Building a Practice Routine That Supports Your Mental Health

Jennifer Boyer
Aug 4
2 min read

Whether you're a musician, dancer, visual artist, or creative entrepreneur, building a sustainable practice routine isn’t just about consistency—it’s about care. In a world that glorifies hustle, it's easy to forget that showing up for your art should also mean showing up for yourself.

This post is for the creative who wants to grow in their craft without burning out. Let’s explore how to build a practice routine that supports both your artistry and your mental well-being.

Start with Your Nervous System

Not all “discipline” is healthy. If your current routine is stressing you out or triggering anxiety, it might be time for a reset. A sustainable routine starts with knowing how your body responds to stress, pressure, and time.

Tips:

Practice deep breathing before starting.
Use grounding rituals (like lighting incense or stretching) to signal “it’s time to create.”
Avoid practicing right after a triggering situation. Rest first, then return.

Your nervous system is not your enemy—it’s your guide.

Redefine What “Counts” as Practice

Creative progress isn’t linear. Some days you might write five songs. Other days, just picking up your instrument or opening your sketchbook is enough. Normalize the ebb and flow.

Examples of valid practice:

Listening actively to music in your genre
Journaling about creative blocks
Reorganizing your tools or supplies
Visualizing your next session

These all support your growth.

Set Time Goals—Not Perfection Goals

Perfectionism kills momentum. Instead of saying, “I have to write a hit today,” say, “I’m going to write for 20 minutes.”

Try this structure:

✅ 5 min check-in (body/mood/intentions)
🎵 15–45 min of active practice
🧘 5–10 min reflection or stretch break

This rhythm builds trust and reduces pressure.

Build in Flex Days and Flow Days

Rest is not a reward. Build it in on purpose.

Flex Days: Gentle creative activity (listening, research, reading)

Flow Days: When you feel inspired—ride the wave! Just don’t expect every day to be one.

Journal Your Wins, Blocks, and Feelings

Reflection is a powerful mental health tool. Track what’s working in your practice—and what’s not.

Use our Create With Impact Journal to support your mental wellness in and out of the studio.

Make Accountability Gentle

Consider an accountability buddy who checks in on your mental wellness and your practice—not just your output. Join a creative co-working space, open mic night, or online community for soft structure.

Protect the Joy

At the end of the day, you started this journey because it lit you up. Protect that spark. If your practice becomes something you dread, it’s time to shift. Your mental health matters more than the algorithm, the client, or the competition.

Need Support?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Visit CreatingWithImpact.com for mental health tools, creative prompts, and community spaces.

Remember: You are your most important instrument. Care for yourself accordingly.