26/2/25
My journey with climate change wasn't a sudden epiphany, but a slow burn ignited by a deeply personal experience. In 2024, I was anxiously glued to news reports, watching floodwaters rise ominously in my hometown in Kerala, India. The rising waters mirrored the rising anxiety within me. Seeing familiar landscapes submerged brought home the reality of climate change in a way that abstract news reports never could. It was a stark, visceral experience that echoed my mother's long-held concerns about the consequences of environmental neglect. "If you tamper with mother nature," she’d often say, "you shall bear the consequence." Witnessing this firsthand was a chilling reminder of her wisdom.
Having returned to my home in Hong Kong, the urgency of that experience faded, pushed aside by the demands of daily life. It wasn't until I began researching for my book, a project exploring the intricate connections between creative wellness, racism, and identity, that the issue resurfaced with renewed force. I stumbled upon Erin Robert's insightful article on nurturing creativity to cultivate "rebel ideas" specifically within the context of loss and damage related to climate change. It was an interesting moment. I was pleased to see conversations that cater to one’s mental climate reach important corners and conversations. Roberts' work highlighted the crucial role of creativity in addressing climate challenges, and it sparked a deeper exploration of the intersection between my work and this global crisis.
My research led me to a compelling podcast,’’ How to Turn Climate Anxiety into Action’ (w/Luisa Neubauer) where the speaker emphasized the power of individual action. The guest, German climate activist, Luisa Neubauer argued that while the scale of climate change can feel overwhelming, small, consistent efforts at the individual level can collectively make a significant difference. This message resonated deeply. I realized I had been subconsciously avoiding the topic, overwhelmed by its magnitude and feeling powerless to effect real change. It was easier to bury my head in the sand, to distance myself from the unsettling realities of a changing planet.
But the podcast challenged my complacency. It forced me to confront my anxieties. And that’s when it hit me: If I, someone not directly involved in climate work, experienced such profound anxiety, imagine the mental and emotional toll on those working tirelessly on the front lines, those tasked with finding solutions and implementing change. This resonates with research on climate anxiety, which suggests that it's a growing phenomenon, particularly among young people and those directly exposed to the impacts of climate change, Young People's Voices on Climate Anxiety, Government Betrayal and Moral Injury: A Global Phenomenon. Marks et al. (2021). This realization became the driving force behind this article. I wanted to share practical strategies for cultivating mental wellness, not just for climate activists and researchers, but for anyone grappling with the anxieties and challenges of our times.
My personal experience underscores the vital connection between mental well-being and creative output. During a particularly demanding period, juggling a full-time teaching workload with a rigorous postgraduate diploma and navigating the complexities of office politics, I experienced severe burnout. Those two years were a creative wasteland. My mental landscape was barren, devoid of inspiration. I found myself stuck in a cycle of unproductive activity, a hamster wheel of stress and exhaustion. Looking back, I recognize that my inability to create stemmed directly from my distressed mental state. This aligns with research demonstrating the negative impact of stress and burnout on creativity and cognitive function (e.g., Byron et al., 2010).
Interestingly, my most creative moments often arise during times of rest or seemingly mundane activities. The shower, for instance, has become a veritable think tank for me. Ideas often surface just before sleep, in those liminal spaces between wakefulness and slumber. Even the outline for this very article came to me while I was taking a break, chatting with my mother. Suddenly, the structure and key arguments clicked into place. I excused myself abruptly to capture the fleeting inspiration. This phenomenon isn't just anecdotal. Research, like the 2018 paper "Mind Wandering and Creativity" by Stefania Righi, suggests that mind wandering during less demanding tasks can facilitate creative idea generation. Giving the conscious mind a break allows the subconscious to process information and make unexpected connections. This is also supported by studies on the "incubation effect" in creativity (e.g., Dijksterhuis & Meesters, 1998).
My exploration of creative wellness is deeply personal. It began as a coping mechanism, a way to navigate the challenges of racism and an identity crisis after moving to Hong Kong. Urban sketching became a bridge to connect with locals, a shared language that transcended cultural differences. My first art exhibition in Hong Kong was a powerful affirmation of the universality of art and its ability to connect people. Art became more than just a hobby; it became a tool for self-discovery, healing, and social change. I began using my art to raise funds for various causes, including COVID relief efforts in India, an initiative that garnered recognition in the South China Morning Post.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, creatively blocked, or simply seeking to enhance your mental well-being, here are some tried-and-tested techniques that have proven helpful for me and many others:
Beyond its benefits, creativity can be a powerful catalyst for change in the fight against climate change. Creative mediums can effectively communicate complex scientific information in relatable and engaging ways, raising awareness and inspiring action. Imagine workplaces and schools with dedicated "creative corners," spaces where individuals can express themselves, brainstorm solutions, and de-stress through art, music, writing, and other creative activities. These spaces aren't just for "artists"; they're for everyone. We are all creative beings, whether we realize it or not. Think about the ingenuity you employ to navigate daily challenges, to solve problems, to connect with others. Creativity is a natural human capacity, and it's a resource we can all tap into.
Through the Creative Wellness Project, my mission is to empower individuals to harness the transformative power of creativity for self-care and personal growth. Creative wellness isn't a substitute for therapy, but it's a valuable tool for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. I believe that everyone has the potential to be creative and that by nurturing our creativity, we can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and joy.
I'm passionate about collaborating with organizations and schools to establish these creative spaces, these "third places" where creative connections can foster a more positive and supportive environment. I believe that by nurturing creativity, we can not only improve individual well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Urmila Menon is a dedicated teacher, writer, and artist who champions creativity as a powerful tool for building mental fortitude and solving both personal and global challenges. With a passion for wellness and self-care, she empowers others to harness creativity as a source of resilience, clarity, and transformation. Through her articles, workshops, and potential collaborations with schools and organizations, Urmila aims to foster environments that encourage creative self-expression, demonstrating its profound impact on well-being. On her Substack, she shares exclusive content and publishes thought-provoking essays every Monday. Her Youtube Channel and Instagram further extend her mission, inspiring others to unlock their creative potential and embrace imagination as a path to healing, growth, and meaningful change.
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