Creativity is an underestimated tool and resource when it comes to our mental health and wellbeing, positively affecting our brains, emotional stability, and stress levels. Engaging in creative activities has been shown to help with depression, anxiety, trauma, and burnout. It can provide a therapeutic outlet, helping us to safely explore, express, and process feelings and emotions.

The benefits very much lie in the process itself, not so much in the quality of the product or outcome, so it is important to do it without expectations. This should be for you alone, an activity for self-exploration and self-expression, which can help build self-confidence and resilience and deepen your connection with yourself.

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Creative activities that involve sounds, colours, or movement stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us to relax and reduce stress (the so-called “rest and digest” system). They can also increase our level of endorphins, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being (also known as one of the “feel-good hormones”).

Another aspect of such activities is the option to attend classes, giving those struggling with isolation and loneliness and opportunity to meet new people and gain a feeling of community.

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There are many different types of creative engagements to choose from:

🌿 Painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, art classes

🌿 Listening to music, singing, playing instruments

🌿 Journaling and expressive/creative writing

🌿 Movement-based activities, like dancing or theatrical performance

🌿 DIY crafts, knitting, baking, etc.

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While art or music classes can be fun, they also require a certain time commitment and – sometimes – come at a cost. If you are looking for easier, simpler ways to integrate creativity into your life to promote wellbeing, try one of these tips:

🌿 Start journaling or freewriting to get into the habit of expressing your feelings and emotions.

🌿 Listen to music to unwind and/or dance to a favourite song of yours to release stress and any built-up emotions.

🌿 Create something with your hands – baking, knitting, crafting, etc. This process can be very meditative and provide distraction for both brain and body.

🌿 Engage with colour – paint, draw, doodle, try new make-up shades, etc. My own personal favourite is time with a colouring book, which I find incredibly soothing.

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References:

• Cedars Sinai Mental Health Center: https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/the-connection-between-creativity-and-mental-health/
• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cultural-neuroscience/202506/the-healing-potential-of-creative-experiences
• Mental Health UK: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/news-and-insights/why-creativity-is-important-for-your-mental-health/