Enhancing Mental Health by Embracing Creativity
Creativity can help with your overall mental health
More than ever, people are searching for ways to reduce their symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. In a time where productivity is on everyone’s mind, it can be easy to overlook creativity as a tool for enhancing mental well being. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human, we are all creative in our own unique ways. More than just making art, creativity is about expressing ourselves, telling our stories, and learning about who we are and what’s important to us. Creating is not about escaping reality when things get tough, but it’s about connecting with ourselves and others.
Creativity can be applied to so many aspects of our lives, and the more we exercise our creative muscle, the better we are at being able to use it. We can find creative outlets in visual arts, music, writing, problem solving, crafting, theater, dancing, singing, and more! Research has consistently shown a positive association between creativity and mental health. Creativity can help enhance our mental health in the following ways:
Emotional Regulation: Creativity can be an outlet for emotional expression in times when words aren’t enough. We can learn to regulate ourselves and our emotions through the practice of creative expression. It gives us the ability to put our feelings into something tangible, or create something positive and meaningful that didn’t exist before.
Cognitive Flexibility: When we create, we have to solve problems and explore alternatives. This enhances our resilience and coping skills. We learn to become more self-efficacious and develop confidence in ourselves as a result.
Social Connectedness: Often when we engage in a creative pursuit, we are able to do so with other people. Whether it’s being part of a theater group, marching band, quilting bee, online forums, or an art class in your community. We find support with others in collaborative projects which gives us a sense of belonging.
There are many practical ways to get started with your creative pursuit. You can set aside time where you are dedicated to your creativity without distractions, read a book about creativity to get your ideas flowing, start small with no expectations - just start experimenting and see where it takes you, join a community of people with similar interests, and finally, take time to reflect on your creative process and what you have learned.
Incorporating creativity into your life isn’t just about producing art; it’s about nurturing your mental health and enhancing your overall quality of life. By embracing your creative side, you can cultivate resilience, improve your mood, and build a deeper understanding of yourself and others. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete novice, the journey of creativity is more valuable than anything that you produce.
