Creative Techniques to Give Our Minds A Break with Natalie Lu - Joleen's Happy Time Craftcast 42

Hey, friends! It’s Joleen here, and guess what? We just wrapped up Episode 42 of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, and oh boy – this one’s a gem! I had the absolute delight of chatting with my dear friend Natalie Lu, and let me tell you, if you’ve been feeling a little frazzled (hello, life), this episode is your personal invitation to pause, breathe, and get creative.

Natalie isn’t just a fabulous human – she’s a patient safety coach, the founder of The Reflective Nurse LLC, and a pro at using creativity to help us handle stress. With 25 years in healthcare (yes, 25!), she knows a thing or two about managing pressure – and she’s got a seriously refreshing take on self-care that I am OBSESSED with.

So, pull up a chair (or your craft table) because I’m about to spill all the goodies from our conversation – including some nerdy brain science, her top 10 retreat must-haves, and why sticking your face in a visual journal might just be the best decision you make this week. Let’s go! 


Meet Natalie – A Nurse Who Knows Creativity is Medicine

First off – Natalie is a total ray of sunshine. She’s one of those people who makes you feel seen and heard, which is probably why I could talk to her for hours (and I almost did – oops). She’s on a mission to help folks like you and me use creative expression to process stress and find joy – and she’s got the research to back it up.

One of the coolest things she shared? The idea that creativity helps complete the "stress response cycle." (I know – it sounds fancy, but stick with me.) Basically, when life’s throwing lemons at your face, your body kicks into “fight or flight” mode – and without a way to release that tension, the stress just sticks around. Not fun, right?

Enter creative journaling – Natalie’s go-to tool for hitting the “reset” button. It’s not just about scribbling feelings (although that’s cool too) – it’s about making a mess, cutting and pasting, and letting your brain exhale. She even showed me her own art journal, which she’s been working on since 2017 – and I kid you not, it’s a beautiful, paint-splattered masterpiece that I’m now deeply jealous of.

 

What the Heck is Creative Journaling (and Why Should You Care)?

Okay, confession time – when you hear the word "journaling," do you picture a moody teenager scribbling about heartbreak in a diary? SAME. But Natalie totally flipped that script.

Creative journaling isn’t about writing perfectly structured sentences or having museum-worthy art. It’s about having a space – a canvas – to dump your thoughts, play with color, and express yourself without judgment. And honestly? It sounds like EXACTLY what we all need.

Natalie put it best when she said:

👉 “Creative journaling is a charging station – a place to get messy and recharge your spirit.”

I mean, YES PLEASE. 🙌

And here’s the kicker – you don’t need fancy supplies or a Pinterest-perfect notebook to start. Natalie swears by using whatever you have – sketchbooks, composition notebooks, even old books you can repurpose. If it’s got pages, it counts.

 

The Big Raven Farm Retreat – Come Play with Us!

Now, if all this creativity talk is making your heart do a happy dance, you NEED to hear about the Big Raven Farm Retreat that Natalie and I are hosting from April 10-13. It’s basically a dream weekend where we’re combining art, self-care, and seriously good vibes – and trust me, you want in.

Natalie even shared her Top 10 Things she’s most excited about – including cozying up in the Driftless Region (hello, nature!), the joy of creating alongside others, and, yes – deep conversations about adhesives (we’re a passionate group, okay?).

If you’ve ever wanted to escape real life for a few days and just play, breathe, and recharge – this is your sign. Come hang out with us. We’ll save you a seat (and maybe a glue stick). 

 

Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss

If you missed the episode (how dare you! 😉), here are a few golden nuggets to take with you:

✨ 1. Creativity is self-care. Whether it’s journaling, doodling, or crafting – making things helps you process stress and recharge your emotional batteries.

✨ 2. There are no rules. Anything in a book counts as journaling – ANYTHING. (Yes, even those messy collages and half-finished doodles.)

✨ 3. Slow down and listen. Your body gives you clues when you’re stressed – and how you respond is everything. Natalie encourages us to choose healthier responses – like picking up a journal instead of doom-scrolling.

✨ 4. Anticipation is a mood booster. Writing down what you’re excited about (like Natalie’s top 10 list) amplifies the joy. What are you looking forward to? Write it down and watch the magic happen.

 

Let’s Get Creative – Together!

I walked away from this chat feeling so inspired to carve out time for creative breaks – because as Natalie reminded me, we deserve it. And guess what? YOU deserve it, too.

So, whether you’re new to creative journaling or a seasoned glue-stick warrior, I’d love to hear from you – how do you use creativity to unwind? Drop a comment and let me know!

And hey – if you’re feeling the pull to dive deeper, grab your spot at our Big Raven Farm Retreat (April 10-13). Let’s play, rest, and create together – it’s going to be a blast.

Until next time – keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep taking care of YOU. 💖

xoxo,
Joleen

 

PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:

Guest Bio

Natalie Lu is a patient safety coach and the founder of The Reflective Nurse LLC with 25 years of healthcare experience. She specializes in helping people build resilience through creative expression—particularly through art and visual journaling. Natalie is passionate about fostering community, encouraging self-care, and embracing the power of creativity.


Follow Natalie


Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 02:11] – Welcome to the Happy Time Craftcast!
[02:12 – 06:44] – Meet Natalie Lu: Patient Safety Coach & Creative Journaler
[06:45 – 12:29] – The Science Behind Stress and Creative Expression
[12:30 – 18:19] – What is Creative Journaling (and Why You Should Try It)
[18:20 – 25:39] – The Emotional Benefits of a “Messy” Art Journal
[25:40 – 30:14] – Why Creative Connection is Essential for Self-Care
[30:15 – 41:59] – Natalie’s Top 10 Things She’s Excited for at Big Raven Farm
[42:00 – End]  –  Call-to-Action: Join the Retreat (April 10-13)! 

Quotes from the Episode:

“Creative journaling is a charging station—a place to get messy and recharge your spirit.” – Natalie Lu
“Your art journal is a safe place—it’s yours, it’s personal, and there are no rules.” – Natalie Lu
“Stress is inevitable, but how we respond to it is where our power lies.” – Natalie Lu
“There’s something magical about sharing creative space with others—it multiplies the joy.” – Natalie Lu

Resources and Links:

 

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