For many creatives, wellness routines feel like just another to-do list item, something that’s supposed to help but somehow adds more pressure.
But what if self-care didn’t feel like a chore? What if it felt like a dance break, a well-placed boundary, or a cozy moment with your favorite playlist?
We sat down with Yvonne, an organisational Psychologist, a PsyCap Potential© practitioner and NeuroLeadership© Brain-Based coach and a wellness advocate for creatives, to talk about building sustainable wellness routines.
We also dived into the biggest industry myths about self-care, wellness and why healing just might be the secret ingredient to better art.
If you’ve ever struggled with the weight of having to take care of yourself, this one’s for you.
1. What’s a wellness practice that seems ridiculous at first but actually works like magic?
Honestly, a daily 10-minute dance break works wonders for me. It feels silly at first, but moving to a favorite song recharges my energy, clears my mind, and gets the creativity flowing again. Try it next time you’re stuck!
2. How do you coach people through the mental fatigue of “I just don’t have it in me today”?
I remind them that rest is part of the creative process. You’re not a machine, and your creativity needs time to refuel. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away, take a walk, or have a good conversation—just give yourself permission to not “create” for a while.
3. Best advice for setting up a wellness routine that doesn’t feel like another obligation?
Start small, and make it something you want to do, not have to do. Create a routine that flows with your creative cycles, like doing a morning stretch or a mid-day mindful break. It’s about consistency, not perfection. I started with a 3-minute journal entry using prompted journals in the morning. Then after building that habit for 30 days, I stacked another habit of 5-minute yoga every day. Learn to focus on one feel-good simple habit at a time. Small incremental changes make a compounding difference.
4. Does healing make creativity better?
Yes! When you prioritize your wellness, your creativity flourishes. I’ve seen people’s work shift from feeling forced to flowing with ease once they focused on self-care. Healing opens up space for more authentic and inspired creation. You also enter the flow state more easily when you learn to create without judgment.
5. What’s in a self-care kit for creatives?
Definitely snacks (because, yes, we need them)! I’d also include a cozy blanket, some calming tea, a journal for brain dumps, and a stress ball to squeeze out tension. Oh, and a good playlist (love me some Neo Soul or Chill House LoFi)—music is magic for the soul!
6. Tell us about a time you ignored your own wellness advice.
I’ve definitely overworked myself, thinking I could power through. I ended up exhausted, burnt out, and uninspired. The lesson? Rest and recovery are part of the process. I now build in intentional breaks to recharge.
7. What’s the biggest lie the wellness industry tells creatives?
The idea that we need to follow some “perfect” routine to be well. In reality, it’s about creating a practice that works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and it’s okay to experiment until you find what feels right.
8. When does turning to art as therapy become unhealthy?
When you start using it to avoid processing emotions or as a way to numb out. I guide creatives to recognize when they need a break from art and when they need to step into true self-care, like journaling or talking to a therapist.
9. What’s the one thing creatives are doing daily that’s secretly ruining their energy levels—and they don’t even realize it?
Not setting boundaries! Constantly saying yes to projects, clients, or social media engagements without considering their energy levels leaves them drained. I encourage creatives to protect their time and energy like it’s their most valuable resource—because it is.
Keep thriving,
Yvonne
