Do any of you make art or have creative hobbies? People generally view me as a "creative" person, but because of my rigid and perfectionist tendencies, I don't actually engage in making things often. It's hard for me to start something if I don't have a project in mind, or if I can't see the point in doing it. I'm going to try to do some more free-form exercises, maybe a few times a week, to take the pressure off, and I was wondering if anyone here could relate or had any suggestions.

Hello everyone! I’m starting to recognize when my thoughts begin to spiral, when i’m seeking reassurance or checking. But I still have the sense of uneasiness and anxiety. I was wondering what others do that allow them to move forward with their day when they realize this? I don’t know if I’m making sense, but what are ways you pull the focus back to the present and yourself? Like besides saying “maybe or maybe not”, more like what do you do with yourself after you recognize the thoughts? I feel like I’m at a “now what?” and don’t know what to do with my anxious energy. I’m trying to find something physical to help me so if you also have any hobbies or interests that help I would love to hear it.

Does anyone else have a really hard time relaxing? It feels related to OCD but also maybe not? I struggle with scrupulously themes and worrying I’m doing something wrong and I feel like I’m doing something bad by relaxing when I know I still have things on my to do list (which seems to be never ending). Has anyone experienced anything similar to this?

Hi all! Im unsure if this is related to my perfectionism ocd or just insecurity but I wanted to ask for advice if anyone is able to give any! Sorry if this is an inappropriate use of the community space if this doesn’t end up being ocd related. (also sorry for the long rant ahead) For context, I’m an art University student and I’ve been working with a specific client during school breaks for years who I’ve built a relationship with. I was unable to take on a project of hers because of other responsibilities, and they asked if I had any recommendations for an artist they could work with on the project. I sent them the contact information of one of my friends who is a very talented illustrator. This other illustrator I have worked with before and they’re super skilled, and in multiple situations they’ve completed projects people have loved, where similar projects of my own people have dismissed or disliked. Im worried that by sending their contact information, my client will no longer want to work with me ever and I’ve just ruined my career because my art isn’t as “good” as theirs. Ive been shaking and on the verge of tears since I sent the message a couple hours ago and super anxious that my life is ruined, even though part of me knows that I’m overreacting and I will work with the client again. I feel like throwing up and like i should redo every drawing in my current project to make everything more “perfect” although I’m unsure how to do that. This is not the first time I’ve felt this insecurity. Although I pride myself on loving the learning process and taking critique well, I completely fold when it comes to comparing myself to my peers, and this insane perfectionism kicks in where I feel like I need to redo everything until its perfect (the worst time was when I redid a project 20 times for a class.) I dont know if this is OCD or not, but its messing with my head and I really want to make sure I dont lose my love of art over this weird comparison habit. And I really dont want to lose my client or ruin my career over this recommendation. Sorry for the long rant. If anyone has advice I’d appreciate it so much, and I hope everyone is having a good day! If not, I hope it gets better, and I hope you can find safety in your own mind, even if its just for a minute or two. I’m so glad this space exists for people to talk.