How to Use Creativity as a Form of Self-Care

Me goes to Google

“Hey Google, What is creativity?”

Google’s response, “Using imagination or original ideas to create something”

“Oh okay, how about self-care?”

Google: “The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”

I seeeee

Before I truly understood what self-care is—let alone that I, too, am creative—I used to think self care meant being in a bubble bath, scented candles and a glass of wine in hand.

And listen, those are valid ways of self-care.

Because yooo the calm that comes from being in a bubble bath with flowers on top….. don’t get me started!!

Over the years, what I’ve come to learn however is one of the most powerful pathways to self-care is creativity.

The kind where you intentionally nurture the deeper layers of yourself — parts that crave expression, play and meaning.

When you come to think about what creativity entails, you will realize that it’s not limited to famous artists, writers or musicians 

It’s a human right—a God-given ability to make something new out of our inner world.

For me, that looks like singing, gardening, cooking, writing, crotcheting and movement.

….and doing these to nurture the parts of me that crave expression, play and meaning.

One such example of how I’ve done that is to write on this blog.

It has become a tool for healing the parts of me afraid of expression, a platform of service to reflect on what has worked for me overtime and and a source of joy and well-being.

What’s true is this: weaving creativity into your daily life can help you reduce stress, reconnect with yourself and discover fresh perspectives on challenges.

Why Creativity Matters for Self-Care

Creativity gives emotions a safe outlet.

Our emotions often live in the body—restlessness, grief, or even unspoken joy can weigh us down when left unexpressed.

Creative practices provide a channel to release what words cannot capture.

And for me, genuinely singing out loud to a song I enjoy for example has a miraculous effect on transforming bottled-up feelings into feelings of joy and appreciation.

It reduces stress and anxiety.

Engaging in creative activities like coloring, crotcheting, or even baking activates a “flow state”—a mental zone where time fades away and stress loosens its grip.

Studies show that people who engage in creative hobbies regularly experience lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improved mood.

This is one of the reasons I’ll not hesitate grabbing yarn of colours I love, mastering a stitch on YouTube and lose myself in crocheting a sweater.

Time literally fades and a flow state is activated.

Creativity nurtures self-discovery.

Whenever I allow myself to play with colors, sounds, or words, I often reveal parts of myself I did not even know existed.

Usually, if I set the intention to write a blog for example, I may initially fail to start.

Many call that writer’s block.

But with time, as I write, I find myself surprised at what flows out of me.

By the time I’m done with the piece, I’m super amazed by how much writing I could get down

What I create becomes a mirror, reflecting my inner world back to me. 

This self-knowledge is a powerful form of care—it affirms who I am in the moment.

It builds resilience.

Creative acts are reminders that we can transform raw materials—whether paint, thread, or words—into something meaningful. 

This very process reflects our ability to shape life’s challenges into growth and beauty.

And no, you don’t have to be a “Professional Artist” to create art.

One barrier many people face is the belief that they are not creative. 

And this is prolly maybe someone once told them their drawing wasn’t good enough, or they compared their writing to a professional author and gave up.

But creativity isn’t about mastery; it’s about presence.

Especially when it comes to your own well being. 

Think of creativity as play.

And like a child, you just enjoy the process of making.

Choosing to focus on progress and expression over perfection.

Ways to Use Creativity for Self-Care

Here are some practices that have deeply nourished me, and I hope they inspire you too:

Journaling for Clarity

I’ve found journaling to be one of the simplest creative outlets.

Especially in messy or uncertain times. 

For me, writing everything down — my feelings and whatever doesn’t sit well with me helps me release it all on paper to regain access to the muse within.

What I do is I get my pen and paper and ask myself how I feel and write free-flowing sentences that help me release clutter from my mind.

It’s cathartic I tell you.

If you want to experience the healing effects of journaling, try stream-of-consciousness writing where you set a timer for 10 minutes and let your thoughts spill onto the page without editing and / or not worrying about anyone finding out the kind of thoughts that run through your mind.

Self-care prompt: “What is one feeling I am carrying right now, and what does it want me to know?

Art as Release

I recently painted a sunset art piece and I can’t really tell you how gratifying that was.

This was at a friend’s paint and sip bridal party event where I was given choices of what I could possibly paint. 

“Hmmm….what will I paint?” I wondered 

Then I saw a picture of the sun on the horizon with two birds in flight.

It brought me back to a profound memory: whenever I work out in the morning, the rarity of 2 white birds flying over me as the sun makes its full presence in the sky always catches my attention.

Usually it’s a flight of 5 or 6 or more than 10.

When I saw the picture with 2 birds and the sun, I knew in my core that this is what I wanted to paint.

And while I don’t have the skill to paint, it was a beautiful release of some of my treasured moments.

Should you want to try painting as a form of release, all you gotta do is grab colored pencils, watercolors, or even just a pen and doodle.

You don’t have to wait for a friend to get married like I did to paint😅

Focus less on how it looks and more on how it feels. 

Should you be on an edge of sorts, use shapes and colors to represent emotions—sharp angles for frustration, soft swirls for calm.

Music as Medicine

Music has a way of reaching places words cannot.

You know that song you like playing and you can’t help playing on repeat.

That’s the kind of therapy I mean.

It’s one thing to hear your favourite musician sing on the radio and it’s another listening to your own voice.

Yeah sure Brenda, I can’t sing.

Well yeah, it’s for you — sing for you

Whether I’m singing in the shower, walking around the house humming, or building a playlist that matches my mood, it always shifts my energy.

Creative Movement

Movement is such a beautiful form of expressing oneself.

I’m talking dancing, doing yoga and stretching.

I mean think about it.

As a song plays, you move your body to a rhythm playing in the background. 

You’re literally acknowledging how much of a vessel of creative energy you can be.

My preferred way is to workout on music or stretch during a work session and really sway my body in a manner that makes me feel alive and grounded in my body

This form of release has a way of unlocking energy stuck in the body and reminding me of the joy of simply being alive

This doesn’t have to be structured exercise for you—it can simply be swaying to music in your living room. 

Crafting & Making

Knitting, beading, crotcheting, gardening, or cooking all fall under crafting and making.

Gardening for example.

One of my favorite things I love about being a plant mama is the joy of seeing my plants bloom

Plus, I get to mix and match plants for my own enjoyment.

Super gratifying experience I tell you.

Similarly, cooking does the same

Putting ingredients together from scratch to create a hearty meal.

Mmmmm fingerlicking goodness— for my soul.

Creating Space for Creative Self-Care

If you want creativity to truly serve as self-care, it helps to set boundaries that protect the practice.

Like caring for a child, except that this child is you 

• Start small.Five minutes a day of creative activity can shift your mood.
• Create a ritual.Play a playlist that brings joy to your soul to signal to your brain that this is “your time.”
• Release judgment.Remember, the goal isn’t to produce art for others—it’s to nurture yourself. Even when there’s the temptation to get it perfect.
• Notice how you feel. After a creative session, pause and check in with yourself. Do you feel lighter? More grounded? Simply noticing affirms the healing power of what you’re doing.

Final Thoughts

Self-care is often about returning to yourself.

And creativity is one of the most accessible ways to do that because it bridges your inner and outer worlds.

When you create, you honor your emotions, quiet your mind, and give space for joy and curiosity.

It shouldn’t cost you a diamond or a professional to help you get started.

All you need is a willingness to express yourself—whether through words, colors, sounds, or movement.

And of course, starting 

Just start.