Exploring New Ways to Express Creativity
A popular topic that has come up recently in conversations with clients is finding new ways to express creativity. Whether it’s a way to cope with stress, discover a creative outlet, or break the routine of coming home and watching TV after a long workday, creativity can be a powerful form of self-care.
Research shows that engaging in creative activities offers psychological, cognitive, professional, and mood-enhancing benefits. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want all of those things?
Psychological Well-being
Creativity positively impacts mental health and well-being. Those who engage in creative activities tend to report higher happiness levels and experience more positive emotions the day after being creative. Creative activities have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms, alleviate anxiety, and even boost immune function—perfect for this time of year when sickness is all around!
Cognitive Well-being
Regular creative activities can support cognitive function. For instance, older adults who engaged in creative activities were 73% less likely to develop cognitive impairments. Creativity strengthens the brain’s connections and enhances problem-solving abilities. It also fosters the mental and physical development essential for memory and coordination.
Professional and Personal Development
Creativity is crucial for both personal fulfillment and professional growth. It fuels innovation, helping us generate new ideas, solve problems, and grow as individuals. Thinking creatively lays the foundation for new solutions, whether for new or existing challenges.
Exploring the ‘How’ of Creativity
Now that you understand the why behind creativity, let’s explore the how. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to creative expression. You might need to try a few different things to find what excites and challenges you. For many, creativity is a way to cope with stress, whether it’s from work, personal life challenges, or burnout. Having a relaxing, creative outlet can make a huge difference.
If you’re not sure where to start, try this:
- Set a timer for 3-5 minutes.
- Brainstorm ideas. Think of things you’ve done before, things your friends enjoy, or even something you’ve always wanted to try. The goal is to get everything that’s on your mind onto paper.
- Review your list and select your top 3 ideas. These could be the most exciting, doable, or affordable options.
- Choose one option and give it a try! Whether it requires supplies, a class, or you already have what you need, the key is to make the decision and take action.
- Evaluate the experience. It’s okay if you don’t enjoy it—just move on to the next idea on your list. You’ve already created a great set of options to explore!
Aim to engage in a creative activity at least once a week. Start with just a few minutes. As you discover what you enjoy, you may find you want to dedicate more time—and that’s a beautiful thing. Inviting friends or family to join you can be a fun way to share ideas and try new activities together. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while—it’s a key part of personal growth and developing a growth mindset (more on that in next month’s topic!).
Creative Ideas to Get You Started
- Journaling
- Photography
- DIY Craft Projects
- Cooking or Baking
- Music
- Dancing
- Creative Writing
- Gardening
- Digital Art
- Knitting or Crocheting
- Calligraphy or Hand-lettering
- Origami
- Improv or Acting
- Learning a New Language
- Playing an Instrument
- Coloring
- Drawing or Painting
