Creativity Thrives on Wellness: Why Artists Should Prioritise Health
For centuries, we’ve been told that suffering fuels creativity. From Van Gogh’s turmoil to Hemingway’s self-destruction, the stereotype of the tortured artist has been deeply ingrained in artistic culture. But does pushing yourself to the edge actually result in better art? Or does it simply lead to burnout?
There’s no doubt that pain can spark meaningful work–some of the world’s greatest art has emerged from struggle. However, emotional depth doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being. True creativity isn't about suffering endlessly; it’s about transforming life’s experiences, both painful and joyful, into something meaningful. For that, a clear, well-rested mind is just as important as raw emotion. David Altamura, founder of Wildsoul Wellness, explains that “the experience of people doing recovery in various forms reaches something other than physical. It actually taps into areas mentally, and what I mean by that, it brings you to a point where you need to take yourself somewhere else or reach into areas of your psyche that you hadn't been before.”
Creativity isn’t solely about talent; it also involves brain function. The prefrontal cortex–responsible for imagination and problem-solving–requires adequate rest, nourishment, and movement to thrive. When we are sleep-deprived, stressed, or lacking essential nutrients, our cognitive abilities deteriorate, making it more challenging to focus, solve problems, or find inspiration.
Prioritising wellness can significantly enhance creative thinking. Movement boosts circulation, increasing oxygen flow to the brain and improving mental clarity. Quality sleep consolidates ideas, strengthens memory, and enhances problem-solving. Mindfulness regulates the nervous system, reduces stress, and creates the mental space needed for deeper insights and creative flow. Cold exposure, heat therapy, and guided breathwork have been shown to enhance neuroplasticity–the brain’s ability to form new connections–helping you think more expansively.
It makes sense that many artists are now turning to holistic wellness practices to support their creativity. Spaces like Wildsoul Wellness offer therapies that encourage both mental clarity and physical recovery, such as contrast therapy, which combines hot and cold treatments. Their contrast therapy zone features a traditional steam sauna along with hot and cold plunges. They also provide infrared saunas, breathwork, mindful movement, and Naturopathy services. “I do cold or hot or infrared; it's not always comfortable, but what it does do, it puts, it creates space and time in my mind away from other things, and then it gives me some clarity in things I want to focus on. So if that's going to help someone in a creative space generate clarity and focus or take away distraction, I think it can serve as that as well,” says Altamura. These practices not only help reduce stress and tension but also create the conditions for deeper focus, fresh inspiration, and long-term creative resilience.
While struggle can undoubtedly shape powerful storytelling, creativity thrives when both your mind and body are well-supported. The truth is, exhaustion and stress do not fuel brilliance–they drain it. When we move, rest, and nourish ourselves properly, we create the space for ideas to flow freely. Our best work does not come from pushing ourselves to the brink; it comes from restoration, openness, and flow. By prioritising wellness, we are not just maintaining our health–we are unlocking a deeper reservoir of inspiration, allowing creativity to flourish in its fullest form.
