How to Stay Healthy As an Artist
Working extended hours in the studio, consistently engaging in manual work, and experiencing the pressure of managing an art enterprise, these responsibilities inevitably impact your well-being.
While numerous artists dedicate themselves to their art, it’s crucial to acknowledge your own humanity. Creating your finest work necessitates being content and in good health. To support your well-being, we have compiled six health recommendations tailored for artists, aiming to uphold your physical and mental strength.
Body Care
Engaging in self-care isn’t always immediately gratifying, unlike most self-care practices. Visiting a massage therapist may evoke notions of luxurious spa experiences, yet more frequently, it entails rigorous muscle therapy rather than a tranquil nap session.
A favoured body care regimen incorporates the MELT Method Hand and Foot Exercise Balls. These balls (which have been utilised for years) function as pressure points and fascia therapy implements that can be easily integrated into one’s routine at home during spare moments. Keeping them accessible on a studio desk allows for daily use, either pre or post-work, depending on the body’s condition on a given day.
Pressure point mats constitute another element within a comprehensive body care toolkit. Despite resembling instruments of discomfort, they offer a surprisingly soothing experience and do not inflict the anticipated pain.
Stretch and Exercise
For individuals who engage in prolonged activities such as art creation, reading, writing, email checking, or social media posting while seated, consider the following recommendation: Implement a timer to alert you every 40-60 minutes.
It is advised to take regular breaks to engage in stretching, dancing, aerobics, yoga, or Pilates for at least ten minutes. These physical activities can enhance oxygen intake, improve brain function, and improve immune system efficiency. Take a stroll or jog outdoors to benefit from the vitamin D provided by sunlight. Alternatively, utilise this 10-minute break to prepare a nutritious smoothie. A physiotherapist in Sydney can recommend stretches to target specific areas of your body that may be affected by your artistic work.
Take Care of Your Mental Well-being
While the cliché of the sorrowful and melancholic artist endures, the truth is that mental health issues can detrimentally affect your creative process and output. Rather than disregarding the indicators of mental health issues, it’s recommended to seek professional support if they start impacting your everyday life and creative output.
Ensuring sound mental well-being involves finding a harmonious mix of activities, concentrating on artistic endeavours, delving into other interests, nurturing social connections, and making time for self-care practices each day.
Enhancing Your Environment
The environment where you work plays a significant role in influencing your physical well-being. Prioritise creating supportive surroundings. This often doesn’t demand a complete overhaul; a few minor adjustments can be highly effective. Maximise the natural light entering your studio by keeping curtains open and arranging your furniture layout to maximise exposure throughout the day.
Enhance Your Posture
When fully engrossed in your creative pursuits day and night, it’s easy to overlook how they affect your posture. Many creative activities require prolonged periods of hunching, leading to potential back and neck discomfort and a stooped appearance over time. Be mindful of your posture, actively correct it, and explore exercises and stretches to counteract the negative impact of your artistic endeavours on your posture.
Endnote
Integrating these self-care suggestions into your daily schedule can boost your creativity, support your mental well-being, and excel in your artistic endeavours.