Creative Comforts: Building a Gentle Routine That Supports Your Wellbeing

Last year, I reread Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, which encouraged me to reconnect with small creative practices—just for me—as a way to care for my mental and emotional wellbeing. One of the most helpful practices I’ve adopted is Morning Pages: three pages of stream-of-consciousness journaling, handwritten first thing in the morning. Doing this consistently helps me clear mental clutter, process emotions, and create space for new ideas.

On tough days, I turn to low-energy creative activities like doodling, knitting, or weaving on a hand loom. If I’m really low on energy, doodling is my go-to—no pressure, no planning, just me, my iPad or sketchbook, and whatever flows out. When I feel a little more able, I might knit or weave. These activities are repetitive, calming, and forgiving. Best of all, I can do them from bed or the sofa, with minimal tools and no big clean-up.

It’s taken me time to understand my own rhythms, especially because my energy can shift drastically day to day. For example, yesterday I enjoyed a lovely walk in the park—sunshine, live music, nature—but today, I’m feeling the aftereffects in my body. I know I need to take it easy for the next few days, especially with plans later this week. That’s why I adjust my creative goals accordingly.

Right now, I’m doing a summer challenge where I aim to create an illustration every day. Ideally, that’s one piece every 1–2 days, but this week, I’m giving myself permission to move at a slower pace. Spreading that same creative intention over several days still counts—and it supports my wellbeing.

If you’re just beginning to build a mindful creative ritual, start slow. Add just one small thing to your day for a month or so. Reflect on how it feels. Do you need to tweak it? Could you build on it?

Creative rituals look different for everyone. I like early mornings when I have the most energy, but yours might work best during a lunch break or winding down in the evening. Even with Morning Pages, the “three pages” guideline is flexible. Some days it’s more, some less. Anything is better than nothing—and I wish I’d learned that sooner. Letting go of perfectionism has helped me reduce anxiety and enjoy the process again.

Over to you:
What’s one small creative thing you can add to your day to support your wellbeing?