Cultivating creativity: benefits in every day life
One thing that I’ve learned in the last year is that when I create something (whether it be a DIY decorating project, a food photography collage to display in our kitchen or a delicious party menu), I feel good. It brings me joy to think outside of the box and begin to imagine something and bring it to life. Blogging helps fill that need, as well as home decorating and creating new recipes and menus. I also love doing crafts with my son and creating “small worlds” sensory bins to explore with him (for some inspiration and clarification on what these are visit http://www.funathomewithkids.com/search/?q=small+worlds).
For some people, that need to create and express themselves is filled through art, music, theatre, writing, floral arrangements, crafting, sewing, photography, and so much more. Creating can help us find meaning, create beauty, express one’s feelings and ideas and share stories to make sense of the world, to entertain, to inspire, to open someone’s ideas to something they hadn’t thought of or didn’t understand until now.
In some recent research studies they found that creativity has a positive effect on mental health and well-being. This is why when I think of creating a healthy, meaningful life, cultivating that creative side we all have is part of it. Some people may not know what that means for them and it’s possible that for some people ofcourse this isn’t part of how they would define their well-being, so I write this for those who do feel that it can help them or have seen obvious proof in their life that it does. I thought it would be interesting to share some of the research I found lately on the benefits of being creative, as well as some tips on cultivating creativity in your life.
What the research shows:
-In looking at over 100 studies on the benefits of creativity, some of the most interesting benefits found that engaging in regular creative activities reduces stress and anxiety and increases positive emotions, can reduce chances of developing depression, and can improve positive identity and social networks (1)
-A recent study in the Journal of Positive Psychology showed that doing one creative activity a day can lead to a more positive state of mind, with a positive impact on social relationships and positivity in the workplace (2)
-Creativity has also been linked to improvements in self-esteem, increased happiness and boosting your immune system (3)
Tips for cultivating creativity:
-Be curious and try something new, take a class, connect with others who also want to connect with their creative side
-Reconnect with something you loved as a kid. Adult coloring books are becoming a big hit for example. Maybe you liked painting or maybe you used to write poems? What could you try again?
-Give yourself enough time. Creativity is like a feeling of flow – you don’t want to interrupt that flow by doing it at a time when you're rushed or when you are getting constantly distracted
-Find a workspace/room/table for creative activities and keep your "work" out in view so you are inspired and reminded to come back to it
-Keep a list of ideas that inspire you and come back to that list and work from it
-Find inspiration to help creative flow: spend time outdoors, listen to music, look at art work and great photography
What are your favorite activities to cultivate creativity in your life?
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-clear/make-more-art-the-health-benefits-of-creativity_b_8868802.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201612/creativity-and-emotional-well-being-recent-research
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/charles-benayon-/how-creativity-improves-mental-health-and-wellness_a_23016111/
