I am taking some time today (before a painting class :) to re-assess my daily routine and make sure I allow time for the "me" things that keep me healthy. This will undoubtedly mean getting up earlier (not my strong suit) to accomplish.
As women take on SO MUCH- probably because we are the ultimate multi-taskers and believe we can handle it. We usually don't see the effects of stress until they rear their ugly head and, cause us even more stress. I strongly believe in these self "check-ins".
We all know it's crucial for women to manage stress effectively to maintain overall health and quality of life. After all, it is a privilege to be here and what's the point if we aren't enjoying ourselves?
Stress can have far-reaching effects on our life, impacting both our emotional well-being and physical health, as well as the well-being of the people around us. Chronic stress can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune function.
I highly recommend taking five minutes to check in with yourself today. Here are ten practical strategies to alleviate stress and improve your well-being :
1) Practice mindfulness meditation daily to foster a sense of calm.
I had the honor of working with this lovely lady years ago and just love her daily inspiration! https://www.one-now.com/
2) Engage in regular physical exercise to release endorphins.
3) Prioritize a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
4) Ensure you get adequate sleep by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine.
Creating the best sleep routine involves establishing a set of consistent habits and environments that promote optimal rest and rejuvenation. Here are some ideas:
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep.
Engage in calming activities an hour before bed. This could include reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, or listening to soothing music. Avoid stimulating activities such as watching TV or using electronic devices.
Make your bedroom conducive to sleep. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows, and use blackout curtains or a white noise machine if needed.
Reduce blue light exposure from screens in the evening. Consider using blue light blockers or a screen filter, and opt for dim, warm lighting as bedtime approaches.
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. These can disrupt your sleep cycle and overall restfulness.
Physical activity during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night. However, try to finish exercising at least a few hours before bedtime.
If you need to nap, limit it to 20-30 minutes and avoid napping late in the afternoon.
Get plenty of natural light during the day, which helps maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Aim to spend time outside or in bright environments, especially in the morning.
Use a sleep diary or a sleep tracking app to monitor your sleep patterns. This can help identify and address any issues.
5) Manage your time effectively to prevent overwhelm.
Time blocking involves splitting your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or group of tasks. This helps you focus on one thing at a time and reduces the likelihood of multitasking, which can often lead to decreased productivity. Schedule your blocks based on your natural energy levels, placing more demanding tasks during peak energy periods.
Use productivity apps and tools to streamline your tasks and set reminders. Tools like Trello, Asana, or even simple calendar apps can help you keep track of deadlines and project progress. Automation tools can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for more critical activities.
6) Connect with friends and family to build a support network.
Start a bi-weekly check-in with a best friend or family member over anything on this list!
7) Take breaks from screens and social media.
8) Practice deep breathing exercises to reduce tension.
There are many types of breathing exercises.
Try Diaphragm breathing to get you started:
1. Sit or lie down comfortably.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
3. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise while keeping your chest still.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall.
5. Repeat for 5-10 minutes.
9) Spend time in nature to recharge.
Nature has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Simply being outdoors can elevate your mood and enhance overall mental well-being.
10) Take up a creative practice such as painting, writing, or playing music to channel your stress into a productive and enjoyable activity.
Being creative doesn't have to mean "creating your masterpiece " or even being good at a craft. Creativity helps shift your focus away from stress-inducing thoughts and offers a much-needed mental break, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, consider picking up a paintbrush or jotting down your thoughts—it is the perfect therapy for your mind.
I have a few resources for you from my own creative support community:
Incorporate these strategies into your daily routine, and you will significantly reduce the harmful effects of stress and cultivate a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Now, on to my art class to decompress and learn something new!
Comparing oneself to other artists can be a slippery slope, detouring one's artistic journey.
Why create of doubt and insecurity within yourself by comparing yourself to other artists?
Each artist has a unique voice, style, and approach to their craft, and it is this diversity that enriches us in the art world! Rather than falling into the trap of comparison as an artist, focus on fostering a supportive community that uplifts and celebrates these differences. In doing so, you will not only nurture your own creative spirit, but contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative artistic ecosystem.
I know first hand how important having other artists in my life is. We support each other and feed off of each other's inspiration. It can be a lonely world creating, marketing, and putting yourself out there in the public eye. Connecting with other creatives is an extended part of human experience and can greatly help you overcome isolation by sharing your craft.
Here some ways you, as an artist, can positively support each other and promote a culture of inclusivity and mutual growth:
1. Share Knowledge and Resources: Offer tips, tutorials, or helpful resources that have aided your journey; this can immensely benefit peers who might be facing challenges you’ve once tackled. This can include best practices for business, networking, and creative skills.
2. Provide Constructive Feedback: Engage in meaningful critique sessions that aim to uplift and improve each other’s work with your group. Always ask permission before providing feedback. "I noticed something about this work and wondered if you are ok with my feedback" is better than offering unsolicited advice unless you have an established relationship with this person as an artist. Do not focus on flaws, but rather opportunities or positive suggestions. Art is personal and can be a hard thing to accept criticism of.
3. Celebrate Achievements: Publicly acknowledge and celebrate the successes and milestones of fellow artists. This reinforces a culture of support and recognition.
4. Organize Joint Events or Shows: Join forces to create collaborative artwork or exhibitions, which can help blend different styles and audiences. Even if you don't sell anything, your time together will be so valuable! (and fun) You can introduce each other to potential buyers and business people at these events, thus raising visibility for you all and possibly leading to new show opportunities.
5. Engage in Skill Exchanges: Set up skill exchange workshops where artists can teach each other different techniques or aspects of their craft, enriching everyone’s skill set. For example: If you are a collage artist? Learn some new painting techniques from an acrylic artist in your group! Musicians, writers, gardeners! You have so much to learn from each other!
6. Promote Each Other's Work: Use your platforms, whether social media, websites, or newsletters, to promote the works of other artists, helping to expand their reach.
Collaborate on Projects! Join forces to create collaborative artwork and cross promote on social media and newsletters.
7. Create a Supportive Community: Establish or join forums, groups, or collectives that serve as safe spaces for sharing experiences, challenges, and advice. There are many online. Here is my new Community on Facebook, should you wish to gain inspiration:
8. Avoid Gatekeeping: Actively work to include emerging artists in events and exhibitions, offering mentorship and guidance without gatekeeping opportunities.
Instead of viewing opportunities as scarce commodities, share calls for art, commission openings, and potential leads with fellow artists, fostering an environment of generosity.
By embodying these principles, you not only contribute as an artist to a healthier, more nurturing art community but also help dismantle the competitive barriers that impede creative expression and growth.
We share a creative gift. Let's do this together!
Creativity can serve as a mirror to women.
I reflects our multifaceted, multi-dimensional lives. It allows us to navigate through our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a therapeutic manner. It empowers us. Creativity is not just about crafting art; it's about crafting the self, nurturing the self, and establishing an inner dialogue that fortifies resilience, innovation, and confidence. Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or any form of artistic endeavor, these activities become pathways to joy and self-discovery, helping women to thrive.
For those of us who struggle to simply sit down and "meditate", creativity serves as a source of meditation; allowing us to overcome anxiety by immersing ourselves in our craft and letting our minds wander.
Moreover, engaging in a creative practice can also offer women a sense of community and belonging, connecting them with like-minded souls who share their passions and struggles. This can foster a supportive environment where ideas are born, and accomplishments are celebrated, fostering a feeling of achievement and belonging.
As women carve out time to create, they not only sharpen their skills but also begin a journey of personal growth and fulfillment. Thus, embracing creativity is not just a leisurely pursuit but a vital component of well-being, enabling women to find their voice, assert their independence, and unleash their true potential.
1. Painting and Drawing: Unleashing the palette of emotions through colors and shapes, enabling personal expression in the most vibrant forms.
2. Writing: From journaling to blogging, poetry to storytelling, writing serves as a powerful avenue for sharing perspectives, healing, and inspiring others.
3. Dance: A physical form of creativity, dancing allows for self-expression through movement, offering both emotional release and physical health benefits.
4. Gardening: Cultivating a connection with the earth through planting and nurturing seeds, flowers, and plants offers a serene and grounding creative outlet.
5. Photography: Capturing moments, framing perspectives, and telling stories through the lens provides a unique avenue for artistic expression and appreciation of the world.
6. Fashion Design and Makeup Artistry: Expressing individuality and creativity through clothing, accessories, and makeup application, allowing for a personal statement in every stitch and design.
7. Cooking and Baking: Transforming ingredients into dishes is not just an act of nourishment but an art form that brings joy and satisfaction through flavors and presentation.
8. Music: Whether it's playing an instrument, singing, or songwriting, music opens up profound channels for emotional expression and connection.
9. Pottery and Sculpting: Shaping materials with hands into beautiful objects not only is therapeutic but also gives a tangible form to creativity.
10. Crafting and DIY Projects: Engaging in various crafts such as knitting, scrapbooking, or upcycling projects fosters innovation and gives a productive outlet for imaginative ideas.
These creative outlets not only help in enriching a woman's life with joy and satisfaction but also empower her to explore and embrace her unique identity and capabilities.
Understanding your budget before beginning an interior design project is crucial for both you and your designer.
It ensures that your designer can tailor their resources most effectively within your financial parameters.
With a clear budget in place, your designer can make informed decisions on materials, furnishings, and labor costs, avoiding wasteful overspending while ensuring that the project aligns with your financial comfort zone. This upfront transparency fosters a smoother design process, ensures that your expectations are realistic, and helps in delivering a final outcome that brings your vision to life without any unwelcome financial surprises.
Clear Expectations: Knowing your budget helps set realistic expectations on the scope, materials, and furnishings, ensuring a harmonious designer-client relationship.
Efficiency in Design: A predefined budget streamlines the selection process for materials and products, saving time and focusing efforts on attainable solutions.
Cost-effective Solutions: A well-planned budget allows designers to recommend cost-effective alternatives that don't compromise on aesthetics.
Flexibility with Priorities: Understanding your budget gives designers the flexibility to allocate resources effectively—prioritizing key areas while identifying potential savings elsewhere.
DIY Virtual Design Packages: For those mindful of budgets or preferring a hands-on approach, many designers offer virtual design packages. These cater to various budget levels, providing professional guidance and resources for a successful DIY interior project.
A few questions to consider when doing Design on a budget:
Which rooms are the most used?
Often times a Designer can allocate dollars to a room that is more important to you. For example, the sofa you sit on every day should be of good quality to wear well whereas the headboard in a guest room could be a more affordable option as it only needs to look great, but does not need to be of the same quality for everyday wear and comfort.
Are there any decor items that could be repurposed and used in a new in different way?
Sometimes this can save you money and sometimes it can be more expensive. A fresh coat of paint on a table is a great way to save whereas reupholstery can cost as much as a new piece and is usually only advised for heirloom treasures.
If you feel you have some pieces worth repurposing, take a full inventory of them at the beginning of a project for yourself or your Designer. Your Designer must know all the pieces of the puzzle in the beginning as fabrics, finishes and space planning include these items. Bringing these repurposed items into the mix in the middle of the project will usually end up costing you money in design fees as they can disrupt a whole room plan and cause more billable hours.
What parts of your project are most urgent?
Splitting up a project into phases keeps costs manageable and helps you break down decisions into manageable pieces.
It is important, however, when working with a Designer to have a broad stroke, master plan in place at the beginning so that the space as a whole has a cohesive appearance.
Communication is key! The more you communicate with your Designer ( or map things out for yourself to make sure you aren't forgetting any of your own needs) in the beginning, the more easily a budget can be met.
Journaling has long been celebrated as a powerful tool for unlocking creativity, offering a sanctuary where thoughts and ideas can roam freely.
However, the best way to journal for sparking creativity involves a blend of structure and spontaneity.
It begins with setting aside dedicated time for this practice, ideally at a moment in the day when your mind is most open and fluid. Mornings often work best for many, providing a fresh canvas to paint their thoughts upon.
Yet, the heart of creative journaling lies in the approach:
Instead of confining yourself to traditional diary entries, view your journal as a playground for your mind. Dabble in doodles, write in stream-of-consciousness, pen down dialogues with your inner critic—or even future self—and intersperse pages with inspiring clippings, quotes, or whatever else fuels your creativity. This eclectic method ensures that every journaling session is an adventure, one that continually stokes the flames of imagination.
Moreover, to truly cultivate creativity through journaling, it's vital to foster an environment of non-judgment.
Remember, this journal is your private domain, free from the critical eyes of the outside world. Give yourself unwavering permission to be messy, absurd, and even nonsensical. Embrace mistakes and let them lead you down new paths of thought.
Sometimes, the most profound creative insights come from what initially appears as chaos. Encourage risk-taking in your entries, and experiment with different prompts, styles, or themes that challenge your norms. Whether it's exploring a personal challenge through free verse poetry or describing the most mundane detail of your day in an extravagantly descriptive narrative, each entry should be an invitation to explore the uncharted territories of your mind. In doing so, you're not just journaling; you're cultivating a garden where your creativity can bloom in its most vivid colors.
