Creative Expression and Routine as Survival Strategies
Adolescents developed personalized routines and creative habits to navigate the uncertainty, monotony, and emotional challenges of lockdowns. Structured schedules, consistent online habits, and personal rituals provided a sense of control in an otherwise disrupted environment. Many youth turned to creative outlets such as photography, drawing, journaling, digital art, and music, using them to process feelings, explore identity, and express themselves in meaningful ways. These activities fostered both self-reflection and emotional regulation, helping adolescents maintain mental well-being and a sense of accomplishment.
By integrating creativity with practical routines, youth were able to sustain engagement, reduce anxiety, and find purpose despite the constraints of isolation. The combination of structured daily patterns and personal creative projects illustrates a dynamic, culturally informed approach to coping that balances individual needs with environmental limitations, offering insight into strategies that can support youth well-being in future crises.