Reclaim Creativity as Self-Care: A Permission Slip for Overwhelmed Women

So many women arrive in midlife with a full life, but an empty cup. It’s time to reclaim creativity as a gentle, powerful form of self-care. When we reclaim creativity, we reclaim ourselves.

There’s a secret superpower many of us had as children but often lose as adults—creativity. Not just painting or crafting, but finding joy in a book, turning a squiggle into a doodle, or letting your imagination whisk you away from the daily grind. Yet, somewhere along the line (hello, busy adulthood, endless to-dos, and putting everyone else first!) the “me time” that once sparked your creativity gets pushed aside.

You may have raised children, cared for others, managed the chaos. And now, something feels missing. Let’s change that. It’s time to reclaim creativity not as a luxury, but as a powerful self-care tool, one that every woman deserves, especially in midlife.

Rediscovering Your Creative Side

Remember the thrill of sneaking in extra chapters by hallway light, or turning everyday moments into little adventures with a pen and your imagination? That joy doesn’t disappear as life grows busier; it simply waits for you to notice it again.

Here’s how your creative self-care might show up:

• A chapter devoured while waiting for the kids’ dance class to wrap up.
• Doodling in the margins of your planner or making lists more colorful and fun.
• Finding comfort in a hobby you’d once set aside.
• Enjoying the simple pleasure of quiet, uninterrupted “me time”.

What Counts as Creative Self-Care?

Creativity doesn’t have to mean painting masterpieces or writing novels. It might be:

• Rearranging a room to make it feel joyful
• Making playlists that reflect your mood
• Journaling without worrying about grammar or punctuation
• Colour-coding tasks just to make your planner feel like yours

Small creative acts—often done with no audience and no agenda—can restore your sense of self in powerful ways. Reclaiming creativity doesn’t require talent—just a willingness to play.

Why Reclaiming Creativity Is Essential in Midlife (Especially for Busy Women)

• It offers a pause: Creativity is a proven way to lower stress, recharge your mental batteries, and help you feel present—even if only for a few minutes.
• It reconnects you with yourself: Imagination gives you permission to be curious, silly, or just quietly reflective. It brings out parts of yourself that “grown-up life” sometimes bulldozes over.
• It’s accessible: Creativity doesn’t require fancy supplies or loads of free time. A book, a pen, a quiet corner—sometimes that’s all you need.

And when your days are shaped entirely around others, that spark can flicker out. Creativity helps you gently relight it. This season, let’s reclaim creativity one joyful moment at a time.

Creativity Without Guilt (or Perfection)

Let’s say this together: You don’t have to earn your creativity.

There’s no need to wait for a blank day or a tidy house or the “right mood.” Creativity isn’t about results—it’s about presence. You don’t have to do it perfectly, or produce something Instagram-worthy for it to “count.” Your creative joy is enough!

If you’ve ever:

• Felt guilty for spending time on yourself
• Waited for the “perfect” moment to start a hobby
• Believed creativity was only for “naturally artistic” people

…it’s time to gently challenge those thoughts. Your joy is enough.

Practical Ways to Reignite Your Spark

Here are a few gentle, doable ways to reconnect with your creativity:

• Swap scrolling for reading: Keep a book by your bed; give yourself permission to let a story transport you.
• Inject playfulness into routine: Use colored pens in your planner, add stickers, or doodle in the margins.
• Build a “me-time kit”: Pens, a small notebook, or even a colouring page stashed in your bag is perfect for waiting rooms and carpool lanes.
• Try something new (or revive something old!): Bullet journaling, chalk art with your kids (pet stone, anyone?), or learning a new hand lettering style.
• Release the need to be “productive”: Just create for the sake of feeling good. Make messes. Leave things half-finished. You’re allowed. Sometimes, the best self-care is making a joyful mess.

Remember: Creativity Is for Everyone

Life will always offer excuses to put off play. But every season, especially the busiest ones, becomes richer when we claim even a sliver of creative joy for ourselves.

Whether you’re painting, reading, journaling, gardening, or just daydreaming—those moments aren’t indulgent. They’re essential.

Your Permission to Reclaim Creativity

ake this as your official invitation (consider it signed and sealed!):

You’re allowed to carve out “me time,” to make a mess, to leave a doodle unfinished, and to enjoy yourself without guilt or apology.

Creativity is not about being perfect—it’s about being present, playful, and true to yourself.

Go on: pick up your book, your pen, your paintbrush, or just your imagination. The world (and your well-being) is brighter when you do.

With coloured pens, quiet moments, and my still-quirky self, Cherie

Have you reclaimed a bit of creative time lately?

I’d love to celebrate with you—share your story below or drop me a reply. Let’s cheer each other on!

Further Information:

You might find this article from CrunchyTales especially relevant: How To Reclaim Your Creativity And Find New Hobbies In Midlife. It explores how midlife can be a powerful time to rediscover creative passions, challenge inner ageism, and embrace hobbies that spark joy—even if you’ve never considered yourself “creative.”
Another lovely resource is from Enlightenzz: Creativity in Midlife: How to Unlock Your Creativity & Inner Artist. It’s full of gentle encouragement and practical ideas for women who’ve spent years prioritizing others and now want to reconnect with their inner artist.

You could also read this blog post: Why Creativity Matters for Self-Care: The Science, Benefits, and Practical Tips to help you understand why we should be more creative in our daily lives.