Painting dogs, COVID-19 and being creative for personal wellbeing

Written By Jason Conway
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Back in January this year (2020), I went along to a ‘How to Paint your Dog’ workshop run by my good friend and professional artist, Sam Morris.

I’d not painted anything for almost two years due to my creative work being so busy, so, this was a wonderful break from the norm and a chance for me to get a brush into paints again! Sam was an excellent tutor, with her step-by-step guidance and everyone that attended did really well. This demonstrates how effective a workshop can be if the session is well thought out and hosted.

It reminded me of just how much I love to paint and how I need to gift myself the time to paint and draw again, by booking more ‘me time’ into my diary for wellbeing but also to create new art that I can exhibit and sell.

How many of us get caught up in the now, the cult of busy, to neglect our own wellbeing? I recommend that any of you that don’t have a creative hobby currently, to take one up. Now that COVID-19 has us all in lockdown, self-isolating, now really is the perfect time to be creative, to combat cabin fever and anxiety.

Art is great for the soul and has been proven to help with the recovery and management of stress and other mental health issues. It’s also great fun and is something that anyone can try, regardless of ability or background - a truly universal creative activity.

For me, art and poetry are great for ‘thinking time’, time to reflect but also time to explore ideas, plan for the future, or gain inspiration. Somehow creative activities unlock hidden potential and help us to relax or drift off into thought and that is when the magic happens. You could be having a tough time coping with a problem that you are facing in your personal or work like, something that you’ve been dwelling on for some time and just can’t solve. Being creative and ‘in the moment’ can easily create an answer for you, or simply help you to understand that what you have been worrying about, isn’t really that important at all.

So, whether it’s painting, writing, poetry, photography, knitting, making, baking, making music, singing or acting, as some examples, give yourself the free time you deserve and take up or rekindle a creative hobby. Use this time to learn something new, read books, take up DIY, write a book, start gardening, or just enjoy being yourself in your home space and get back to being human again, now that the hustle of everyday modern life is on pause for a while.

When this is all over and we can return to some sort of normality, I hope that we all truly appreciate the value of personal wellbeing and can keep taking time out for regular creative activities for a healthy mind and body.

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This article was written by Jason Conway, an award-winning creative professional, artist, writer and poet based in Stroud, Gloucestershire UK. You can find out more about his business at www.thedaydreamacademy.com or connect with him on social media.

Jason Conway

I'm a creative guru, visionary artist and eco poet based in Gloucestershire UK.

I love designing Squarespace websites for clients as well as providing a full range of graphic and website design services. My clients are passoinate entrepreneurs that are making a positive difference in the world.

Clients can hire me for brand and marketing strategy, content research, content writing and content management, social media training and management, blog and article writing, book design, book cover design, self publishing help, packaging design and sign design.

I'm a creative coach helping passionate and ethical business owners to create sustainable businesses geared for a healthy work life balance and helping to break through blocks and regain or maintain focus. I use creativity as a key problem solving tool and motivator.

As an artist is create inspirational works of art for private and corporate clients, from full size wall graphics and installations for offices, conference areas and receptions, to cafe's and restaurants to health and wellbeing centres. Any wall or space can be transformed with large scale art, which is a key motivator for staff and can reduce work related stress. I also accept private commissions for paintings, sketches and illustrations.

As a published poet I write about the joys of nature and the human devastation of it. I also write poems for brands and businesses to engage their audiences in new and more thought provoking ways.

https://www.thedaydreamacademy.com
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