5 Health and Wellness Habits that Have Impacted My Art
We’ve all been there. Feeling uninspired, low to zero energy, unmotivated. It can be hard in those moments to see past the feelings you’re currently experiencing, and nearly impossible to get into a creative flow. Time and time again, I have found that when I neglect the practices and habits that help keep me healthy, mentally and physically, I end up in a slump.
These are my tried and true best practices and products that help me show up as my best self. I’ve learned that it is so important to prioritize my own wellbeing first, because if I don’t, it feels nearly impossible to show up for my work, my clients, or my friends and family. I used to have guilt around this - I felt selfish for needing to give myself this kind of care, love and attention. The truth is that we are ALL worthy of self-care, and that it should and must be a priority in our lives.
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Journaling: I was so skeptical whenever people would talk about the power of journaling. How could writing things down in a book really help? Still, I decided to give it a go. It’s hard for me to express just how helpful getting all of the thoughts I have swirling around my head out onto paper was. It felt like an immediate release. I no longer had to juggle twenty different things in my brain, and I found that I was just a lot kinder to myself when I wrote my feelings out versus getting stuck in an endless loop of thoughts. Journaling also helped me to get clear on the things I want for my life, and identifying the limiting beliefs I held that were preventing me from achieving that life. Making this a regular part of my day helps me feel more at peace and grateful for the life I have been blessed with.
Exercising: I know, I know - we all know by now the importance of physical activity. I have never been a very athletic person, shying away from sports growing up. It took me a long time to find something that worked for me, that was enjoyable and provided me with the results I was looking for. For me, that primarily looks like walking outside. I look forward to my walks along the nature path or in my neighborhood - they are usually the highlight of my day. Not only do I get the benefit of physical activity, but I get fresh air and Vitamin D! Taking anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to get outside and move my body does wonders for my mental health! Plus, giving my mind time to just wander and be inspired by the world around me often results in a boost of creative energy and inspiration too. I never, ever regret going for a walk.
Supplements: It can be really hard to get all of the nutrients we need from our diet alone. While this is always the preferred method, sometimes you just need a little help. That’s where high quality supplements come in. I personally use and love Cymbiotika products - my daily stack includes their Liposomal Vitamin C, Hearth Health, Magnesium L-Threonate, and Liposomal Elderberry packs. They’re tasty, so I actually enjoy taking them, and they really do help keep my immune system boosted! If you want to give them a try, use this link or input “Amanda Donahue” at checkout to save $20 off your first order! They often run promotions, and you can stack discount codes!
Getting Dressed: Hear me out - I work from home, alone. So, it is very easy for me to stay in my pajamas or throw on some old sweats each day. This might not be the case for everyone, but after existing in my pjs for months on end, I just wasn’t feeling great about myself. I found that when I took the time to put on an outfit that I loved, I just felt better. I had more energy, I was more confident, and that in turn resulted in me showing up for my art practice and business in new ways. One thing that helped me get excited about this again was joining a clothing rental subscription. I use Nuuly, which lets me pick out 6 outfits each month. I love fashion and expressing myself through my clothes, so it has been a ton of fun getting to pick out my pieces each month and try new things without a huge financial commitment. If you’re interested in trying Nuuly, use this link to save $30 off your first month!
Community: This is a big one. Again, working solo from my house can be lonely. In our digital age of individualism, it can be easy to overlook just how important community is. Seek out other artists or business owners, make time to grab a coffee with friends - we need human connection. One of my favorite things about grad school was working in a communal studio - being able to pop over to another artist’s area and bounce ideas off each other. Getting outside of your own bubble will do wonders for your art practice, and a strong sense of community has been proven to be vital for our health and longevity.
When I make these a part of my day, I see immediate results. I am a happier, more energetic, kind person, and I find myself eager and inspired to dive into my work and art practice. I’d love to know what products, practices, or habits you rely on to show up as your best self - share in the comments below!
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As a reminder, I am not a doctor and this information is meant to be used for educational purposes only and not construed as personal medical advice. Always consult your professional health practitioner for advice about your individual health concerns.