Why creativity is good for us

Girls hand with a camera

It’s easy to think of creativity as something reserved for musicians, artists, and writers, but, despite what you might have been taught, everyone can be creative. 

Creativity can be used in all jobs and in all areas of life. In fact, research has proven that tapping into our creative side is actually good for our mental health and well-being. Yes, it’s true! A creative act such as crafting can help focus the mind and has been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body. Activities like gardening or sewing releases dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. Creativity can also reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. So grab your paint brushes and glue stick and let your creative side shine on!

Creativity comes in many forms, not just painting, art, music, dance, crafts, gardening, and writing. Ever since my sweetie and I started our journey of eating a plant-based diet, my creativity has really come to the front and center when it comes to cooking. Because we removed meat and dairy from our diets, I’ve had to relearn how to cook and be creative with what to substitute in recipes. It’s been a major learning curve, and it’s really challenged my creativity. Now I have more freedom when it comes to substituting ingredients, but I had to learn to let go and get in touch with my creative side in a new way. 

If you aren’t exactly sure how you might go about being more creative, here are a few ways to help boost your creativity.

Document memories, take photographs, collect and keep mementos 

At some point in everyone’s life, we look back on the memories that we have created, and a flood of emotions comes over us. Good or bad, those memories are a part of who we are. They shape us and, in many ways, make us better people. I grew up making scrapbooks with a camera that required developing the photos at the drug store. It was all a creative process: taking the photos, seeing what photos came out, and then making them look good in the photo album. I still enjoy looking through my old photo albums from time to time. Reliving happy memories is essential to our mental health. They strengthen our sense of identity and purpose and bond our relationships. Happy memories are an important ingredient in present happiness. Now we live in a digital world where we have cameras on our phones, and we can download photos to Instagram and capture our memories in minutes. I love seeing how creative people are in their posts, and it gets my creativity going, too. 

Remember to play

Just because we are all grown up does not mean that we don’t need to play. By nurturing our playful sides, we feel more joyful and creative. Set an intention to play more. During the pandemic, we brought out our puzzles and board games. I love a good puzzle. Taking our dog Benji to the dog beach brings out the play in everyone. The owners are tossing balls and throwing sticks and all the dogs are running and playing. It’s pure joy for all at the dog beach. Try a new fitness or dance class or an art class in your community. And kids are a great way to be in play. You can’t really engage with young kids without entering the world of play with them. Let them show you the way and leave your grownup mind behind.

Take a creative course

Some people prefer more structure and enjoy learning from teachers. If that’s you, then taking a creative course could be right up your alley. Creative classes could be anything from writing to photography and video or music and art. Regardless which course you take, you’ll be exposed to different ways of thinking and approaches to working that you can apply to your own life. Plus, you might uncover a passion or skill you never knew you had.

Do something physical

Research has shown that physical exercise helps us get out of the left-brain dominant thinking and instead helps us adapt to a more creative mindset. Exercise also increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which helps sharpen mental clarity. When we exercise, our endorphins produce a happiness boost, which helps fuel original or abstract thoughts. How fun is that!  So, if you want to boost your creative side, invest in a weekly exercise routine. Science certainly suggests it will prove to be quite effective. 

Unwind by watching funny content

Have you ever found yourself on YouTube watching funny dog videos, and time just gets away from you?  Turns out those silly dog videos may actually be helpful. Research shows there’s a strong correlation between humor and creativity. A laugh can bring you closer to those moments of inspiration. Humor also puts you in a better mood, allows you to think more freely, and be better at solving creative problems. If you look at your project from a more lighthearted perspective, you’ll allow yourself to have a fresh view on the problem at hand. So, hop on social media and enjoy the funny posts or check out YouTube for the silly bloopers and fun animal videos to help get your creative juices flowing.When you find something that appeals to your creative side, go for it! Jump in and have fun with it. Don’t judge or compare yourself to others. You might be the worst painter ever, but who cares as long as it makes you happy. Your knitting might look more like a tea cozy than a scarf, but that’s ok—you accomplished something. You might sing out of tune but go ahead and belt out that song like you’re in a Broadway show. It’s all about finding joy and tapping into your creative side. So, embrace your creativity and find your passion—Science has proven it’s good for you.