When we are in the creative process, sometimes we can forget that we have a body, because our minds explode with color, sounds, words and images. But when improper habits drain the strength and energy of your body, your intelligence and productivity will decline. What could be more frustrating than the disruption of your creative journey due to an uninvited headache, back pain, mental retardation or "tremor"? I once heard the saying that as a guitar player, I am a “little musician” - which means I need to warm up those muscles and treat them well. Maybe as artists WE are all little muscle athletes. After all, we need a good measure of physical endurance to continue our creative work. Whether it’s sitting on a leash on an easel, repetitive movements of a musical instrument, the ability to stand and walk on stage throughout a show or to sit at a computer keyboard most of the day, our creative tools need physical exercise. Keeping that body strong and resilient takes daily attention. Daily self-care procedures such as getting enough sleep, eating three healthy and balanced meals at the same time throughout the day (and healthy snacks if you need them), exercising and drinking enough water are all important to take care of your body. Caring for the body also affects the mind. Fatigue, malnutrition, dysfunction and dehydration will all have negative effects on the brain and the ability to solve problems, concentrate and coordinate ideas. The Cycle of Creation and Self-Care A tour with the band, rehearsing a show or burning midnight fat to complete a painting before the gallery opens, are all examples of unusual situations in which we may relax our temper and embrace a set of new rules. Then, when the show or tour is over or the piece is over, we sometimes sink in the “height” against the weather or in the transition period before returning to the creative cycle again. The daily routine that you keep when things are “normal” will build resilience in the face of these unusual situations. They also create healthy living habits and skills that you can use when health becomes a major challenge. Put it in play One of the best ways to improve your body, mind and spirit is to get enough sleep and rest. Tonight, finish your evening chores with half an hour left and spend that threatening time. Take away the worries of the day by writing or talking about them. Humble yourself with a bath, tea, massage, music or good reading that does not remind you of your work. We can all come up with reasons why we can't exercise, we can't choose different foods and we can't focus too much on our health. You have the unique gift of creativity that you can share with the world, but your ingenuity depends on your mental and physical intelligence. So what are your most important reasons for not caring for yourself? (c) Linda Dessau, 2005.
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