Since discovering the creative energy I didn’t know I had, I’ve had a new found curiosity and confidence in myself. For the first time in a long time, I’ve wanted to try a new hobby, and I’ve naturally found my way into low demand creativity through intuitive, sensory-led art.
Finding My Way Back to Creativity
In the past, I’ve found trying new hobbies and activities too overwhelming. Perhaps because I was picking the wrong types of activities. Being autistic, I can easily become overstimulated, and having ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, I need to restrict physical activity to movements that work for me, plus things that are taxing on my mind can increase my symptoms.
I’d gotten to a point where I’d pretty much given up because nothing seemed to work. I’d tried various types of crafting, but it left me exhausted with a strong dose of brain fog. Even listening to a podcast or reading my book could be too much for me. I’d spend a lot of time watching light TV that didn’t tax my brain. But honestly, I was bored with it.
From the nervous system work that I’ve been doing, like somatic tracking, and undertaking Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), I’ve slowly been learning how to regulate myself. By nurturing a growing understanding of regulation, I’m gaining a little more capacity. My intuition is returning, along with a small spark of inquisitiveness to try something new.
It got me thinking, what could I do that I will enjoy, but is not very taxing on my energy levels?
I didn’t realise at the time, but I was looking for a form of low demand creativity. Something that felt safe, gentle and manageable for my nervous system.
Letting My Senses Lead My Creativity
I have a giant box of art stuff that I’ve accumulated over the years from failed attempts to try to make art. I decided to give it a go again, but in a different way.
This time, my focus is not on a specific outcome, but on the experience and letting my mind do what it wants. I’ll choose my materials based on my sensory instincts. How I’m feeling will determine what I do.
One day, I might be feeling the sound a highlighter makes when it touches paper. Another, I might want to rip up coloured paper and stick it down. It’s all about tapping into how I’m feeling on the day.
Sometimes, I’ll listen to Disney music whilst doing it, sometimes I’ll have my noise cancelling headphones on with no sound. Both help me focus and enjoy what I’m doing more.
When I am doing my art time, I’m not trying to make anything, just expressing myself how I’d like to with low-pressure creativity. At times the art looks serene and inviting, on other days it’s chaotic and loud. I might be feeling smooth motions, or scratchy, rigid lines. I might want serene colours or dark and intense ones.
Creating Without Pressure
If I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed, with little capacity to make choices, I’ll select colours and art materials at random. All of my materials are organised in containers or zip lock bags, so I can just pick something without thinking. From there, I can select 2 or 3 things without looking. Like picking out a couple of crayons.
I do as much or as little as I’d like. Again, listening to what I want and need in the moment. When I’ve had enough, I’ll stop.
On days, when I’m craving more structure, I’ll pick out a colouring book. Currently, I have a few different ones that are cute animal themed (my favourite). I tend to pick colouring books with big spaces to colour because I find it less intense and more regulating. The small spaces can be overwhelming sometimes.
What My Art Reflects Back to Me
And the results? They’re how it makes me feel, not what it looks like on the page. To someone looking in at what I’ve created, they’d think a child had done it. It’s often messy, unfinished and basic.
When I look back at what I’ve made, I can see how I was feeling on that day, based on the results. It’s a great way to reflect and understand myself better.
Afterwards, I feel refreshed, like a load has been lifted from my brain. I feel calmer and more present. The pressure and pain inside my head that I feel when overwhelmed or dysregulated eases slightly.
Having a vivid imagination, I would love to create some art around the ideas in my head. I picture Panda and Bunny (my cuddly toys) going on adventures. At some point, I’d love to write a book with them in and draw the pictures to go with it.
In my mind, I create magical, mystical landscapes with vibrant colours and beautiful creatures. I’d love to transform them from my brain into artwork for others to see.
Building Capacity For Creativity, Gently
In the future, this might be possible. Currently my focus is building up my capacity. Letting my nervous system know that it’s safe to be creative and do this type of thing. In a few months or years, if I’m ready, we’ll see. I’ll know if it’s time.
For now, this feels like enough.
I’m learning that hobbies don’t need to fit the norm. You don’t have to follow the rules. Do what works for you and the benefits are incredible.
If This Resonated, You Might Also Like
- The Creative Energy I Didn’t Know I Had
- Learning to Move in a Way That Doesn’t Break Me
- Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP): My Early Experience and Nervous System Changes
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Much love,
Rachael xx
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