The economic, emotional, and physical impacts of this current crisis are far reaching and frustrating for anyone, but it is all the more challenging for those of us who already suffer from anxiety and depression. Now add to this equation the fact that stress for artists has particularly sky-rocketed, most of our sources of income have dried up for the near future and we are suddenly in need of “reinvention” - in both the way we do our work, and possibly the type of work we do to make income.
While I’ll be touching on a lot of these topics in the coming weeks, I wanted to keep today focused on simple, effective tools to help you cope with the current reality as you begin to make peace with the fact the future is forever changed. Today, I’ll be sharing some mindset shifts, habits and behaviors that have been helping me recently that you can implement immediately.
The first thing that has helped me the most is a simple, yet incredibly difficult, mental shift. Stop clinging to the need to have a “reopening” date, and focus on how you can reinvent what you do (if possible) now. No matter how stressful, we cannot give our power away to external situations and timelines. It’s similar to the statement, “I’ll be happy when I have more money”, only now it’s “I’ll be happy when I’m out of quarantine” or “I’ll be happy when the economy rebounds.” Good luck waiting for that! I guarantee that if you don’t start developing tools to be happy (or at least, okay) in spite of what is happening, the gradual re-opening of our economy and the recession is only going to drive you further into unhappiness… You’ll just be unhappy and driving other people crazy within a 6 foot radius.
If you find yourself spinning out on the regular (which is completely understandable), here are some really basic things that you might want to try this week!
Stop hitting the “refresh” button. Stop checking the news for updates every day because chances are, there are no updates about whatever you are worried about. Most updates are all hypotheticals from people pushing various agendas. When there is actual news, we’ll know!
Lean into the work and projects that are feeling right. I had literally no intention of writing another entire album until December… but suddenly I have a lot of time on my hands and a perfect space to record demos in the quiet of North Florida and the lyrics are pouring out of me. It’s okay to adjust your timelines and projects, without giving up.
ALSO, it’s OK if you don’t feel particularly creative right now. Each and every one of us is having to think through things that were previously on autopilot before. Budgeting for the month? Probably have to have harder conversations (exhausting). Going to get groceries? Should you wear a mask or not?
S-L-O-W down your mental pace. Look out the window. Set a timer on the hour that reminds you to breathe or do a simple stretch. Stop trying to match your “pre-quarantine” pace. This is still creatively productive, because your mind is making note and storing inspiration for future work.
Take each day as it comes. Just because you felt especially bad yesterday, doesn’t mean today has to be miserable. Try to stay focused on the present, especially when you do feel good or inspired. Some days, I can write lyrics, other days I need to take lay down and stare at the ceiling. These things aren’t mutually exclusive.
Beautify your surroundings. You are stuck in your own home, so make it nice! Buy yourself fresh flowers every week. If you have a yard, repot a plant!
EFT Tapping. I was the most skeptical person about using this tool, but it has helped me beyond what I can describe. If you have never done it, I highly recommend Nick Ortner’s The Tapping Solution website and books for an introduction.
Find an online community and make a point to actively participate. It’s easy enough to have community but bail on them because you either don’t feel like it or wish it was in person. I’m a member of Toastmasters, and I haven’t felt like joining a single session online but I do it anyways and I always feel better afterwards.
Modify your morning routines as needed. Usually, I meditate but lately I sometimes skip it in favor of 5-10 minutes of prayer. Go with what you are feeling.
I hope these suggestions serve you, not just in this current crisis, but in the many more challenges, setbacks, and obstacles we will all face as creative human beings in the future. No one is exempt from struggle, so sticking to some simple, easy habits to support ourselves will help us better navigate this time.
In love and light,
Katherine