How to Be Kind to Yourself: Self-Care Guide for Creatives

Nicole Bernadette Avatar

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World Kindness Day just passed but I was reminded that kindness is not just something you do on a special day – it’s a lifestyle!

I was also brutally reminded that I was anything but kind to myself on World Kindness Day. I didn’t eat well because I was focusing on a deliverable for a client, I also stayed up late to finish up another project, and I felt drained the next day.

Is this what it means to be a creative freelancer? The answer is a resounding: no. A creative pursuit doesn’t have to be this way.

While we have responsibilities and work to do as a freelancer (like any full-time working adult), we also have to remember that we can’t pour from an empty cup. We are our biggest asset – so it’s important to make sure that we’re functioning well in order to do good work.

Here are some tips on how you, fellow creative, can be kind to yourself:

1. Disconnect

Turn off your computer, leave your phone behind, and take a walk. Disconnect from you work regularly. It’s okay to take a break – and it’s important to!

Taking a break is especially important when you feel like you’ve hit a creative block. When you’re frustrated and discouraged, getting some fresh air while clearing your mind can be very helpful.

2. Take care of your mind

Have non-negotiable “Me time” to do what you enjoy. You could journal, pray, meditate, cook, paint – do whatever you need to recharge. When you’re calm and have a clear mind, it can help you get into that “flow state”.

It’s also important to have someone you can talk to, who can support you. Two is better than one!

3. Take care of your body

Staring at the screen for hours and having a sedentary lifestyle is not going to help you in the long run. So spend some time daily to stay active by stretching or exercising.

When you feel ill and lethargic, it’s very difficult to get work done. So I believe that taking care of your health (mentally, physically, spiritually, etc.) is truly the best thing you can do for yourself and your clients.

4. Organize and declutter

A clear space definitely helps to create a clear mind. Sometimes we start to feel anxious and stressed because we’re not in control – which is often the case with creative work. So organising and decluttering is great because it gives you a sense of satisfaction as you complete a task where you have full control of the outcome!

5. Get enough sleep

This might be challenging for a lot of creatives – but sleep is vital not only for your health, but for your creativity as well. Once again, this goes back to taking care of your mental and physical health.

This post was inspired by @FANCYGIRLDESIGNS – she does some amazing stuff, do check her out!

What are your favorite self-care tips? Comment down below or chat with us on Instagram!