Finding Calm in Chaos: How Creativity Can Help You Cope During Difficult Times
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when the world seems to be in a constant state of crisis. Whether caused by political uncertainty, a global pandemic, or personal challenges, stress creeps in and affects our mental and emotional well-being. Yet, during times of hardship, there is a universally accessible tool many people overlook—creativity. It's a tool that's available to all, regardless of artistic talent or experience.
Creativity is more than making art or being an artist; it's about finding ways to express yourself, process your emotions, and regain control. Creative activities like drawing, journaling, or even cooking can provide much-needed relief during stressful times. Let's explore how you can use creativity to navigate the current global climate of uncertainty and find some peace amidst the chaos.
How Creativity Helps in Times of Crisis
When we are faced with a crisis—whether personal or global—it's easy to feel overwhelmed by emotions that are hard to process. Creativity offers an outlet for these feelings. Instead of bottling them up or feeling stuck, creative activities provide a way to externalize what's going on inside and make sense of it.
Historically, people have turned to creativity to cope during difficult times. From artists painting during wars to musicians composing during social upheavals, creating something new has often allowed individuals to express what feels too complex for words.
In today's world, where many of us are dealing with stress related to political tensions, constant news updates, and personal uncertainties, creativity can be a powerful tool for relief. However, it's important to note that while creativity can be a beneficial coping strategy, it's not a substitute for professional help when needed. The best part? You don't need to be an 'artist' to reap the benefits.
The Therapeutic Value of Creative Expression
Creativity provides several emotional and mental benefits, especially in times of crisis. Here are a few ways it can help:
A Way to Process Emotions: It's often difficult to put our feelings into words, especially when overwhelmed. Drawing, painting, writing, or even making music can help you tap into those feelings without needing to articulate them. It's a way of expressing yourself when words don't fit.
A Break from the Noise: The 24/7 news cycle, social media, and everyday stress create a lot of mental clutter. Engaging in a creative activity offers a break from the noise— moments of focus and mindfulness. Whether coloring, knitting, or doodling, these activities let you quiet your mind and escape from outside pressures, even for a little while.
Regaining a Sense of Control: In times of uncertainty, it's easy to feel like everything is out of your hands. But engaging in creative activities gives you a sense of control over what you're making. You choose the colors, shapes, and words. Small acts of creation can foster empowerment, even when other aspects of life feel beyond your influence. It's a way to reclaim some of the power that uncertainty can strip away.
Connecting with Yourself and Others: Creativity can be a bridge to connection—to ourselves and others. You may discover new insights about yourself when you express your thoughts and emotions through a creative outlet. Additionally, sharing your work or creative process with others can build community and decrease feelings of isolation during challenging times. You can share your journal entries with a trusted friend, host a coloring session with family members, or share your cooking creations with neighbors.
How To Invite Creativity into Your Everyday Life
You don't have to be an artist to benefit from creativity. It's more about the process than the final product. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to be creative. Here are a few simple ways to incorporate creativity into your daily routine, even when your free time is limited:
Journaling: Writing is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of creative expression. Jotting down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can be a powerful way to process emotions—you don't need to write a masterpiece. Try starting with the prompts, "What's one thing I'm struggling with today, and how does it make me feel?" or "What am I grateful about in my life?"
Doodling or Coloring: There is no need for formal training to enjoy doodling or coloring. Grab a notebook and start drawing shapes, patterns, or anything that comes to mind. Adult coloring books can be a soothing way to relieve stress and practice mindfulness.
Music and Movement: Listening to music that resonates with your mood can be a deeply creative and therapeutic experience. You might also consider dancing or moving your body freely, allowing yourself to release tension and stress. Shake it off!
Creative Cooking or Baking: If you enjoy cooking, view meal preparation as a creative activity. Experiment with ingredients, try new recipes or plate your dish artistically. These simple acts of creation can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy to your day.
Photography: If you enjoy taking photos, consider going for a walk and capturing images of things that calm or inspire you. Photography encourages mindfulness and helps you notice the beauty around you, even in difficult times.
Using Creativity to Cope with Election Stress
The upcoming presidential election and the intensity of news coverage are causing many people to feel more anxious than usual. If you find the political climate overwhelming, creativity can offer a way to manage those feelings.
Art Journaling: Combining art and writing in a journal can be particularly helpful during stressful periods. You might try drawing how you feel about the current political situation or writing a letter to your future self about what you hope will change.
Creative Breaks from the News: Constant updates can make it easy to feel consumed with worry about the future. Try setting aside time daily to disconnect from the news and engage in a creative activity instead. Whether painting, baking, or writing, these breaks can help reduce stress and provide a mental reset.
Channeling Your Emotions Into Creativity: If you're feeling frustrated, scared, or anxious about the state of the world, channel those emotions into a creative project. Creating something tangible can sometimes offer a sense of release and relief from your feelings.
Finding Calm in Chaos
In times of crisis, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but creativity offers a path to healing and understanding. Creative expression can provide a powerful outlet for emotions and stress, whether facing personal challenges, feeling anxious about the political climate, or just looking for ways to ground yourself.
By allowing yourself the space to create—even in small ways—you can find calm in the chaos, reconnect with yourself, and navigate difficult times with greater resilience.
PS If you are a mental health professional, check out my blog on Creativity and Madness, which delves into these topics from the lens of helping others.
