Tag: fear

Managing Fear

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Feeling afraid, stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious can really make it difficult to be creative.

What can you do❓

① Be patient with yourself. Calling yourself names or setting unrealistic deadlines will only add to your stress level. Be kind.

② Talk it out. This can be done multiple ways. Talk to a friend or family member — or multiple people. Also write it out in a notebook. In Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way,” she recommends writing (by hand) 3 pages daily to unload whatever your brain is occupied with.

③ Take a break. Do something that doesn’t engage your brain — let it relax as you walk, do dishes, bake cookies…something repetitive and calming.

④ Accept less than your best. During difficult times, it can be a victory to show up and get something done. Sometimes that’s just how it is, and it’s enough.

⑤ Save you favorite mental escape — movies, social media, books, chocolate — as a reward for getting work done. (The first step of a large project, another item checked off your list, a half hour of solid work, etc.

How do you manage your fear? What helps when you feel anxious or overwhelmed? How do you continue to create?