It can be difficult to maintain any kind of creative practice when you live with a chronic illness. This is one of my biggest challenges. I’m stuck in bed a lot less than I used to be, but I still have severe migraine days.
In 2012 when I first got diagnosed and in 2020 when I had to switch medications, I completely stepped away from writing or any sort of creativity. I had to focus on survival. My creative life, like my illness, has fluctuated and some stretches of time are better than others. It can be unpredictable and I’ve had to learn to adapt.
It’s only in the last year since I started Vyepti with Botox that I’ve been able to have a semi-consistent creative routine. It’s not always how I plan it or the way I want it, but it’s there. The hardest part is pacing myself so I don’t burn out and adjusting my days as necessary. I try not to treat each migraine as a setback, but as a part of my life. I need to let myself rest and recover and then get back to it without the negative self-talk.
Along the way I’ve learned a few things to help me stay creative despite the pain and fatigue. Then when I have a migraine-free day or a slice of time, I’m ready.
7 Ways to Stay Creative
Books About Creativity and Writing
I got bit by the nonfiction bug in 2005 and I never looked back. So I tend to read the kinds of books I want to write, and I love reading about creativity in general. My favorite book on this subject is Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood, by Ashlee Gadd. This book is loaded with beautiful photographs and bits of wisdom for any creative medium whether you’re a writer, photographer, painter, or musician.
Right now I’m reading Jane Yolen‘s Take Joy: The Writers Guide to Loving the Craft and Leslie Leyland Fields‘ Your Story Matters: Finding, Writing, and Living the Truth of Your Life. You don’t have to read what I read, though. Find what sparks your interest and get inspired.
Superhero Movies
I don’t watch a lot of movies or TV, but I do love a good superhero movie, whether it be Marvel or DC. I came home from Spider-Man: Brand New Day and started writing this blog post. There’s something about escaping into another world that lets me come back to reality refreshed. Sometimes all you need to reset your brain is a good movie.
Wreaths & Other Pretty Things
I have a confession. Although I consider myself a creative person and I love to write, that’s about the only media I excel at. I’m not skilled at drawing, painting, or arts and crafts. But I love to look at those things. I’m fond of wreaths. Yes, wreaths. I follow several wreath groups on Facebook and I love to see what people make, the colors, and the way they arrange the flowers and other objects. I also follow vintage jewelry and couture fashion. What gives you joy and inspires you to create? Fill your feed with those things.
Pace Yourself
As someone who lives with chronic illness who also has children and a business, I’ve accepted that I don’t have endless hours to sit and write. I don’t have time and I run the risk of burnout. So I write for shorter sessions, usually at night because that’s when I feel most creative. I write around my illness and energy levels and don’t give myself strict deadlines. My goal is to publish to this blog once a month, and that doesn’t always happen. If I feel functional, I write. If I don’t, I give myself a break. Knowing your limitations lets you work and rest without guilt.
Sparkly & Fancy Pens
There’s nothing like a good pen. This year I started writing in sparkly ink because it’s such a mood booster. I love the Pentel Sparkle Pop pens and EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pens in all the colors.
Journal Every Day if Possible
I don’t write every day, but I do journal daily if it’s feasible. I use a migraine tracker from Achy Smile and this month I started a writing planner from Hello Story. Both are amazing and help keep me on track, organized, and centered.
Sleep
I recently completed a year of rest and sleep is a priority in my life (this is much easier to do when your kids are older). If I don’t sleep well and long enough, all of my energy then goes to surviving, and writing ceases. Sometimes all you need is a nap or a good night’s sleep.
I’m sure there are more, but this list covers the basics of how I stay creative living with chronic migraine. Some days are super productive, and other times I have to rest. I try to adjust and do what I can when I can. How do you stay creative? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
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