Whether you’re a naturally creative person or you aren’t that in touch with this side of your personality, it’s worth taking steps to embrace your creativity – it has many benefits from a mental wellbeing perspective.
Keep reading to discover some ideas for tapping into your creativity along with the science of why it works.
1. Doodling
Doodling isn’t just for passing the time in meetings. It’s a great way to focus your mind and reduce stress.
Why does doodling work? Because it engages both the brain and body, much like meditation but with a pen in hand.
Many people, including notable artists like Haring and Basquiat, started their masterpieces from simple sketches on napkins. You don’t need fancy tools – just grab any piece of paper and start drawing!
You could even translate your doodled designs into tangible products, like prints for your walls, customizable embroidered hoodies, or cards to post to friends and family.
2. Digital Art
Whether you're using a laptop, iPad, or graphic tablet, the latest platforms offer endless possibilities for digital art. It's accessible and versatile, offering:
- Instant gratification. Tools like Procreate provide immediate feedback with limitless undo options.
- Easy exploration. Experiment with various styles and techniques without the mess of traditional media.
- Portable studio. Carry your entire studio on a single device, ready to sketch wherever inspiration strikes.
Tech innovators like David Hockney have showcased the power of blending technology and creativity. So give yourself permission to play around with colours, brushes, and layers digitally. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to help you get started!
3. Acrylic Painting
Want to step away from the screens?
Acrylic painting is a popular option for beginners as it's very easy to use. Here’s why:
- Water solubility. Acrylic paints are water-based, making them easy to thin with water and clean up with soap and water. There's no need for harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Quick drying time. Acrylic paints dry quickly, which allows for rapid layering and adjustments without long waits.
- Versatility. Acrylics can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and fabric. They can mimic the look of watercolour when diluted or oil paints when used thickly.
Again, there are plenty of free online tutorials to explore.
Why not consider the type of art you’re drawn to and give it a go yourself? You may surprise yourself with what you can create.
The Science of Flow
So, why are creative endeavours so good for our mental wellbeing?
One mechanism relates to flow, a concept popularised by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It describes a state of deep engagement in an activity. When you experience flow, you lose track of time and become fully absorbed in the task at hand.
Creative tasks often induce a state of flow. They present a balanced level of challenge, being neither too easy nor too difficult, which is essential for the flow state.
Flow is a form of cognitive distraction. If you struggle with rumination, flow-inducing activities are an outlet to quiet your mind. When in the flow state, your attention is fully absorbed in the activity at hand, which leaves little room for distressing mental chatter.
The sense of accomplishment derived from creative work can also boost mood, and having hobbies we enjoy is important for overall wellbeing. Hobbies provide a break from the routine pressures of work, family, and other responsibilities. This break is essential for mental health, as it allows you to relax and recharge, returning to your daily tasks with renewed energy.
In addition, creativity provides a healthy outlet for expressing your emotions. Whether through painting, writing, or music, you can process your feelings in a constructive way. This can be especially therapeutic for people who struggle to express their emotions verbally.
More Creative Hobby Ideas
Feeling inspired?
Here’s a list of ideas of other creative activities to try:
- Writing (poetry, fiction, non-fiction)
- Journaling
- Calligraphy
- Interior design
- Photography
- Filmmaking
- Motion design
- Scrapbooking
- Card making
- Pottery
- Jewellery making
- Candle making
- Macramé
- Embroidery
- Knitting
- Crocheting
- Sewing
- Quilting
- Origami
- Blogging
- Songwriting
- Playing an instrument
- Dancing
- Gardening
- Terrarium making
- Soap making
- Epoxy resin art
Pinterest is also a great source for DIY craft projects inspiration!
Tips for Embracing Creativity
Here are some tips for how to approach your creative endeavours:
- Practice non-judgmental awareness. Cultivate a non-judgmental attitude towards your creative process. Recognise that every idea, mistake, or experiment contributes to your learning. Avoid harsh self-criticism and instead view setbacks as opportunities for improvement.
- Let go of perfectionism. Embrace the imperfections inherent in the creative process. Understand that creativity thrives in experimentation and willingness to make mistakes. Allow yourself the freedom to learn from trial and error.
- Seek inspiration. Draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including nature, art, literature, and everyday experiences. Exposing yourself to diverse influences can spark new ideas in your creative work.
- Celebrate achievements. Acknowledge your creative achievements, no matter how small. Reflect on what worked well and what you learned from setbacks.
By adopting these practices, you can cultivate a more fulfilling creative process.
Summary
Creative endeavours can boost your mental wellbeing through a range of mechanisms: flow, enjoyment, relaxation, a sense of reward and accomplishment, and emotional expression.
Whether through artistic pursuits or innovative projects, embracing creativity as a regular practice can enrich your overall wellbeing and quality of life.
If you’ve kept your creative spirit locked away, hopefully you now have some ideas for how to embrace it!
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