Self care for the imagination

We live in an age of wellness. Instagrammers post yoga poses in exotic locales, and our Facebook friends always have a new superfood smoothie they are trying for one reason or another. There has never been a better time to tend to one’s well-being, from a physical standpoint. 

“It often feels as though we move from one goal post to another in an endless marathon of life. Sound familiar? ”

But what about our inner lives -- our imagination and creativity, which so often fall by the wayside. Our busy schedules barely allow time for quiet, let alone reflective, moment, and it often feels as though we move from one goal post to another in an endless marathon of life. Sound familiar? 

If we don’t stop and take a moment to indulge our minds, we might just wake up 10 years from now with a bunch of iPhone photos (that we never look at) and a bucket list that still hasn’t been touched. 

Here are some ideas for a little self-care for your imagination, from a creative staycation to an epic adventure. Now, go treat yourself! 

Go for a walk in nature 

For centuries, painters and poets have found inspiration in the beauty outside their doors. So can you! And even if you aren’t Picasso, you can simply enjoy the breeze rustling through the leaves and birds chirping from the branches. Heck, even those squirrels are cute. Try going without earphones or background music to really give your brain a break. 

Try a cooking class 

This is the perfect place to get your creative juices flowing, especially if you feel boxed in by Taco Tuesday or bored by your usual dinner routines. It can also be a way to time travel back into the memory of a beloved trip or do some research for your dream destination. Start by choosing a cuisine you love but have never tried making yourself before. If your specialty is Italian, try Indian. The education in spices alone can open up a whole new world of creative fusion. Or if savory is your thing, but your kids are begging for homemade desserts, check out a macaron class or pastry course so the whole family can benefit. 

Enjoy a writing retreat 

A writer’s retreat may be just the place to focus your energies -- and skip worrying about what’s for dinner or answering your work emails. Many of these programs are hosted in exotic locales or rustic cabins. That change in scenery can help you hit the reset button when you’re stuck in a rut or give you the motivation to finally sit down and get to work in the first place. Plus, writing can feel like an isolating endeavor, and being in the company of fellow creatives can be both encouraging and inspiring. 

Enroll in an art class

If you are a creative type, Pinterest often seems to be the go-to for inspiration. Whether I’m looking for ideas for the tallest princess birthday cake or how to decorate a she-shed like Cheryl’s, most of us mine social media for ideas. But if you’re anything like me, something happens mid-scroll when you go from inspiration to intimidation, as these perfect mini works-of-art go by. The next thing you know, you’re running out of Michael’s in early defeat. 

In situations like these, try a good old fashioned art class -- maybe even one you’ve never tried before. In the same way that music can inspire film, exploring one art form can expand your perspective on another. Try getting your hands dirty with a painting class, sculpture workshop, or even just decorating some pottery on a Sunday afternoon. By working in a hands-on setting, you may find inspiration in new places. 

Sip something cold — or hot 

Pick a vineyard, brewpub, coffeehouse, or tea room that serves something you don’t regularly imbibe, and give it a taste. Many will be happy to give you a little education about what they’re brewing up as you sip, sit, and relax. We recommend putting your feet up, chilling out for a bit, and just enjoying the view whether it’s a busy city sidewalk or just the people sitting new you. Getting away from your daily drink might just feed your mind. 

Meditate on it 

Mediation has gone very mainstream in the least few years. With dozens of apps and options to help guide you through the process, meditation is a great way to take a daily imagination break. Whether you choose a guided class or a five-minute stress reduction app, we highly recommend finding some thinking time to contemplate absolutely nothing. 

Take only photos  

Thanks to iPhones, photography is now something most of us do every day. It has never been easier to keep a visual record of both the mundane and the extraordinary. But we’ve all seen folks missing a beautiful sunset because they’re busy posting “Instragrammable moments”. You have to wonder if the tail isn’t wagging the dog. 

If you love to take pictures, try a photography class involving a camera that isn’t able to also call your mom. By learning how to use different lenses and shutter/aperture settings, you can also be more intentional about the image you want to produce, and in the end, have more control over it. Is it time to play in black and white? Or do you want to master action shots? Because nobody is satisfied with a blurry photo of your kid scoring a goal. (No Instagram filter can help that.)

There are also quite a few good smartphone photography classes out there -- and they’re great fun -- if you want to dive right in and take photos that just beg to be printed and framed. 

The grand tour

Ready to think big? Sometimes it’s a time for an art class, sometimes it’s time for a complete life overhaul, and that’s when you should embark on a solo trip of Eat, Pray, Love proportions. There isn’t a woman I know who doesn’t have a dream destination. What’s yours? 

The challenge seems to always be finding the time, the money, or feeling like you can just go. We vote to go. Pick a place that makes your heart sing and dedicate a bit of every day -- and some of your budget -- to making it happen. Solo travel might just be one of the best ways to care for your imagination because you are allowing your own sense of curiosity to dictate your journey, and sometimes it takes going far beyond the realms of the familiar to ignite our imaginations.

In short, there are dozens of ways you can care for your imagination from reading a wonderful new (or old) book to writing in your journal, going for a walk in the city to taking a long drive in the country, taking inspiration from a classic movie or learning to play an instrument. We’re here for it. Sign us up! Letting your mind wander away from your day-to-day now and then might just be the best thing you can do to care for yourself. 

What’s your favorite way to care for your imagination?