We work hard. I know most people think that being an artist or a writer is an easy career full of fun and fanciful waltzes in daydream land but we know the truth. Our bodies and minds are busy 24 hrs a day chiseling away at our latest project.
Regardless of whether it is writing or drawing, sewing, or sculpting. We Are Busy. Our brains work overtime as we lay our heads down upon our pillows and dream about the next project on our list. Then when we wake up, the cycle begins again.
On top of all of that, we experience the stress of social media and attracting clients and commissions. Shopping out our unpublished novels can start to take a toll on our confidence and that 2-month illustration only got two likes on Instagram!!! No way. You worked too hard. Too long.
It's just not fair that our hard efforts are tossed aside because, as everyone in the world knows, artists and writers are living the dream.
Sure.
The truth is, you work very hard. The years of practice and patience have paid off in the talent you bestow upon your audience and I think it's about time you focused on your self-care.
Remember to Care for Your Body
Starting today, you need to do a few things to help your body live up to your best potential.
Drink water before your coffee or tea when you wake up in the morning
Make a routine of either yoga or light stretching
Keep your hands nimble and healthy with a light massage and hand exercises
Eat a good solid breakfast before you start to work
Make sure you stand up every so often to get feelings back into your legs (Or sit, if you've been standing)
Remember to Care for Your Mind
Close your eyes and let your brain wander for 15 Minutes
Listen to some music
Take a few moments to declutter your brain in a journal
Try making a dream journal
Carry a Writing or Art Journal for Ideas (This helps with creative block too)
Remember to Care for your Spirit
If you follow a spiritual path, schedule time for it
Get comfortable with aromatherapy
Take a step outside for fresh air. Nature is great
Take up Meditation (Good for the mind too)
Salt Baths - No joke, they work wonders!
Now, remember to keep repeating this cycle and add to it if you feel up for it. If you visit my Pinterest page, I have some great pins on ways to give your hands some love. Trust me, you don't want to have your money makers in a state of injury. I have been there and it's painful. Not just physically.
Backstory time for those who are new to my blog, I was a photographer for a theme park. At that time, I had 5 injuries in 3 years. One of which took my shoulder out and I couldn't move my entire arm for 3 months. To this day, I have issues with tendonitis but with regular self-care, my range of motion has improved. However, I was advised by a doctor to change careers and give up professional photography. Safety first and if I want to continue my other passions of illustration and writing, I took his advice.
Now I am here for you guys. Take care of yourself. Don't push past your limits. If you feel pain, there is something wrong already and you must either visit a physician or take a break and care for your body.