Did you know that something as simple as drawing can have a positive effect on your health? Often we think of creativity as something reserved for an artist, musician, or writer, and limit ourselves by believing we are not creative. Maybe this comes from our own idea of what creativity really is. However, the truth is…We are ALL CREATIVE and creative expression is available to everyone.
Creativity simply means we are creating. Its the ability to create things, to find a solution to a problem, develop a new idea, or re-do an existing idea. Being creative can help you overcome obstacles and contribute to your resilience.
Cultivating your own creativity helps you navigate life and your own creative expression helps you be happier and healthier. Simply put it’s because creativity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. These are some amazing health benefits!
Another benefit is for your brain. New neurological pathways are built with creative expression. Creative expression helps to support immunity and lowers overall stress. It can also help you work through complex thoughts and feelings (my personal favorite…journaling).
Creative expression can come in the form of music, art, crafts, writing, being in nature, and movement. Anything that feels authentic to you and supports your healing and health. Turns out these are forms of self-care as well! So let’s embrace the fact that we are all creative. Creativity can be inspired when we rest, work, and play.
Creative Expression is available to all…we are all Creative, even if we have convinced ourselves we aren’t. Others may be more creative in certain areas. Some are just super creative in everything they do (we can learn from them)!
Ways to Inspire Creativity:
- Try something artistic: drawing, coloring, or painting
- Find a new hobby or learn a new skill: knitting, pottery, photography
- Take a cooking class or watch cooking videos online for inspiration
- Try changing an ingredient in a recipe to make it your own
- Experiment with growing your own herbs indoors
- Journal your feelings, thoughts, dreams
- Create a new healthy recipe
- Learn to play a musical instrument
This is just a short list of ideas for how you can add some creativity to your everyday life. It is important to choose something that fits into your current lifestyle and that’s also affordable.
Drawing, painting, and coloring are all things we did as kids. So why did we stop? These all brought us joy when we were young! There is literally no right or wrong way to color, paint, or draw. Maybe that is what made it so much fun for us? Maybe it allowed us to express who we are as an individual without fear of judgement? Don’t be afraid to start up again.
Another form of creative expression is journaling. For a very small investment (a journal can be purchased for under $5) you can start drawing or writing as a way to relax at night. Or maybe for you journaling would be best done first thing in the morning. There is no wrong way to approach creative expression. The best way is whatever works for you!
If the idea of writing, journaling, or drawing isn’t for you; how about a new craft or hobby? Knitting, pottery, photography, sewing, quilting, or cooking? Pick something you have always wanted to try. Your brain will thank you!
Remember that creativity is all around us. In a world where everything has gotten so complex, it’s great to know that simple things still have a positive impact.
Please share how you use creativity in your life! Do you have something you have always wanted to try? What are you waiting for??? If you try something new, I would love to hear from you! Ha! I didn’t even mean for that to rhyme:)
Leave a Reply