Creative anorexia is a real thing. It’s nothing to do with food intake, but happens when you feel starved of creative outlets

When was the last time you sang in a choir, painted a masterpiece, or wrote a poem?

So, you used to sing in a choir when you were younger. You loved to sing in the choir. You used to sing in the choir 20 hours a week, but then you got to college and everything changed. Doing well in class and constructing a new life for yourself became the biggest priority. You’re currently happy and healthy — kind of. But who really feels totally fulfilled all the time, right?

If this sounds like you, you’re likely suffering from creative anorexia: a concept author Julia Cameron covers in her book The Artist’s Way. You’re probably thinking to yourself right now ‘what kind of hippie bullsh*t is this?’, which is completely understandable. Most people are under the impression that participating in creative activities is a luxury — something for soccer moms and kindergarteners to do in their free time — not an essential aspect of their day-to-day routines.

Well, at USC, Professor Kim Morris-Eggleston is teaching her students the importance leading a more creative life. We spoke to the professor of occupational therapy about the phenomena of creative anorexia and how to overcome it.

Here are some signs you are creatively anorexic:

If you’re feeling jealous

This is like those times when your friend does something super cool, like writing a song or taking a bomb pic, and you can’t help but criticize whatever it is. It’s not because their work isn’t good — it’s because you secretly, subliminally wish you were making cool stuff too.

If you’re making excuses, like telling yourself it’s too late

A common justification for not dabbling in a new, creative area of interest is that you’re too old for it. The thing is you’re going to hit 30 one day no matter what, so do you want to be 30 and know how to do calligraphy or not?

If you say it’s a money thing

You would never question how much money you spend on Starbucks. Why not invest a little in something that’s going to make you feel more spiritually fulfilled than coffee already does?

You worry what your friends and/or family might think

If your friends and/or family aren’t supportive of you pursuing your creativity because they think it’s frivolous or they’re judging your work, chances are they’re creatively anorexic too. You all should probably get to work on an art project together, like, now.

You blame it on your ego

Some people let their pride get in the way of their creativity because they fear their work won’t live up to their personal expectations. Letting go of that artistic ‘censor’ is a huge part of the creative process and will make you feel much more free.

If you’re a shadow artist

This is a spooky one. Do you find yourself befriending artists in a field you’re interested in, but you never try what they do for yourself? You’re a shadow artist. Time to stop watching and start doing.

If you say creativity is a luxury

The idea that self-care is ‘luxurious’ is ridiculous — it should be a given.

If you tell yourself your dreams don’t matter and you should be more sensible

Here’s the thing: if you let yourself explore your creativity, the energy and inspiration you get from that will likely carry over into your drive to do more ‘sensible’ tasks. Also, duh, your dreams matter. I shouldn’t have to spell that out for you.

If you’re human 

It’s not likely that anyone is ever feeling totally creatively fulfilled all the time. Being aware of artistic lulls in your life will help you to reach a more steady level of fulfillment on the daily.

So, if you’re using any of these excuses to keep yourself from getting back into singing or trying something new, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Stop starving yourself of expression. Write a poem, try out for a show, learn how to throw a ceramic bowl on the wheel — it can only help you in the long run. Exploring your creativity will likely make you a happier, more inspired person and that will carry over into every aspect of your life. How could you not make that a priority?

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University of Southern California