Creative Space with Jennifer Logue

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

Jennifer Logue

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.

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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.

Jennifer Logue:

Hello everyone and welcome to Creative Space, a podcast where we explore, learn and grow in creativity together. I'm your host, jennifer Logue, and today we're diving into a topic that I think a lot of us are feeling right now how to stay creative when the world feels chaotic. With everything going on, especially during times like these, it can be tough to focus on your art and not get overwhelmed by the noise. This episode was inspired by an email from one of our listeners, emily, a visual artist from Seattle. Emily writes Hi, jennifer, I've been struggling to stay focused on my art lately. It feels like the world is falling apart and I can't help but get distracted and anxious. Do you have any advice on how to keep creating when everything around you feels so uncertain, emily? Emily, thank you so much for sharing that. First of all, and before I give you my thoughts, I do want to remind you that I am not a licensed medical professional. This podcast is purely for inspirational and informational purposes, so please consult a qualified therapist or a doctor for any mental health concern. But back to the subject of your art and creativity. I know so many creatives are feeling the same way right now, myself included, and it's completely normal to feel that pull away from your creative work. So let's talk about a few things that might help you and anyone else listening to stay grounded and creative even when everything feels out of control.

Jennifer Logue:

Tip number one create a safe creative space. First, it's all about setting up a space where you feel safe and comfortable. That could be in the corner of a room, a desk by a window, or even just a particular chair where you like to sit and sketch. When the world feels chaotic, having a dedicated space can give you a sense of stability and control. Tip number two use art as an outlet for your emotions. Don't be afraid to pour your emotions into your work. If you're feeling anxious, angry or overwhelmed, channel that into your art. Paint what anxiety looks like for you. Or, if you're a writer, write a poem about your fears, or write music that captures your mood in the moment. This and I speak from experience again, this can be incredibly therapeutic. It can actually deepen your connection to your art.

Jennifer Logue:

Tip number three limit news and social media consumption. Now, this one is huge. It's so easy to get caught up in the 24-hour news cycle or the constant scrolling doom scrolling on social media. Right, try setting specific times when you check the news and outside of those times, focus on your work or on activities that bring you peace. Protect your mental space so you can create. This one has helped me a ton.

Jennifer Logue:

Tip number four engage in mindful creativity. Sometimes just starting something simple like doodling or journaling can calm your mind. These aren't meant to be polished works of art, but rather a way to ground yourself and focus on the present moment. It's like a creative meditation Just let yourself be in the flow. Also, just practicing yoga and daily meditation can do wonders. It doesn't have to be directly related to creativity. Do what you need to do to calm your mind and get centered.

Jennifer Logue:

Number five connect with other creatives. Reach out. Reach out to other creatives who might be feeling the same way. You're not alone in this. Sometimes just talking to someone else who gets it can be so comforting. Share your struggles, exchange ideas, even work on a small group project together. Community can be such a powerful tool in difficult times. I cannot recommend this one enough. Emily and everyone listening, I hope these tips help you find a bit of calm amidst the chaos and allow you to keep creating. 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 process and to express what's going on inside of you, and it can also be a way to connect with other creatives. Thanks for tuning in and, as always, keep creating, keep connecting and take care of yourselves. I'll see you next time.