There’s Always a Bright Side: How Art, Music, and Self-Care Help Me Heal and Lower Stress as a Caregiver

This role was not expected—and it wasn’t my first time. If you’re a CIDP patient or a caregiver, you know how life can suddenly change course, leaving you feeling uncertain, anxious, or even a little lost. I’ve been there—more than once. And while every caregiving journey is unique, I’ve discovered a few things that truly help me heal, lower stress, and find hope, even on the hardest days. For me, art therapy, music, and self-care have become more than just coping tools—they’re lifelines. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s always a bright side to everything, if you just look for it.

The Unexpected Path

When I first became a caregiver, I felt like I’d been handed a script in a language I didn’t understand. The diagnosis of CIDP in my loved one brought a whirlwind of emotions—fear, sadness, confusion, and a sense of being totally unprepared. Even after caring for others before, nothing could have fully prepared me for the unique challenges and surprises of this journey.

But here’s the thing: it’s okay to feel unprepared. It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers. Over time, I found that focusing on what I could control—my own well-being, my outlook, and the little joys in each day—helped me find peace, and sometimes even happiness, no matter how tough things got.

Why Self-Care and Stress Reduction Matter

Caregiving and living with CIDP can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. The physical demands, emotional labor, and unpredictability of symptoms can pile up quickly. There were times I felt like I was running on empty, and that’s when I realized something important: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s absolutely necessary.

Taking even a few minutes for myself—whether it’s stepping outside for fresh air, sipping tea, or listening to a favorite song—helps me reset. These little moments lower stress, calm my mind, and remind me that I matter, too. And research backs this up: chronic stress is a real risk factor for flare-ups in CIDP and can worsen symptoms for both patients and caregivers. Simple self-care practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle movement can make a world of difference.

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

One thing I’ve noticed is how easy it is to get caught up in negative thinking when stress is high. Sometimes I’d find myself thinking, “I’m not doing enough,” or “I should handle this better.” These kinds of thoughts pop up for all of us, especially when we’re tired or overwhelmed.

What’s helped me is learning to notice these thoughts without letting them take over. When I catch myself being hard on myself, I pause and ask, “Would I say this to a friend?” Usually, the answer is no. So, I try to be as gentle with myself as I would be with someone I care about. I remind myself that I’m doing my best—and that’s enough.

The Healing Power of Art Therapy

Art therapy has been a true bright spot for me. And trust me, you don’t need to be an artist for it to work. Research shows that making art can significantly reduce stress hormones like cortisol, boost happiness chemicals in the brain, and help process emotions that are tough to put into words.

For me, art therapy is a safe space. Sometimes I paint my feelings—using bold colors for tough days, soft pastels for peaceful moments, or bright yellows for hope. Other times, I just let my hands move and see what emerges. I don’t judge the outcome. I focus on the process, and that’s where the healing happens.

Even on days when everything feels heavy, the simple act of making art can reveal a glimmer of hope—a bright side I might have missed otherwise. Whether it’s watercolor, collage, or coloring books, the process itself is what heals.

Why Music Makes Everything Better

Adding my favorite music to art therapy takes the healing even further. Music is powerful—it can lower stress, calm the nervous system, and lift your mood. When I listen to music while creating art, I find it easier to let go of tension and enter a state of flow. Sometimes I choose something gentle and calming; other times, I pick songs that make me want to dance or sing along. The combination of art and music is pure magic—it helps me tune out worries and tune in to a sense of peace and possibility.

Music has a way of shining a light into the corners of our hearts, helping us find the bright side, even when we least expect it.

Healing for Both Patient and Caregiver

Art therapy isn’t just for one side of the caregiving relationship. For CIDP patients, it offers a way to manage pain, express emotions, and regain a sense of agency. For caregivers, it provides a safe outlet for stress, a chance to recharge, and a reminder that your feelings matter, too. Studies show that creative activities can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety, leading to both mental and physical healing.

And when we create or listen to music together, we often find ourselves laughing, sharing, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment—a bright side to the challenges we face.

Simple Ways to Get Started

You don’t have to be an artist or musician to benefit from these healing practices. What matters is giving yourself permission to try, to play, and to care for yourself. Here are some easy ways to begin:

• Doodle or Scribble: No rules, no judgment. Let your pen wander and see where it takes you.

• Coloring Books or Mandalas: These are accessible and proven to lower anxiety.

• Watercolor Painting: The fluidity and unpredictability encourage letting go and relaxation.

• Collage or Mixed Media: Cut and paste images or words that speak to you, creating a visual journal of your feelings or hopes.

• Listen to Music: Play songs that soothe or uplift you while you create, or try music therapy alone for stress relief.

• Share the Experience: Create with your loved one. It can strengthen your relationship and create joyful memories.

• Try Guided Sessions: Look for online art therapy or music therapy resources, or join a local support group for creative caregiving ideas.

Finding the Bright Side—Even in Your Thoughts

Let’s talk about those tough days when negative thoughts seem to crowd out everything else. I used to believe every harsh thought that crossed my mind, especially when I was exhausted. But I’ve learned that just because I think something doesn’t make it true.

Now, when I notice myself slipping into a negative mindset, I pause and ask, “Is there a different way to see this?” Sometimes, I’ll even use my art to explore what’s really going on inside. It’s amazing how a splash of color or a favorite song can help me see things from a new angle. The bright side is always there, even if it’s just a tiny spark at first.

The Ripple Effect

When I take care of myself, I notice that my loved one feels better too. Patients often feel less guilty and more empowered when they see their caregivers practicing self-care. And when we encourage each other to try stress-reducing activities, our home feels lighter, more hopeful, and more connected.

Self-care, art therapy, and music are not luxuries—they’re essential tools for managing the stress of CIDP, improving mental health, and maintaining hope and connection. Don’t wait until you’re burned out. Start today, even if it’s just a few minutes at a time. You might be surprised by how much lighter, calmer, and more resilient you feel.

Encouragement from Experience

If you’re hesitant, start small. Try coloring or doodling to your favorite song. Notice how your body feels, how your mind quiets, and how your stress begins to melt away. Healing is possible, and you deserve it. Even a few minutes of creative expression or listening to music can lift my mood, calm my mind, and help me feel more hopeful—even on the hardest days. If you look for it, there’s always a bright side waiting to be discovered.

Practical Tips for Everyday Self-Care

• Start small: Even five minutes of self-care can make a difference. Try a quick walk, a favorite song, or a little creative time.

• Notice your thoughts: When you catch yourself in a negative spiral, pause and ask, “Is this really true?” Be gentle with yourself.

• Make art and music part of your routine: Don’t worry about the outcome—just enjoy the process.

• Connect with others: Share your experiences with friends, support groups, or online communities. You’re not alone.

• Celebrate small wins: Notice and appreciate the little things that go right each day.

A Final Word: The Bright Side Is Real

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story, it’s this: healing and hope are always possible, even in the most challenging times. Art therapy and music aren’t just hobbies—they are powerful, evidence-based tools for lowering stress and nurturing your spirit, whether you’re a CIDP patient or a caregiver.

You don’t have to be perfect or have any special skills—just an open mind and a willingness to start. These practices have helped me through some of my hardest days, and I believe they can help you, too. You are not alone on this journey, and you deserve moments of peace, comfort, and even joy.

If you look for the bright side, you’ll find it—even in the most unexpected places.

References:There are 20 links here for a reason,use them.

VERIFIED April 2025

1. https://sageclinic.org/blog/art-relieve-stress/

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836011/

3. https://www.verywellmind.com/art-therapy-relieve-stress-by-being-creative-3144581

4. https://www.arttherapy.org/EatingDisorderToolkit/assessingstress.pdf

5. https://www.abundancetherapycenter.com/blog/5-art-therapy-exercises-for-stress-relief

6. https://www.verywellmind.com/art-activities-for-stress-relief-3144589

7. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_benefits_art_therapy_can_have_on_mental_and_physical_health

8. https://psychcentral.com/stress/art-therapy-ways-to-draw-your-stress-out

9. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1324415/full

10. https://www.healthline.com/health/art-therapy-for-coping-with-stress

11. https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2016/june/art_hormone_levels_lower

12. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/the-art-of-destressing-how-creativity-creates-less-stress/

13. https://www.gbs-cidp.org/2022/11/self-care-for-caregivers-what-why-how/

14. https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/bitstreams/8a073288-3763-44df-9801-1a9634df4daf/download

15. https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/metro-san-antonio/about-us/blog/unlocking-the-benefits-of-music-for-effective-caregiving/

16. https://www.jameslwest.org/blog/caregiver-health-change-your-thinking/

17. https://shiningthroughcidp.com/everyday-life-with-cidp/stress-management-tips

18. https://www.shiningthroughcidp.com/everyday-life-with-cidp/managing-emotions

19. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/music-therapy-improves-well-being-in-people-with-dementia-and-caregivers

20. https://blogs.bcm.edu/2024/11/18/self-care-for-the-caregiver/

STAY IN THE MOMENT

There was a time when my days felt like a race I could never win. I’d move from one task to the next, my mind always a step ahead—worrying about what I hadn’t finished or what tomorrow might bring. It left me feeling drained and disconnected, not just from others, but from myself.

Everything changed the morning I decided to slow down. Instead of rushing through my coffee, I sat by the window and really noticed the world outside. I watched sunlight dance on the leaves, felt the warmth of the mug in my hands, and listened to the quiet hum of the morning. For the first time in a long while, I felt present. The worries and noise faded, replaced by a gentle sense of peace.

That small act became a turning point. I started seeking out more mindful moments—taking a walk without my phone, breathing deeply before answering an email, or simply savoring a favorite song. Staying in the moment has helped me tremendously. I notice little joys I used to overlook: the sound of laughter, the taste of a home-cooked meal, the softness of a blanket at night.

But I didn’t learn these lessons alone. I am deeply grateful to the essential, talented, and brilliant health professionals who have guided me along the way. Their encouragement, expertise, and compassion taught me not only how to care for my loved one, but also how to care for myself. They showed me the value of pausing, being present, and truly living in each moment.

Now, when challenges come, I meet them with greater calm and clarity. I’ve learned that life’s richness is found right here, in the present. By choosing to stay in the moment—and with the support of those remarkable professionals—I’ve discovered a more peaceful, fulfilling way to live, one mindful breath at a time.

TILL NEXT TIME