Self-expression is hugely important for our confidence and overall well-being, especially for creatives. But it can be easy to lose ourselves in our day-to-day routines, where work and chores might not give us an opportunity for creative expression.
If you’re wondering how to express yourself, or you don’t even know what self-expression looks like for you, you’ve come to the right place. This guide offers tips on finding and tapping into your self-expression, so you can showcase your authentic, apologetic self through your hobbies and behaviors.
Build Creativity Into Everyday Life
Adding creativity to your routine is one of the best ways to express yourself.
Think back to your childhood. You probably spent hours making up stories and playing games with your toys, dancing, running around with your friends, singing, and maybe even learning to play an instrument. As adults, a lot of our creative hobbies drop away, causing us to lose a core part of ourselves. The good news is that we can easily bring them back with intention.
Consider taking up new hobbies like keeping a journal, doodling during quiet moments, or learning a dance (you can follow a YouTube tutorial if you’re not ready to dance at a local class!). These can all become a meditative way to reconnect with yourself amidst the demands of daily life.
If your schedule feels packed, try to set aside even just ten minutes to engage with something creative, whether that’s trying a new recipe or practicing a musical instrument.
Find Meaning in Your Surroundings
Where do you currently spend the majority of your time? These environments can influence how easily you tap into your creativity.
When you’re able to control your environment, work on surrounding yourself with meaningful items, like plants, artwork, books, and candles, that speak to your personality, helping to nurture your imagination.
Your clothes are a big part of your self-expression, and can arguably be considered a part of your surroundings. It can take years to learn how to express yourself through fashion rather than simply following trends.
A good way to figure out your personal style is to examine the pieces in your wardrobe that you reach for the most often, because you feel the most confident in them and find them comfortable and flattering. If you want to make a statement with your clothes, look for bold prints or interesting fits, or customize your bags and jackets with Labeloom Printed Labels.
Let Go of Perfection
One of the biggest barriers to self-expression is the fear of imperfection. But it’s important to remember that creativity is messy, and allowing yourself to make mistakes is part of the process.
You’ll never authentically express yourself if you’re worried about looking silly or messing up. This especially goes for self-expression that requires you to be vulnerable, like learning to dance as an adult.
Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on enjoying the act itself and learn to let go of your own rigid expectations—you should find greater freedom to explore and grow as a creative person.
