Can creativity really stop anxiety? Let’s test it.
Published 19 days ago • 2 min read
The Journal Muse #X: Processing Life Challenges Through Art – Turning Worry into Creativity
Hi, Dear Reader,
Have you ever noticed how worry disappears when you’re completely lost in creativity?
According to author and coach Martha Beck, the moment we engage in creating, our brain shifts. The overthinking, anxious left brain steps aside, and the intuitive, free-flowing right brain takes over.
Creativity is more than just making art—it’s a pathway out of anxiety. As soon as you start painting, writing, or imagining, your mind lets go of control and enters a state of flow.
This week, let’s use our creative practice to shift from worry to presence, overthinking to flow.
A Simple Exercise: Engage All Your Senses
Martha Beck suggests that when you’re stuck in stress or worry, try this:
1️⃣ Close your eyes and imagine a scene where you feel completely at peace. 2️⃣ Use all five senses to make it vivid:
What do you see? (Waves rolling onto the shore, a golden sunset…)
What do you hear? (The sound of the wind, soft music, birds in the distance…)
What do you feel? (Warm sand between your toes, a cozy blanket, a cool breeze…)
What do you smell? (Salty ocean air, fresh pine, rich chocolate…)
What do you taste? (A spoonful of chili chocolate ice cream, a sip of Kir Royale cocktail …)
Now, let’s bring this into your journal.
Your Art Journaling Challenge: Turn Worry into Art
1️⃣ Create a Worry-Free Scene – Paint, draw, or collage a place where you feel safe, free, and at peace. 2️⃣ Layer in Your Senses – Use textures, colours, or even words to represent each sense. 3️⃣ Let Go of Overthinking – Try using your non-dominant hand, painting with your fingers, or working fast to stop your inner critic from interfering. 4️⃣ Write a Letter to Your Worry – If your stress could speak, what would it say? Respond with reassurance and creativity.
Journal Reflection:
How did this exercise shift your emotions?
Did creating help quiet your mind?
Could this be a tool you use when life feels overwhelming?
Literature Thought: The Power of Creativity
"Anxiety spirals pull us away from the world. Creativity spirals pull us into it." — Martha Beck
When life feels overwhelming, creativity is a way to step outside of fear and into presence. The brush, the pen, the journal—they are tools for healing.
So this week, let’s not try to fix our worries. Let’s paint through them, write through them, create through them.
Closing Words
If this issue resonated with you, I’d love to hear—did your journal help shift your emotions this week? Just hit reply and share your experience!
Cheering on You,
Beata
P.S. Next week, we’ll explore Visualising Personal Dreams—using creativity to bring our deepest visions to life!
