Most of us associate creativity with singing, dancing, visual arts and writing. Although these are certainly all expressions of creativity, it encompasses so much more. The ability to create just about anything, the capacity to see or make connections between existing ideas and to come up with new solutions to existing problems, or simple acts such as cooking a healthy meal from scratch or putting together a fabulous combination from the clothes in your closet can all be extremely creative actions.
But what does creativity have to do with your health?
Increasingly, creativity is being recognized as a powerful mind-body wellness practice. Research shows that people who are creative are also more joyful, open-minded, self-expressive, achieving and truer to themselves. The act of creativity builds a momentum which allows you to:
- Come up with creative solutions
- Improve your ability to understand other people and different perspectives
- Process and release your thoughts and emotions
- Minimize stress, anxiety and depression
- Increase feelings of accomplishment and self-esteem
- Develop a broader and more positive and dynamic view of the world
Who doesn’t want to practice something they enjoy and feel better in the process?
Here are some tips and simple ways to cultivate and nourish your creativity that anyone can practice:
- Choose an interest based on what you enjoy or have the desire to learn. What is something you liked as a child? Or something you’ve always wanted to try? What skill have you been wanting to learn?
- Schedule time for creative activities, to make sure they actually happen.
- Enjoy the process! Your drawing or freshly baked pie may not be Instagram-worthy, but that isn’t the point. The process is. Have fun and enjoy it.
- Ask yourself “what if” questions to come up with solutions for the problems you encounter. For example, if you wish for something you can’t afford, ask, “what can I use as an affordable replacement?” or “how I can make my own?” This kind of thinking will promote creative problem solving.
- Be spontaneous. Do something unexpected to spark your creativity. Visit a new place, practice an activity you’ve never tried, or pick an exotic ingredient and cook a meal around it. Change the order of your daily routine. Drive to work using a different route.
- Get inspired. Visit a gallery or museum. Attend a garden show. Go to a book launch. Take a walk-in nature.
- Start coloring! The current mandala coloring trend is popular for a reason. The act of putting pencil to paper is a calming mindful one.
- Read different kinds of books. Reading opens and expands your mind to new ideas. Try to alternate different types of books to activate your mind in new ways.
Creative expression, in whatever way you practice it, is good for you in one way or another. It is literally therapy for your mind. Whether it is problem solving, singing, writing, baking, gardening, knitting, coloring, listening to or playing music, anyone can benefit.
I invite you to look at all that creativity encompasses and hope this inspires you to make it part of your wellness plan. Start small and let your creative powers run wild.
