The creative industries offer some of the most fulfilling yet rewarding careers going. I should know, having worked within them now for nearly 20 years. However, while a creative career can be deeply rewarding, it can come with some unique pressures that are arguably magnified by the fact that so many of us with that creative spark are also prone to bouts of depression, anxiety, and everything in between.
Being a creative means putting your heart on a plate every day and letting everyone else pick over it and openly criticise it. It’s an industry that forces a thick skin on you but sometimes, that skin can crack thanks to everything from unpredictable workflows to increasingly high expectations.
In such an environment it’s vital to prioritise mental health. This is something I tell myself on a daily basis and is a mantra that’s led me into turning down gigs which would have driven me over the edge and taking a more authoritative stance on my own work life. As a freelancer, it’s doubly important, but all creatives could do with taking stock of the next 600 or so words.
I reached out to a few creative friends to help me compile these tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset and, while some might seem obvious, it’s surprising how easy it can be to overlook to obvious things when you’re 40 hours into an 80-hour work week, sweating over a looming deadline at 4am.
So, grab a coffee, sit back, and allow yourself to absorb a little wisdom.
Set Boundaries
It's easy for work to permeate personal time, especially when inspiration can strike at any hour. Establishing set working hours helps create a clear distinction between work and relaxation. Turning off work-related notifications after certain hours or having a dedicated workspace can also help in mentally separating personal life from work.
Accept That Perfection is Unattainable
Constantly striving for perfection can lead to burnout and disappointment. Instead, embrace the iterative nature of the creative process. It’s often through mistakes and revisions that a piece truly evolves. Remember, perfection is subjective and what might seem perfect to you might differ in someone else's eyes.
Embrace Rejection
Rejection can sting, but it's an integral part of most creative fields. Instead of viewing it as failure, see it as an opportunity for growth. Feedback from rejections can offer valuable insights, and resilience built from handling rejection often leads to future success.
Connect with Peers
Building relationships within your industry offers more than just professional opportunities. These connections can provide emotional support, as they understand the specific stresses of your field. Regularly engaging in industry meet-ups or forums can keep you connected.
Limit Social Media Consumption
Social media can become a whirlpool of comparison. It’s essential to remember that most people showcase their best moments. Instead of continuous scrolling, allocate specific times in the day for social media and ensure to engage in real-life interactions too.
Seek Feedback Judiciously
Not all feedback is constructive. Curate a trusted group of mentors, peers, or friends who understand your work and provide valuable insights. Constructive criticism can help refine your work, while uninformed or overly negative feedback can be demotivating.
Celebrate Small Wins
In the ebb and flow of creative work, not every day will bring monumental success. However, finishing a task, receiving positive feedback, or even just making progress can boost morale. Recognizing these moments can foster motivation.
Practice Self-care
Your mind and body are interconnected. Activities like regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can drastically affect mental health. Engaging in hobbies outside of your professional work can also serve as a rejuvenating escape.
Know When to Take a Break
Constantly pushing through fatigue or creative blocks can be counterproductive. Sometimes, stepping away, even briefly, can offer fresh perspectives. Breaks can be as simple as a short walk, a change in activity, or even a vacation.
Engage in Continuous Learning
With trends and technologies evolving, continuous learning can keep you updated and inspired. Apart from enhancing skills, new knowledge can introduce novel ways of thinking and reignite passion.
Avoid Overcommitting
While it's tempting to seize every opportunity, overextending can lead to compromised quality and increased stress. Learning to say "no" or delegate tasks can ensure that you maintain a sustainable workload.
Seek Professional Help
Therapy isn't just for crises. Regular sessions with mental health professionals can offer fresh insights, coping mechanisms, and strategies to navigate both personal and professional challenges.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
These practices can anchor the mind, especially amidst the chaos of deadlines and projects. They help enhance focus, reduce stress, and offer a clearer perspective on challenges. Simple apps or dedicated classes can introduce beginners to these practices.
Value Yourself Beyond Your Work
While passion often blurs the line between work and identity, it’s vital to remember that personal worth isn't solely determined by professional achievements. Engaging in personal development, nurturing relationships, and other pursuits outside work can provide a holistic sense of self-worth. Because you are worth something, even if your mind is constantly trying to tell you otherwise.
