Creative people aren’t afraid to step outside the box. They ask questions that make others feel uncomfortable — not to be rebellious, but to explore and learn. Their curiosity and sensitivity exposes them to more suffering and pain than other people but also allows them to enjoy great pleasure. For example, a badly designed machine can cause pain to an inventive engineer, or a bad book can hurt a creative writer. But this openness and sensitivity can also be used to their advantage as they seek out more meaningful relationships and experiences, allowing them to find solutions that are not available to the masses.
Creativity is a natural part of who we are and is a key component to happiness. However, some creatives struggle to balance their creativity with daily life and can suffer from burnout, cynicism, and other negative consequences of overworking and excessive pressure to produce new ideas. These individuals may need to focus more on self-care and develop strategies to manage stress, including seeking support from a mental health professional.
Many creative people have a sense of limitless creative freedom, and they are always thinking about how they can improve the world around them. This can be frustrating for those who try to fit them into the status quo. For instance, a creative person may be able to come up with a new way to solve a problem but is unable to get the project funded because they are viewed as a threat to established systems.
Creatives often work in isolation, and their heightened emotional sensitivity can leave them feeling lonely or depressed. To avoid these symptoms, it’s important for creatives to build a social network of like-minded individuals and make regular social connections to help them feel energized and grounded. They should also prioritize their physical and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that promote mindfulness.
For example, meditation is a popular practice among creatives such as Sting, David Lynch, and Hugh Jackman because it can help reduce stress and boost creative powers. But they need to commit to a consistent practice so that it becomes a part of their everyday routine. To reap the benefits, creatives should engage in meditation for at least 10 minutes each day. If they’re unsure how to get started, they can consult with a mental health professional who can teach them the basics of meditation and mindfulness.