - founder and designer of Libra Collective. I help businesses develop visual identities, create custom packaging solutions for their products and tell stories through illustration. Interested in working together? Check out my portfolio and design services or inquire with me here!
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