How Your Health Can Nurture Your Creativity

Whether you write novels or paint masterpieces, you know that being a creative type is not without its struggles. Every artist has come face to face with that dreaded thing called "writer's block." Writers block doesn't just happen to writers. It happens to anyone who creates with a keyboard, brush, hands, and a plethora of other genius tools. If you're having bouts of creative struggle, the problem could be the way you're nurturing your body. Here are some key areas where your health may be hindering your creativity, and what you can do about it. 

The Mind Monsters: Stress, Anxiety, Depression

When people think of their health, they often conjure images of their physical body. However, the health of your mind is equally as important. After all, it is from the mind that creativity is born. For the artist, mental clarity and focus are vital. Without them, the artist will struggle to focus on the creative process. Many external factors can cause your mind to feel jumbled, and sometimes all you need is some fresh air. 

Did you know spending time outdoors is good for your mental health? Though researchers aren't exactly sure why this is true, studies have shown that getting outside and enjoying nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Even opening a window and hearing the sounds of nature can have positive effects on mood. With a positive mind, the creative juices can once again flow.

Diet and Exercise

Nutrition and exercise are important to overall well-being, so it makes sense that if you aren't eating the right foods or regularly getting your heart pumped and the oxygen flowing, you aren't going to feel your creative best. As with mental focus, not feeling well physically can make any creative energy non-existent.

Doctors recommend daily cardiovascular exercise. At a minimum, you should workout 20 minutes a day. Ideally, you'll want to build up to 40. In addition to exercise, try a nutrition plan, such as the  Thrive experience to ensure you're getting the right vitamins and to give you a boost of energy.  

See the Right Doctors To Keep Your Health in Check

Many health issues can happen without notice, which is why it's important to see your family doctor at least once a year. Your doctor will order bloodwork that can reveal the less obvious issues such as high cholesterol, pre-diabetes and thyroid issues. Getting these issues corrected will ensure you remain at your optimal health. 

In addition to your family doctor, regularly see your eye doctor. As you get older, your vision will change more frequently, and if you paint, your vision is your most valuable resource. If you're familiar with Claude Monet, you know some of his most famous paintings are of water lilies. As Monet aged, he began to lose his vision. While he continued to paint water lilies, they became more unrecognizable as art created by a painter of his calibe.

Don't forget the dentist. Your oral health is extemely important. Believe it or not, your oral health impacts your overall health, and studies show there is a connection between oral infections and cardiovascular disease. You should see your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and inspections. 

Keeping your health in check is a lot like auto maintenance. Even when your car runs good, you still want to get the oil changed and the tires inspected. If you're an artist, your body is your vehicle that allows ideas to travel. 

While good health influences every career, not every career requires the type of focus a creative person needs. Creative jobs are unique because the creative person is constantly inventing ideas and applying those ideas to external media. Having a clear mind without distracting physical ailments allows for the artist to perform at his or her best, and good health ensures any creative blocks will be plowed through by paint brush or pen.