How to Stay Creative When the World Feels Chaotic: Tips for Finding Calm in Uncertain Times

In this episode of Creative Space, we address a common struggle many artists face today: how to stay creative when the world feels overwhelming. Inspired by a heartfelt email from Emily, a visual artist from Seattle, I'll share practical advice on maintaining a creative practice amidst uncertainty.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this episode offers guidance and encouragement to help you find calm and continue creating, even when everything around you feels out of control.

For more insights and resources, sign up for the Creative Space newsletter at http://eepurl.com/h8SJ9b.

To support the podcast and access exclusive content, become a patron at https://bit.ly/3ECD2Kr.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 — Introduction
1:10 — Listener Email: Emily’s Struggle to Stay Focused on Art
1:55 — Tip 1
2:51 — Tip 2
3:23 — Tip 3
4:00 — Tip 4
4:35 — Tip 5
5:15 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tune in for an episode filled with practical tips and compassionate advice for navigating your creative journey during challenging times.

Episode Transcript

Jennifer Logue (00:10):
Hello everyone and welcome to Creative Space, a
podcast where we explore, learnand grow in creativity together
.
I'm your host, jennifer Logue,and today we're diving into a
topic that I think a lot of usare feeling right now how to
stay creative when the worldfeels chaotic.
With everything going on,especially during times like

(00:34):
these, it can be tough to focuson your art and not get
overwhelmed by the noise.
This episode was inspired by anemail from one of our listeners
, emily, a visual artist fromSeattle.
Emily writes Hi, jennifer, I'vebeen struggling to stay focused
on my art lately.
It feels like the world isfalling apart and I can't help

(00:57):
but get distracted and anxious.
Do you have any advice on howto keep creating when everything
around you feels so uncertain,emily?
Emily, thank you so much forsharing that.
First of all, and before I giveyou my thoughts, I do want to
remind you that I am not alicensed medical professional.

(01:18):
This podcast is purely forinspirational and informational
purposes, so please consult aqualified therapist or a doctor
for any mental health concern.
But back to the subject of yourart and creativity.
I know so many creatives arefeeling the same way right now,
myself included, and it'scompletely normal to feel that

(01:40):
pull away from your creativework.
So let's talk about a fewthings that might help you and
anyone else listening to staygrounded and creative even when
everything feels out of control.
Tip number one create a safecreative space.
First, it's all about settingup a space where you feel safe

(02:04):
and comfortable.
That could be in the corner ofa room, a desk by a window, or
even just a particular chairwhere you like to sit and sketch
.
When the world feels chaotic,having a dedicated space can
give you a sense of stabilityand control.
Tip number two use art as anoutlet for your emotions.

(02:26):
Don't be afraid to pour youremotions into your work.
If you're feeling anxious,angry or overwhelmed, channel
that into your art.
Paint what anxiety looks likefor you.
Or, if you're a writer, write apoem about your fears, or write
music that captures your moodin the moment.
This and I speak fromexperience again, this can be

(02:47):
incredibly therapeutic.
It can actually deepen yourconnection to your art.
Tip number three limit news andsocial media consumption.
Now, this one is huge.
It's so easy to get caught upin the 24-hour news cycle or the
constant scrolling doomscrolling on social media.
Right, try setting specifictimes when you check the news

(03:09):
and outside of those times,focus on your work or on
activities that bring you peace.
Protect your mental space soyou can create.
This one has helped me a ton.
Tip number four engage inmindful creativity.
Sometimes just startingsomething simple like doodling

(03:31):
or journaling can calm your mind.
These aren't meant to bepolished works of art, but
rather a way to ground yourselfand focus on the present moment.
It's like a creative meditationJust let yourself be in the
flow.
Also, just practicing yoga anddaily meditation can do wonders.

(03:51):
It doesn't have to be directlyrelated to creativity.
Do what you need to do to calmyour mind and get centered.
Number five connect with othercreatives.
Reach out.
Reach out to other creativeswho might be feeling the same
way.
You're not alone in this.
Sometimes just talking tosomeone else who gets it can be

(04:14):
so comforting.
Share your struggles, exchangeideas, even work on a small
group project together.
Community can be such apowerful tool in difficult times
.
I cannot recommend this oneenough.
Emily and everyone listening, Ihope these tips help you find a
bit of calm amidst the chaosand allow you to keep creating.

(04:38):
And to everyone else listening,remember it's okay to feel what
you're feeling right now.
Your creativity can be a refuge.
It can be a place to processand to express what's going on
inside of you, and it can alsobe a way to connect with other
creatives.
Thanks for tuning in and, asalways, keep creating, keep

(05:00):
connecting and take care ofyourselves.
I'll see you next time.