Creative Outlets for Busy Moms

Do you ever think, “I used to be creative, what happened?”  If so, you’re not alone!  Plenty of busy moms feel this way.  When you become a mom your focus suddenly shifts 24 hours a day 7 days a week to this new human that you created.  You may literally be juggling a job, a partner relationship, your own health, and learning how to take care of a baby.  

And when you get a moment of peace, you may start to feel like you’ve lost yourself a bit.  You may wonder what you like to do.  Or where did all of those hobbies you once loved to do go?

You are still you, my dear, AND a beautiful mother.  You still have that deep desire to express yourself creatively.  And these creative outlets will help you get back in touch with it!  

Make time for your creative self

Creative outlets don’t have to be something else on your to-do list.  They are simply enjoyable activities that help you feel good.  And creative outlets are something that you can squeeze into an already busy schedule.  These are simple activities (some you may already be doing!) that you can do in a few free moments that help to reignite your creativity.   

Like everything, creativity requires practice.  The more you exercise your creative muscle the easier it will feel to express it.      

Postpartum blues

Studies show that artistic and creative pursuits can boost your mental health.²  It could be painting, writing, dancing, or playing an instrument.  You may tap into emotions you didn’t know were even there.  You also feel a sense of accomplishment when you do creative activities.   

And you may experience that wonderful state of flow.³  You know the one where you look up and 30 minutes or an hour have gone by without you even realizing it.  That’s time when you aren’t worrying about what the kids are going to eat tonight. Or if they will get into that charter school you applied to.  

So, if you’re looking to reconnect with your creativity (trust me, it’s still there!), grab a paintbrush, pick up a pen, or put on your dancing shoes. Discover the power of creativity and unlock a happier, less stressful busy mom life!

Understanding stress and its impact on mental well-being

Stress is something every person experiences.  But remember not all stress is bad.  We thrive in certain situations that are stressful.  Some examples include running a race, meeting a deadline or putting together a fancy dinner.    

However chronic, low-lying stress can greatly impact your mental and physical health.¹  This is the stress that never seems to go away.  You never feel like you’ve met your goal or are deserving of rest.  

It can affect everyone differently.  You may respond differently at various times in your life.  I know some stressors affected me more when I wasn’t getting enough good quality sleep.  

My work stress became that much more intense because my brain was not functioning at its best.  So, I had to figure out how I could relieve some of the stress.  And you can too!   

The power of creative outlets in managing stress

Having a creative outlet allows you to release some of your stress.  You can start to tap into your emotions and practice releasing them.  You will begin to express yourself more freely too.  Just by practicing with different creative outlets, you become more open to being creative.

When you really get into a creative project you may experience a moment of super focus.  A time when you’re not worrying about all the things.  You actually get to disconnect from your stress (even if just for a few precious moments) and be present.  And as a result, your mind becomes calmer.  You get to experience a sense of relaxation and inner peace.  

Exploring different creative outlets for mental well-being

There are a ton of creative outlets to choose from.  Finding one that you like and will actually do is what is most important.  It depends on your interests and preferences.  But don’t be afraid to try something new either.  If there’s a tiny voice inside of you that says, “Let’s dance!” then try it.  There’s a reason you hear that voice.  Let’s explore some of them together!

Where to begin?

It may feel really difficult for you to even know where to start.  Before you start to think there’s something wrong with you, take a deep breath.  You are beautiful and totally normal.  You can reconnect with things that used to bring you joy.    

Let’s go back to when you were a kid.  Consider imagining yourself at age 4 or 6 years.  What did you enjoy doing?  Where could you be found most often?  Some examples below may help you reconnect to your favorite childhood activities.

Ask yourself if you were:

• Always outdoors
• Doing crafts or art
• Taking photos
• Reading or at the library
• Writing stories or poems
• Playing board games
• Listening to music or playing an instrument (or wanting to learn how to play an instrument)
• Dressing up in costumes
• Pretending to be a chef or helping in the kitchen
• What were your favorite books, movies, characters or TV shows?

This will help you identify which type of creative outlet may be a good fit for you.  Start with what you used to enjoy and see where it leads you.  

Visual Arts

Visual arts, such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, can be really therapeutic. Engaging in these activities allows you to express your emotions and thoughts visually. Or just get some color on paper and see what happens.  It doesn’t have to be serious.  

It can feel really uncomfortable at first though.  So, just be prepared for your inner critic to rear its ugly head.  If you notice this be sure to check out my mindful art exercises.  They can help you do art and make friends with your inner critic.  

The process of creating art can be meditative, calm your mind and reduce stress. And just the act of creating can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement.⁴  Even if what you create doesn’t turn out how you expect it to, you still can feel good about making time to create.  

When you’re in the creative process your mind starts to focus on the present moment.  Studies show that creating art lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone.⁵ 

Music and Sound

Listening to music or playing music can have a huge impact on your mental well-being. Music can transport you to different memories and emotions.  And it can often help you release tension.  Listening to soothing melodies can help slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension.⁶

Just listening to music can help release tension.  But if you already play an instrument it can be very soothing to simply play.  Or if you’re so inclined you could pick up a class and learn to play an instrument.  Check out local classes near you or online through a platform like Skillshare.   

While playing music one often gets into a state of flow.  This state of complete absorption enhances your focus and concentration

Creative Writing and Journaling

Writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional healing. Journaling, creative writing, or even writing letters to yourself can provide an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. 

Putting your thoughts on paper can help you gain clarity and process emotions. Writing therapy allows you to explore your inner world.  You may be surprised at what comes out on paper.  Writing therapy allows you to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space. ⁷

Journaling can help you let go of negative emotions and create a more positive and balanced mindset.

I really love the book, Write for Your Life.  It has great prompts and lots of fun activities to get you writing.  You can also check out my article on how to start your journaling practice for some journal prompts. 

Dance and Movement

Movement and dance can be incredibly liberating and empowering. Engaging in activities like yoga or dance you can release tension from your body.

Moving your body activates the release of endorphins, known as the “feel-good” hormones.⁸ Dancing, in particular, allows for self-expression.   And can help you get more in touch with your body.

 Again like with any creative outlet, you may hear your inner critic screaming at you to stop.  It may sound like, “Please spare everyone and do not dance whatever you do!”  But put that aside for just a moment.  Do this by letting your critic know that you hear her.   And you’re going to try this anyway just to see what happens. 

 Usually, your critic will step aside momentarily since you acknowledged her. 

By the time you’re feeling the beat your inner critic will have most likely moved on to something else.  

Nature and Being Outdoors

Connecting with nature is so good for your mental health.⁹ Spending time outdoors, whether it’s walking, hiking, or just sitting by a lake, can help you feel peaceful.  

It may not seem like an obvious creative outlet but being in nature stimulates our senses like none other.  You see colors in a sunset, you hear the bird’s song, and feel the breeze on your skin.  All of these sensory experiences can help to stimulate your own creative practices. 

The sights, sounds, and smells of nature have a calming effect on the mind. And being outdoors may lead to physical activity which we all know is good for your body. 

Research shows that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels and improve mood.¹⁰ The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world have a calming effect. In addition, being in nature allows us to disconnect from modern life.

Activities like gardening, camping, or birdwatching can also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. These activities require focus and attention to detail.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation are also great tools for managing stress.¹¹ These practices involve focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment.  When you practice mindfulness, you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.  This allows you to better respond to stressors from a place of calm. 

 Meditation is an intentional time set aside to focus on something like your breath or a mantra.  It helps to train your mind to notice your thoughts but not attach to them.  You are practicing noticing that you have thoughts and letting them go.  Regular meditation practice can reduce anxiety, improve attention span, and enhance overall well-being.  Check out my article on the Benefits of Meditation for more info!  

Again this one doesn’t seem like an obvious creative outlet.  But when you allow your thoughts to become just that – thoughts – you create space to allow for creative ideas to enter.  You begin to detach from your thoughts so that when you do engage in a creative outlet you feel more free to do so.  With practice, meditation can help to lessen the impact of your inner critic.  

Let’s Connect!

I hope you will try at least one of these creative outlets.  I know your time is valuable since you’re a busy mom.  Try to frame it as a way you can feel good not just another thing on your to-do list.  Check out my FREE Mindful Art Guide for some simple exercises!  

Making time to reconnect with your creativity can help you feel more in touch with yourself.  You are a creative being and there’s great benefit to the world when you express yourself.  You will feel more alive and free.  And you’ll likely be more present for your kids when you take the time to cultivate your creative practices.  

If you’d like to explore more visual art practices that can help to overcome negative self-talk so you can feel more free to create, check out my digital course, Becoming Blissful.  

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/chronic
2. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/can-art-therapy-help-patients-deal-with-mental-health-struggles-during-the-pandemic-180980310/
3. https://www.helpscout.com/blog/getting-in-flow/
4. https://hbr.org/2012/12/reclaim-your-creative-confidence
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5004743/
6. https://www.verywellmind.com/surprising-psychological-benefits-of-music-4126866#:~:text=Music%20can%20be%20a%20source,as%20much%20of%20a%20surprise.
7. https://positivepsychology.com/writing-therapy/
8. https://arthurmurraydancenow.com/3-ways-dancing-relieves-stress#:~:text=The%20scientific%20reason%20for%20why,which%20serve%20to%20alleviate%20stress.
9. https://namica.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-nature/
10. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/ways-to-reduce-stress-by-enjoying-nature#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20even%20just,cortisol%20(the%20stress%20hormone).
11. https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation#:~:text=Researchers%20reviewed%20more%20than%20200,%2C%20pain%2C%20smoking%20and%20addiction.

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