Well-Being First — Fuel for Your Creative Fire

 A Living room with the healing aura of Coming Home to My Well Being, 24” x 30” x 1.5” Mixed Media on Wood Panel, © Deb Chaney Prints available on Saatchi Gallery.

The foundation of creative practice

As artists, we often ask ourselves: Am I rested? Am I hydrated? Have I eaten? Have I taken a breath of fresh air? Do I feel connected to Source?

These simple check-ins form the foundation of my creative practice. And it’s fascinating how well-being and creativity work both ways.

Sometimes I nourish my body first—drinking water, resting, going for a walk outdoors—and this naturally leads to more clarity in the studio.

Other times, it’s the art-making itself that pulls me back into balance. Even on the hardest days, when emotions are high, painting helps me process, restore rhythm, and reconnect with myself.

Over the years I’ve discovered that resilience as an artist in business depends on daily self-care. Meditation, visualization, gentle exercise, journaling, conscious thinking, and sweet surrender are the practices that keep me grounded.

But self-care doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as a glass of water, a slow, deep breath, or sending a kind message to a friend.

“In order to create, we draw from our inner well. This inner well, an artistic reservoir, is ideally like a well-stocked fish pond…As artists, we must learn to be self-nourishing.”

— Julia Cameron

Research agrees

Forbes reports that those who prioritize self-care show improved cognitive function, focus, and concentration. Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep boost memory and decision-making—directly supporting productivity and creativity.

Coming Home to My Well Being, 24” x 30” x 1.5” Mixed Media on Wood Panel, © Deb Chaney Prints available on Saatchi Gallery.

The takeaway

Your creativity requires energy. Prioritize well-being, and notice how it fuels not just your art, but your life.

👉 Curious to go deeper? My upcoming self-study course, The Illuminated Artist in Business, explores practices like these to help you thrive as a creator. Read on the Course Page.