Creative Self-Care: Why It’s Not Always Fun at First (And What to Do About It)
Let’s talk about something that so many of us experience when we first dive into creative self-care: the not-so-fun phase. You know, the one where creativity feels awkward, clunky, or just plain hard? It doesn’t feel like the joy and ease we were promised, and that can be really discouraging.
If you've been hearing me talk about the magic of creativity as a tool for healing and self-discovery, you might have expected it to come with instant fun and satisfaction.
But here’s the truth—sometimes, creative self-care doesn’t feel easy, fun, or fulfilling right away. And that’s okay. In fact, it's completely normal. The key is to understand why it happens and how we can move through it, so we can eventually experience the joy and ease we’re looking for.
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The Struggles Are Real
If you’ve ever sat down to create and thought, Why isn’t this fun? Why is this so hard?—you’re not alone. Many of us experience this, especially when we’re trying to reintroduce creativity into our lives. The reality is that it can take time to adjust, and that’s something we often don’t hear enough about. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if creativity isn’t effortless from the start, then we must be doing something wrong. But in reality, this is just part of the process.
Overwhelm and Overthinking: A Classic Combo
One of the first things that can get in the way is feeling overwhelmed by all the creative possibilities. If you're anything like me, you’ve got a million ideas floating around in your mind, and picking just one to focus on can feel like an impossible task. Add that to the pressure of wanting everything to be “perfect,” and it’s no wonder we end up stuck before we even begin.
This kind of overthinking is a classic trap, and it can make the whole creative process feel like a lot more work than it really needs to be. If you’ve found yourself getting stuck in this cycle, just know that it’s completely normal—and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
Shutting Down the Brain: Easier Said Than Done
Another common struggle is the constant mental chatter. You sit down to create, but your mind just won’t stop running through your to-do list, worries about the future, or reminders of things you forgot to do. It’s not easy to quiet your mind and it’s not going to happen overnight. That’s why I always say creativity is a habit that needs time and space to grow.
Don’t expect everything to click right away. Show up, even on the days when your mind is running a mile a minute. That’s where the true benefits of creativity start to show up, as we allow ourselves the grace to not have it all figured out from the start.
Creativity Isn’t Always Fun in the Beginning—And That’s Okay
Let’s be honest: When we first start creating, it doesn’t always feel like the fun, effortless flow we imagine. It might feel awkward or forced, and we might even judge ourselves for it. This is silly. Why isn’t this working? Those thoughts are normal, but they can also be a roadblock if we let them.
What I want you to know is that creativity is a skill that takes practice. It’s okay if your first attempts don’t feel smooth. Over time, with more practice and patience, it will get easier—and eventually, you’ll find that joy and playfulness you’re seeking.
The Inner Critic Strikes Again
Speaking of judgment, the inner critic can be loud and unforgiving when we’re trying something new. If you’re looking at your creations and thinking, This is awful, you’re not alone. Many of us have that voice in our heads telling us that our work isn’t good enough. But don’t let that stop you. The more you create, the quieter that voice will become.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s about showing up and allowing yourself to play. Don’t let the inner critic keep you from experiencing the benefits of creative self-care.
Is Creative Time Really Worth It?
It’s so easy to think that if we don’t get instant results or a burst of inspiration, then we’ve “wasted” our creative time. That thought can be a huge roadblock, but here’s the thing: even on the days when you feel like you haven’t created something “worthy,” you’re still making progress.
If you start to feel like creative time is a waste, step away, take a break, and come back to it later. Creative self-care is a process, and the benefits build over time. Don’t give up just because you don’t see immediate results.
What to Do When You’re Struggling
So, what can we do when we’re feeling stuck or discouraged? Well, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Struggles are normal—When you’re facing resistance, remember that this is part of the journey. Don’t be surprised if things aren’t flowing right away. The important thing is to keep going.
Showing up matters—No matter how “bad” a session feels, showing up is the most important part. Keep at it, and trust that the benefits will come.
Be kind to yourself—Don’t force yourself to have fun or relax. Let yourself explore. Be curious about what creativity has to offer, and let that curiosity be your guide.
Closing Thoughts
Today, we covered some of the common struggles you might face when you’re trying to make time for creative self-care—and how to move through them. The key takeaway is simple: Keep showing up, even when it doesn’t feel fun or easy. Your creative practice is valuable, and it’s worth it.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re looking for more ways to infuse creativity into your daily life, want to reconnect with your creativity or need help establishing a nourishing creative habit, I would love to help you. I invite you to sign up for a free 30-minute Discovery Session. Let’s explore how you can make your creative self-care a priority in a way that feels joyful and authentic.
Renata is a creativity coach empowering neurodivergent and multi-passionate women of color, to use creativity as a tool for self-discovery and healing, so they can let go of feeling inadequate and insecure and start experiencing more confidence and self-acceptance. She’s currently offering a free copy of her therapeutic art making workbook when you sign up for her email list. Sign up here to get your free copy.
