The Power of Healthy Distractions: Why Self-Preservation Matters in Creativity and Life
If you've been on a personal growth or healing journey, you've probably heard all about the importance of mindfulness, self-awareness, and facing your problems head-on.
We’re often reminded that ignoring our struggles or constantly distracting ourselves isn’t a sustainable strategy. And while that’s true, what if I told you that sometimes, distraction isn’t a bad thing? In fact, it can be a crucial part of healing, self-preservation, and even creativity.
Let’s talk about why healthy distractions, ignoring our problems, and prioritizing our self-preservation is a powerful way to protect our energy, build resilience, and reclaim our creativity.
If this sounds interesting to you, then keep reading and let's get into it!
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When You’ve Done All You Can, Then What?
The inspiration for this post comes from a personal challenge I’ve been dealing with recently—noisy neighbors. I live in a two-story apartment, and let’s just say the upstairs neighbors have been making life…difficult. I’ve tried everything—talking to them, speaking with the manager, looking for solutions—but at this point, I’ve done all I can. And yet, the noise continues.
It’s frustrating. I want to advocate for myself and set boundaries, but I also feel stuck in a situation I can’t immediately change. Even though I know, intellectually, that things won’t always be this way, in the moment, it feels never-ending.So, instead of letting my frustration take over, I decided to channel it into something positive—this blog.
This experience reminded me of something important: Sometimes, we have to let go of trying to fix everything all at once. Some problems don’t have an immediate solution, and in those moments, we have to redirect our energy—not as a form of avoidance, but as a way to maintain our well-being.
The Myth of Constant Productivity
We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. There’s an unspoken pressure to be productive every waking moment, to maximize every second, to ALWAYS be doing something.
So, when we step back, take a break, or choose to focus on something enjoyable, it can feel like we’re “wasting time.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yes, avoiding problems indefinitely isn’t helpful. But neither is obsessing over something you can’t immediately change. Prioritizing self-preservation—knowing when to pause and recharge—is what allows us to return to challenges with clarity and strength.
Why Healthy Distractions Matter
Our brains have a limited capacity. In a fast-paced world filled with constant demands, we can’t possibly process everything all at once. If we try, we end up mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, and physically burned out.
For those of us who are natural problem-solvers, overthinkers, and highly empathetic individuals, this is especially true. We often take on not just our own struggles, but the emotional burdens of those around us. We feel responsible for fixing things, for finding solutions, for holding everything together.And that pressure? It leaves little space for creativity, play, and joy.
When we don’t give ourselves permission to pause, we stay stuck in our heads, weighed down by responsibility. Even when we try to engage in something creative, guilt creeps in. We feel like we “should” be solving problems instead.
But here’s the truth: Resting, creating, and giving yourself a break aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities.
Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves space to breathe. Healthy distractions—whether it’s doodling, dancing, playing with a pet, or simply daydreaming—help us reset our minds. They give us a break from the stress, allowing us to return with fresh energy and new perspectives.
How to Use Healthy Distractions with Intention
So, how do we know when distraction is helpful and when it’s just avoidance? The key is intention. Here are a few ways to use self-preservation strategies wisely:
See it as a short-term reset, not a permanent escape. This isn’t about running away from problems forever. It’s about stepping back when you need to, so you can return with a clear mind.
Use it to recharge your mind and body. A quick, intentional break—like five minutes of doodling or petting your cat—can provide a sense of personal agency, control, and ease. Small moments of self-preservation can go a long way.
Let creativity be your healthy distraction. Creative activities like painting, writing, or making music can help manage stress and redirect anxious energy in a positive way. And yes, you are allowed to enjoy them—without guilt.
Remember: A well-rested, regulated you makes better decisions. When you take care of yourself, you’re in a much better position to handle life’s challenges effectively.
Key Takeaways
At some point, we all need to shift our focus and give ourselves permission to let go. Not permanently, not irresponsibly—but in a way that allows us to breathe, reset, and preserve our well-being.
This isn’t avoidance. It’s self-preservation.
And creativity? It’s one of the best ways to support yourself in this process. Engaging in creative play, even for a little while, can help you manage stress, regain energy, and reclaim joy.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, if you’re caught in a situation that isn’t immediately fixable—pause. Give yourself permission to step away. It doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re protecting your energy, so that when the time comes to take action, you’ll be ready.
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.
