The Importance of Mental Health for Neurodivergent Creative Entrepreneurs
Improving creativity involves developing new skills and habits like mindfulness, daydreaming, brainstorming, and practicing creativity regularly.
Read time: 4 MinutesHey there Sunshine,
Managing stress and anxiety is vital for creative entrepreneurs, whose work often demands innovative thinking, adaptability, and the ability to handle intense emotions. Creativity is a remarkable outlet for mental health issues. Still, emotional hurdles can manifest as productivity barriers when you aim to monetize your creative work.
While not all creative individuals are neurodivergent (ND), creativity is defined as accepting divergent thinking, so the connection is kismet. The increased prevalence of mental health conditions among NDs can be attributed to additional stressors in a world designed for neurotypical norms.
This article delves into the intricate relationship between creativity, neurodiversity, and mental health. By understanding this connection, creative professionals can better grasp why focusing on mental health is paramount to their business and financial pursuits. Never one to give a problem with no solution, the second half of this article provides user-tested strategies for coping with creativity-masking emotions.
Key Takeaways:
Neurodiversity fosters unique creative strengths through divergent thinking.
Physical environment can set the mood for innovation
Executive function is aided by setting realistic goals
Vulnerability and accommodations are self-love builders
Creative inspiration is facilitated by somatic dance & periodic breaks
Connecting Neurodiversity & Creativity:
Neurodiversity (ND) encompasses various neurological variations, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, dyslexia, and more. That difference in brain wiring results in "a natural tendency to perceive the world in a way that produces creative thought." The Multiple Intelligence theory of Howard Gardner, a Harvard Professor, suggests these unique strengths and talents can be leveraged in the creative process to produce more innovative work.
Spend a minute researching the connection between creativity and mental health; you'll find endless examples. It's a well-documented convergence and the nugget of reality behind the "tortured artist" trope. Even so, NDs face unique challenges in their creative journeys compared to their neurotypical counterparts.
Unique Challenges for Neurodivergent Individuals:
Conditions like ADHD can make it harder to concentrate on tasks, maintain organization, and manage time effectively. Neurodivergent people might grapple with heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, leading to emotional overwhelm and burnout. These factors can impact mental health, making it even more crucial for neurodivergent creatives to prioritize their well-being.
Dr. Thomas Armstrong, an expert on neurodiversity, highlighted the significance of ND individuals' contributions to creative fields, "Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general."
As a proud ADHDer, I must stress how important creativity can be to us. And how vital our creativity is to the world. This is our niche. But raw creativity requires flow states and a functioning mind. Trauma and stress are incredible at robbing us of those things. Caring for our minds is nothing short of essential. I speak from experience as someone healing from burnout and seeing the results firsthand.
Well shit, now what?
Therapy is great. Everyone should try therapy. Therapy is not a cure, and it is not accessible to everyone all the time. I love therapy, but the work I do daily to manage my swinging emotions is just, if not more, impactful to my life. Here are a few things that I've tried and continue to help me overcome bouts of depression & overwhelm.
Set the Mood for Creativity:
Your environment can have a profound impact on your creativity. Renowned author Maya Angelou was known for her habit of writing in hotels, demonstrating the power of creating an atmosphere that inspires you. I'm writing this article at a Panera for the same reason! Experiment with setting the mood for your creative practices by diffusing a particular scent, dimming the lights, or donning your favorite smock.
Create Authentic & Realistic Goals
Learning not to judge oneself based on productivity is another significant mindset shift. As a licensed clinical therapist, Melissa Noel emphasizes, "Don't judge yourself based on how much you get done – that's capitalism talking." Setting realistic goals is essential; those with ADHD may struggle with executive functioning, making non-urgent tasks particularly challenging. One key to overcoming that is creating a pattern of success by setting goals you can accomplish. I swear by Sunsama for signaling when my workload is unrealistic.
One way to set and achieve goals in business is to structure them as projects. That can look like reviewing what resources and time you'll need, breaking work down into manageable tasks, and hiring a project manager to ensure everything is completed & roadblocks are demolished. Bonus points if you use a project management agency like Primatic Growth that focuses on accommodations & energy management.
Alter your Mindspace, Naturally
Some creatives find it helpful to alter their mental state through substances. I've discovered THC helps me enter a flow state by clearing my mind of some clutter, and Psilocybin can bring inspiration for my poetry by accessing long-lost memories.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can also be powerful tools for expanding creative horizons. Guided meditations work well for me because I get easily distracted.
Embrace Self-Love with Vulnerability
Getting real with yourself and those around you about what you can do helps keep shame at bay. As an ND, you may need extra support, deadline extensions, or last-minute cancellations to focus on self-care. Research by Brené Brown, a renowned researcher & author, indicates, "There is no vision without vulnerability." Embracing yourself as you are is magic for your craft.
Move the Trauma through Your Body
Not one to buy into much "woo-woo," I was skeptical to try it - but Somatic dance has radically changed my life by releasing emotions trapped in my body without needing to process them for hours in therapy. Somatic dance, which focuses on the body's internal physical sensations, can help creative professionals, especially NDs, connect with their bodies and release pent-up tension. I could not recommend the Sah Method enough.
Take a Damn Break
Taking time to do nothing is another valuable practice. Research conducted by Dr. Darya Zabelina at Northwestern University found that "mind-wandering may foster creativity and improve problem-solving." Even if it's just for a few hours, I find if I honor my inner longing to play hookey, I'm rewarded with more energy to meet my goals afterward.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these unconventional mental health tips into your daily routine can significantly improve your overall well-being as a creative entrepreneur. Remember that mental health is as vital to your success as any business strategy or innovative technique. By embracing your unique neurodiversity, understanding its connections to creativity, and implementing these tips, you can achieve greater balance and productivity in your creative pursuits.
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