The life of an entrepreneur is a constant whirlwind. Between meetings, clients, and all the tasks to manage, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Often, entrepreneurs juggle multiple roles: team leader, accountant, salesperson, human resources manager… which can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.
According to a study conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), nearly 45% of small business owners in Canada report symptoms of burnout, mainly due to the stress of managing their activity. Other studies, such as those by Statistics Canada, also highlight that self-employed workers and business owners are more vulnerable to burnout, largely due to isolation and lack of support.
But then, how can we face these challenges in a more creative and sustainable way? That’s where art therapy comes in, a practice that helps manage anxiety, stress, and even prevent or treat burnout.
I had the pleasure of welcoming Luna Yi Lin, an art therapist based in Vancouver, to discuss the impact of art therapy on the mental health of entrepreneurs. Luna, with her multicultural approach and specialization in life transitions, explained how this form of therapy can not only help release emotions but also strengthen the resilience needed to face daily challenges.
What is art therapy?
Luna explains that art therapy is more than just a creative activity. “Art therapy allows us to use artistic creation as a means of exploring and expressing emotions and experiences that may be difficult to verbalize,” she explains. “What distinguishes art therapy from other creative therapies is that it is based on a structured therapeutic framework, guided by a trained therapist.”
Art therapy focuses on practices such as drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture, and allows for the release of repressed emotions. And the good news? “It’s not necessary to be an artist to benefit from it. What matters is the creative process, not the final result,” Luna emphasizes.
How can art therapy help entrepreneurs?
Managing a business, especially for solo entrepreneurs, can quickly become overwhelming. Luna explains how art therapy can be beneficial for entrepreneurs: “Art therapy offers a space to slow down, recenter, and explore emotions in a non-verbal way. This is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who juggle multiple responsibilities and often feel constant stress.”
She adds that art therapy can stimulate creativity: “This can help an entrepreneur find creative solutions to professional problems and strengthen their resilience in the face of uncertainty.”
Art therapy for preventing and treating burnout
Burnout is a reality for many entrepreneurs. Luna highlights that art therapy can not only help prevent burnout but also treat its symptoms. “Art therapy helps detect early warning signs of burnout, allowing individuals to better listen to their bodies and emotions,” she explains.
Simple exercises, such as drawing emotions, can be revealing: “This allows us to highlight areas of tension or fatigue that we may not have identified otherwise,” Luna adds. Art therapy can also offer a way to release frustrations and restore a sense of calm. “Creating without a performance goal helps slow down and recharge batteries,” she says.
Practical tips for integrating art therapy into an entrepreneur’s life
- Bilateral drawing: Draw simultaneously with both hands on a large sheet, without a specific goal, to reduce anxiety.
- Dream journal: Write down a dream each morning and draw a scene that stands out to connect with your subconscious.
- Somatic journal: Draw a contour of your body and use colors to represent what you feel in different physical zones.
Luna emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself: “Even a few minutes of creation each day can help renew vital energy and free the mind.”
Conclusion: Art therapy as a key to entrepreneurs’ mental health
Art therapy proves to be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, allowing them to better manage stress, prevent burnout, and stimulate creativity. It offers a space to explore emotions, develop resilience, and find solutions to professional challenges.
Luna encourages us to integrate creative practices into our daily routine: “The key is to let go of the search for perfection and embrace spontaneity,” she concludes.
Contact Luna Yi Lin
For more information on art therapy and how this approach can help you take care of your well-being, listen to the full episode of Micro Entreprises on all podcast platforms. Don’t hesitate to share it with your colleagues and friends to inspire them to adopt effective creative practices!
