Where to Get Creative with Your Self-Care: 3 Favorite Spots of a San Francisco Therapist
When you think of “self-care”, what do you imagine? As a busy adult in a society where there are seemingly endless things to be anxious about, we’re often bombarded with examples like taking a trip to the spa or indulging in a massage. That all sounds great--but we could all use a diverse range of tools in our self-care toolbox. How can playfulness and creativity benefit us when we know that we need to give ourselves some TLC?
Actually, engaging in the creative process has the power to reduce stress, elicit mental flexibility, lift our mood, stir self-discovery, communicate our feelings, process trauma, and promote social change.
That sounds like self-care to me.
A creative act has calming effects on the brain and body; it releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical. All creative acts are forms of play - and not just drawing or painting. Play is to engage in an activity with a joyous spirit and to free one’s self from arbitrary restrictions. In addition to doodling, collaging, or journaling, activities like arranging plants in a planter box, doing a DIY home project, or organizing your bookshelf by color are also great examples of relaxing, creative play. I recently needed a doorstop and instead of buying one, I shaped one out of a piece of scrap walnut wood. In making something of my own, I felt accomplished and resourceful.
Although we know there are benefits of getting creative, there are many barriers to having the time or capacity to do it. But if you have the luxury of an hour or two for yourself, visiting a place in your community can spark new ideas.
if you want to be creative
you need to learn how to
do stuff that has no purpose
art isn’t made by
working all the time
first you’ve got to
go out and live
the art shall come
While San Francisco has many fun places to get inspired creatively, there are three places that I enjoy the most:
1. Building Resources is DIY heaven. You can explore one acre of upcycled or excess building materials such as windows, doors, tiles, glass, and lighting fixtures, and there is a rotating gallery of artists who creatively convert materials into art. It’s an awesome place to get ideas for repurposing materials for art, home, or landscaping projects. Reusing items to make something that expresses yourself or that is functional can give you a feeling of empowerment and inspire confidence in your capabilities (plus, it’s a win for the environment).
2. SCRAP is a creative reuse center that has a lively collection of arts and crafts supplies — you never know what you’re going to find. And when you bring a bunch of fun and useful treasures to the register to find the price is lower than what you were expecting - even better! In the process of rummaging through arts and crafts supplies at SCRAP, you’re surrendering to the mystery of what you could find and the refreshing joy of discovery and curiosity.
3. Flora Grubb Gardens is a modern plant and pottery store with enchanting plant displays. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can browse and get ideas for your own plant-filled windowsill or green space. A big plus are the various nooks for sitting to take it all in. The unexpected heated patio seating is particularly cozy and mood enhancing.
Prioritize your creative self-care. Try something new.
I hope visiting these places helps inspire you to get creative and just play. Don’t wait for lightning to strike. Go out into the world and use what’s around you to generate ideas or new perspectives. It’s too easy in our overwhelming society to lose a sense of playfulness, when play and creativity are truly crucial for self-care and moving through difficult experiences. When I actively and consistently tend to my creative self, I feel mentally and emotionally reinvigorated.
A free therapy consultation in San Francisco
I’m excited to encourage you to connect with your creative self and to witness how it can positively impact your well-being. If you are looking for a therapist in San Francisco who will help you transform your relationship with anxiety and inspire creative self-care, feel welcome to call me at (415) 851-5125 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. My specialties include anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship issues.