Creativity as a Refuge: Finding Calm Amidst Caregiving

When I was caring for my mom, life felt heavy. There were constant hospital visits and long days spent in waiting rooms. Everything felt uncertain. I faced a whirlwind of nurses, doctors, reports, and monitors. There was no sleep, just worry and a rollercoaster of hope and stress—so many emotions that one could break in half. With our return home, the demands only increased. Endless providers came and went, transforming our front door into a turnstile. Despite the chaos, my love for my mom remained constant as I cared for her during her time of need.

Find the quiet where you can

The Role of Creativity in Caregiving

During all of this, I kept my sketchbook and iPad by my side. I didn’t bring them to get work done or to stay productive. I brought them to help me stay steady. Creativity became a sacred space, a retreat where the focus was not on productivity or perfection, but on simply being present. My sketchbook and Procreate grounded me.

Sometimes, I opened to a blank page and made small marks. Other times, I sketched what was in front of me or played with colors in Procreate. It wasn’t about producing something good; it was about finding a source of calm, even for just a few minutes.

The Research Behind Creativity and Mental Health

Back then, I didn’t need science to confirm its effects. However, now that I’ve had space to reflect, I've found ample research that supports the connection between creativity and mental health. Creative time has real, measurable benefits.

• Creativity supports emotional regulation, as noted in studies on mood and mindfulness.

• Entering a flow state decreases stress responses.

• Engaging in creative activities helps process trauma and enhances mental flexibility.

  
  

One study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that creative professionals, like writers and musicians, showed higher levels of psychological flexibility and emotional regulation (Furbee et al., 2021). These traits are crucial for handling stress and maintaining steadiness in challenging times.

Time is fleeting- love them through it.

How Creative Activities Support Emotional Well-being

Another paper reviewed how engaging in creative activities—especially visual arts—enhances emotional processing, mood regulation, and cognitive flexibility. This comprehensive review revealed multiple studies demonstrating that creativity provides mental health benefits in various settings, especially in healthcare environments (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

Recent neuroscience research confirms what many artists intuitively know: when you’re “in the zone,” or in a flow state, your brain activity changes. Flow decreases the activity of the brain's inner critic and activates the reward system. This makes you feel more present and less anxious (Neuroscience News, 2024).

That experience was true for me. Creativity didn't solve my problems, but it provided something reliable to hold onto. It offered a way to breathe, process my emotions, and remain grounded.

Embracing Creativity as a Refuge

If you’re going through a tough time—or if life simply feels overwhelming—I want you to know that creative time can help. You don’t need to create something monumental. You just need a space to land. A place to sit down, open a page, and allow your hand to move freely.

Many women bear invisible burdens—caregiving, grief, and burnout. Why not explore creativity as a refuge? You don’t need to be an artist; you only need to start.

A Call to Action for Caregivers

Need a quiet moment to reset? These 3 free Procreate-ready coloring pages are designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your breath.

👉 Click here to get your free coloring pages

By embracing creativity in your own way, you can carve out moments of calm amidst the chaos. Let those moments nourish and support you as you navigate the complexities of caregiving.