Staying creative and balanced as a freelancer can be a challenge, but over time, I’ve found a few wellness practices that really help me on a daily and weekly basis.
Here are my 9 favourites health and wellness practices:
Journaling: Everyday I use my 5-minute journal for quick reflections, and then when I have more time in the week, I dive deeper into a separate journal to write down thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Journalling offers powerful short- and long-term benefits for mental clarity and emotional well-being. This practise enhances focus and decision-making by helping to organise thoughts and prioritise goals. In addition, strengthens neural pathways for self-awareness and emotional regulation, improving resilience over time. As well as boosting creativity and problem-solving through reflective thinking and pattern recognition.
Sauna Sessions: I use the sauna three times a week for 20-minute sessions. Experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Stacy Sims, and Peter Attia have taught me about the amazing health benefits—from improved recovery to stress relief. As I do strength-training, this is really crucial for my recovery. Sauna also enhances relaxation and stress relief due to lowered cortisol levels and endorphin release. Whilst also means I can detach from the digital world.. which we all need sometimes right?
Strength Training: Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the gym. I've been training for years now. Going to the gym is something I can control, track progress, and it gives me such a boost. It’s my go-to for both physical and mental strength. You can't control what happens in your emails day to day, but this is something I can, and feel all the better for it. Lifting weights improves muscle strength, posture, and core stability, which also helps me manage heavy equipment and long hours on my feet. Strength training also supports bone density and reduces the risk of injuries from repetitive movements or awkward shooting positions. Beyond physical health, it boosts mood and focus by releasing endorphins, enhancing creativity, and improving resilience.
Action Board: Aka a vision board which I've been doing as an "action board," inspired by Dr. Tara Swart and Mel Robbins. I have multiple copies printed out, one in my bedroom and another in my office. Then the digital version is on my laptop and my phone. This all continues to remind me of what I truly desire and makes be think of ways I can make this happen. In addition, visualising your objectives regularly strengthens neural pathways, enhancing clarity and decision-making. This practice activates the brain's reward system, increasing the likelihood of achieving your goals while fostering creativity and resilience. For photographers, an action board can be a powerful tool to stay inspired, prioritise projects, and bring long-term visions to life.
Creative Check-Ins: Once a month, I make time to catch up with a creative friend. It’s a great way to exchange ideas and stay motivated. As well as talking through any challenges (an accountability friend I call it). In addition, an accountability buddy boosts motivation and focus by leveraging the brain’s reward system and social dynamics. Regular check-ins release dopamine, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, and create neural pathways that reinforce goal-oriented habits. This combination of social support and mental reinforcement makes it much easier to stay committed and gain overall clarity.
Yoga: Whether it’s for flexibility, exercise or mindfulness, yoga helps me stay in tune with my body and mind. I highly recommend Emily Young's practises. The way we move on set and with our cameras, my balance, body positioning is absolutely crucial, as well as longevity and overall balance. My personal favourite styles of yoga are restorative, yin, vinayasa and hatha.
Pilates: A perfect compliment to yoga and strength training, Pilates helps me with flexibility and core strength—essential for those long days carrying camera gear. A strong core provides stability and reduces the strain on the lower back during daily activities and prolonged periods of standing or bending, common for photographers.
Walking in Nature: Taking regular walks in nature helps me reset and reconnect. It’s a simple practice, but being surrounded by greenery has a way of sparking ideas and clearing mental clutter. A walk in nature offers powerful mental and physical benefits, as highlighted by experts like Dr Tara Swart. It reduces stress and cortisol levels, while boosting creativity and focus by engaging the brain's default mode network. Time in nature also supports mental clarity and resilience, improving mood and overall well-being. For photographers, walking outdoors can inspire fresh ideas, enhance mindfulness, and recharge energy for creative projects.
30-Second Cold Showers: Cold showers have become part of my morning routine now, they help me improve my focus, mood and recovery. Stepping into the cold builds resilience and increased dopamine—both physically and mentally—leaving me energised and sharper for hours afterwards. I was introduced to cold therapy by experts such as Dr. Andrew Huberman, Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins and Dr. Peter Attia, who emphasise its benefits like improved mood, reducing inflammation, increased energy, boosted metabolism and enhanced mental clarity. These effects can last several hours post-exposure, making it a simple yet powerful tool for staying balanced, feeling a sense of achievement for the day. Cold showers have been the most impactful thing I've added to my daily routine to date.
These practices are crucial for me personally, they really keep my mind and body in check, allowing me to be the best version of myself. What are your go-to wellness practices? Dm me on instagram @throughcaraseyes I'd love to hear!
'Creative Wellness: My Favourite Practices as a Freelance Photographer'
Comments