Don’t Wait…Create!

When we think about self-care, we often imagine activities that help us relax. We might picture taking a walk, getting enough sleep, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea. These moments matter. But there is another form of self-care that often gets overlooked: creativity.

Research has found that just 45 minutes of creative art-making can significantly reduce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, regardless of artistic skill or experience. The benefits come not from creating something perfect, but from becoming absorbed in the creative process. Making space for creativity can support emotional well-being, reduce stress, and gently reconnect us with the present moment.

An Invitation to Try This

Grab a blank piece of paper and a pen, pencil, or marker. For just two minutes, draw with your non-dominant hand. Don't try to create anything recognizable. Let your hand move however it wants. Draw lines, circles, loops, shapes or patterns. If you notice yourself wanting to "do it right," simply notice that thought and keep going. When you're finished, pause and spend a moment simply looking at what you've created. Then ask yourself:

• What part of the page grabs my attention?

• If I gave this piece a title, what would it be?

• Is there anything I want to add?

• How do I feel as I look at it?

There are no right answers. The goal isn't to make art. It's to give yourself permission to play, explore and notice.

An Invitation to Make It Your Own

Creativity doesn't have to happen in an art studio. It can become part of the ordinary moments of your day. You might:

• Arrange your breakfast or lunch in a way that feels colorful or inviting.

• Take a different route on your daily walk and notice something you've never seen before.

• Write a few lines of poetry while waiting for your coffee to brew.

• Use your phone to photograph colors, textures or everyday moments that catch your attention.

• Put on one favorite song and move however your body wants to move.

• Rearrange a shelf, your desk or a corner of your home in a way that brings you joy.

• Experiment with a new recipe or add herbs and spices you've never tried before.

• Doodle while you're on the phone.

• Build something with your children, grandchildren or even with objects you already have around the house.

• Spend five minutes outside and pick up a stone, flower or leaf that catches your attention. Notice its texture, shape, color, and what drew you to it.

The goal isn't to produce something impressive. It's to give yourself permission to notice, imagine, experiment and enjoy.

Sometimes creativity is found in the smallest choices: trying a new color, asking a different question, taking another path or allowing yourself to be playful for a few moments.

Creativity is not about being talented. It is about being present and expressing yourself. Every time you create, you practice curiosity instead of perfection, expression instead of suppression, and possibility instead of limitation. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we create is a deeper relationship with ourselves.

This month Looking Glass Counseling is pleased to support Food For Free. Food For Free improves access to healthy food through establishing innovative programming and partnerships to overcome barriers and strengthen the community food system…Through a combination of food recovery, strategic sourcing, and transportation services, we provide fresh, nutritious food to a wide range of community partners – including pantries, housing sites, schools, and social service organizations. Our programs address both immediate food needs and the long-term health impacts of food insecurity, while reducing food waste.

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Lace Campbell, MA, Therapist/Couples Therapy Fellow is a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at William James College, specializing in Couples and Family Therapy. She is especially passionate about working with couples, parents and individuals from non-traditional family systems, as well as those navigating racial, sexual and gender identity development. Her approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive and attuned to the intersectional identities clients bring into the room.

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