Ep 136 - Using Creativity to Process Emotions with Jen Colombo

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like you're always just barely holding it together?

This episode is for you.

Join me and watercolor artist Jen Colombo as we dive into emotional regulation for anxious women using simple, creative tools like art, music, and playful expression. 

You don’t need to be artsy to benefit. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional overload, Jen shares how intuitive art can help you process emotions, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with your inner peace.

We talk about:

• How creativity helps regulate emotions
• Simple art-based practices anyone can do (no talent required!)
• Why play speeds up emotional healing
• How music and movement deepen your self-awareness
• What to do when you feel stuck, anxious, or overthinking everything

Ready to feel better and have fun doing it? Grab some crayons and hit play.

Connect with Jen

Web: jencolombo.com

Creative Exploration info: jencolombo.com/creative-explorations

IG: @jenfayeart 

FB: @jenniferfayecolomboart 

Ambitious Overthinkers Anonymous is a community for high-achieving women ready to stop overthinking, manage stress, and build confidence. You can learn all about what's inside and sign up now HERE.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Art and Emotional Processing
• 4:27 Creativity Myths Debunked
• 10:44 Jen's Journey With Watercolor
• 17:56 Art as Meditation and Emotional Release
• 28:12 Perfectionism and Letting Go
• 38:47 Practical Art Activity For Listeners
• 47:36 Closing Thoughts and Connection Information

Transcript

Ep 136 -  Using Creativity to Process Emotions with Jen Colombo

Welcome to More Than Anxiety

Hey there! I'm Megan Devito, and I help ambitious women break free from anxiety, overthinking, and the constant stress spiral. In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderfully creative Jen Colombo -  artist, watercolorist, and emotional-processing genius through art.

This episode is packed with real talk, lightbulb moments, and a fun, playful way to tap into your creativity and actually process emotions without needing to be "good" at art.

Meet Jen Colombo

Jen is a watercolor artist who uses her creative process as a simple and powerful tool to move through emotions, limiting beliefs, and daily stress. Her message is clear: you don't have to be an artist to use art as a healing tool.

Whether it's crayons, markers, or the pen on your desk, Jen encourages everyone to ditch perfectionism and allow the process of making art to be playful and intuitive.

Not an Artist? No Problem.

"I'm not creative." Jen busted that one wide open from the get go. Everyone is creative, whether it’s how you parent, cook, organize, or decorate your home. Art for healing doesn’t require talent; just curiosity.

Jen compares this kind of art to journaling but with colors and shapes instead of words. The goal isn’t to make something beautiful. The goal is to feel, release, and reconnect to the present.

How Jen Discovered the Healing Power of Art

Jen always loved art, but didn’t pursue it professionally at first. After working in the entertainment industry, she felt the pull to return to painting and ignored it until the nudges became shoves.

She enrolled in a beginner watercolor class just for fun and accidentally uncovered a deeply intuitive process. By listening to music and letting it guide her brushstrokes, Jen found herself using color and movement to express and process emotions.

Now, she uses art as meditation, regulation, and even daily reset.

Processing Emotions Doesn’t Have to Be Heavy or Intense

Whether it's grief, anxiety, anger, or even joy, emotions are meant to be felt. Ignoring them only amplifies the discomfort. Processing them means making space to feel and let them move through you.

Jen’s art-based techniques help you feel those feelings without getting stuck in them. And the best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

The 5-Minute Creative Reset

Want to try it? Here’s Jen’s go-to technique:

1. Grab supplies: Anything works  - crayons, markers, pens, watercolors.
2. Pick music: Let the vibe match your goal. 
3. Set a timer: Just 5 minutes.
4. Doodle or color freely: No rules. No judgment. 
5. Notice your body: Are you rushing? Gripping the pen too tightly? Let it soften. Breathe. Listen and color.

This exercise is both grounding and freeing. It’s especially powerful if you’ve been stuck in perfectionism, stress, or just need a breather.

Why Play Matters

As adults, we often forget the power of play, but incorporating creativity, movement, and joy into your daily life makes emotional healing faster and more effective.

Remember, don’t care if the sky is purple. Neither should you. Art can be your playground or your escape. Let it be messy, colorful, and completely yours.

Final Takeaways

• You don’t have to be an artist to heal through art.
• Creativity helps you process emotions in a safe, intuitive way.
• There is no wrong way to feel or express what’s inside.
• Play speeds up healing and makes the process enjoyable.

Connect with Jen

Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenfayeart
Explore her work and creative offerings: jencolombo.com

Ready to Quiet Your Mind?

If you're ready to stop overthinking and feel confident, calm, and in control — check out:

🧠 Ambitious Overthinkers Anonymous — my monthly group coaching community
🎯 1:1 Coaching — Deep, personalized support

Find the links in the show notes or head over to megandevito.com to learn more.

Until next time — paint outside the lines, and take it slow. 😉