Wellbeing as a creative during a global pandemic.
This year has been undoubtedly challenging for everyone, however, those of us working in the creative sectors have been hit especially hard, with ‘Britain facing a “cultural catastrophe” and research warning 400,000 jobs are set to be lost’ (iNews, 2020). Whether studying, breaking into an industry, or juggling multiple jobs in order to pursue a passion, lockdown has been disillusioning, making some question whether they will be able to support themselves via their craft or leaving them burnt out and resenting it.
Despite this, our craft, passion, or job may be able to provide solace and comfort as we navigate life during a pandemic and its resulting obstacles.
It’s become clear over lockdown that our structured workdays don’t necessarily mean maximum productivity for everyone; and for those of us who have additional needs, are neurodivergent or disabled, working from home may have been helpful and a welcomed change from the usual day-to-day. In addition, even those who feel they work best in a typical workplace environment may have found that the change in pace and scenery gave them new inspiration, ideas, and ways of creating, so even if you were or are working from home, or just waiting it out, with a bit more breathing room you may have had the time to focus on some projects or practice some well-deserved self-care, whatever that might mean for you.
Back in May during Mental Health Awareness Week, Rianne Pictures interviewed some of the team about what they had been up to during lockdown:
Reanna tried tie-dying and ‘succeeded twice in orange and grey!‘ while Lydia said she ‘tried pickling a cabbage… awful.’ (their words not mine!).
Caris mentioned her ‘lunch breaks are now nice walks with my dogs rather than a quick sandwich which is nice. My evenings are watching TV, cooking and writing… I’m finally writing again!’.
Kike learned that ‘sometimes it’s nothing to do with not having enough time, I can just be lazy’, which is a really important point. Our creativity ebbs and flows, and resting and taking time for yourself is essential for productivity and more importantly your wellbeing, now more than ever.
There has been some discussion online in the creative community and beyond about lockdown being the best time to start and complete your creative magnum opus or get copious amounts of remarkable work done, due to being isolated with not a whole lot else to do. However, this is just not a realistic expectation; it’s been a mentally draining and difficult period of time and if you’ve done nothing more than stay in bed all day and watch Netflix, good for you.
I have spent many days re-watching old series and eating fast food, however that isn’t helpful for any of us long term. If work and lockdown life is taking its toll, trying a new medium, expressing some feelings, remembering why you love what you do, or enjoying spending time in nature (just in the garden or adopting a house plant counts) might help you out of a rut. Whether it relates to your career or not (I’ve fancied myself as a bit of a painter over lockdown), creating can and should be enjoyable. If not, what are we all working so hard for?
Image: Canva Pro
Making that short film, finishing that feature-length script, or picking up your guitar just for the sake of it, with no end goal or deadline in mind, may lead to the inspiration that you’ve been searching for (and if it doesn’t at least you have an answer when you get asked ‘What have you been working on?’ when the dreaded networking events are back up and running). I have been told of some networking that has been happening online, which is great and something I hope continues post-pandemic as it makes the events more accessible to a wider range of people, plus it means I don’t have to change out of my pyjamas or leave my cat.
In October I had the amazing opportunity of being involved with Women X Film Festival (which is definitely going to come in handy at the aforementioned events). Despite being completely moved online out of necessity, the weekend was inspiring and accessible, with feedback mentioning how more people were able to be included this way. Seeing the talent and sense of community all through my screen proved what can be achieved, even in the face of adversity; and as we approach yet another lockdown, remember there is still hope and a love for creativity, creative industries, and those working in it.
Ultimately, utilising our creativity for self-expression and comfort during this unpredictable time could be helpful and cathartic, and I hope everyone has managed to create or do something, whatever it may be, for themselves during lockdown.
