Get creative 🎨

I think everyone understands the feeling brain fog and the old noggin not firing on all cylinders when you're feeling unwell. This may be because of a cold you've picked up, the impact of a poor nights sleep, a bad mental health day or one of the symptoms of a more chronic issue. On these days (which has been every day with varying severity over the last couple of years) it's hard to put your mind to anything and 'be productive'. Even the little wins requiring mental energy seem like mountains to climb, and all you feel like you're capable of is doom scrolling or binge watching. This is where I've found it useful to have something creative I can return to that is soothing for me mentally, I enjoy, and feels 'productive' in a manner that isn't as taxing. 

This is where crochet and paint by numbers has come in; these activities give me an endgame that is achievable but not too taxing. For example, with both of these activities there is something being produced at the end - but I can also have a film, series, podcast or favourite YouTuber on in the background. They don't take a huge mental toll and can be 'mindless' in a way, with the same actions being repeated again and again in a satisfying way where you can literally see the progress you are making without too much mental energy being used from the empty battery. On days where I've got a little more clarity through the fog, I like to experiment with quick easy 'healthy' recipes. Taking ideas I see on the internet (there's a glut of them!) and adding my own twist, that or trying to recreate some of my favorites treats but in a healthy form. Again, this gives me something tangiable to take accomplishment from - and with the recipes not having time sensitive ingredients or methods, I can easily take breaks when I need, even finishing it off the next day if needed. All of these creative activities satisfy that part of me that feels as though it 'has' to be productive, when it's the last thing my body needs. 

So, what's the point of this blog today? Well I suppose it's a little encouragement to say, even when you feel your brain isn't working and it's coupled with that awful itch to not waste the day, finding a little creative outlet that gives you something tangiable to accomplish is a great way of satisfying that 'itch' whilst still not being too mentally taxing. So give your creative flare an outlet and see where it takes you! 

Ta ta for now!