Do something creative to boost mental wellness
Do you find crafting, drawing or photography relaxing? You are not alone. Do something creative to boost mental wellness. This is not only effective for stress and anxiety, it’s an enjoyable task. As with other self-care tips, there is real science to back this one up. Let’s explore how diving into a creative task can increase our mental health.
Creativity boosts mental health
When we engage in creative activities, the result is an almost meditative state which some refer to as “flow.” It’s that feeling when time stands still and you are completely immersed in a task which is enjoyable. Studies show that individuals engaging in a creative task like sewing, knitting, baking and gardening have an increase in their levels of dopamine which is a natural anti-depressant. While this reduces the effects of anxiety, depression and stress, it has another interesting use. When individuals have suffered from extreme trauma, the creative arts are a way to communicate feelings without the need to use words. And, the good news is, you don’t even need artistic ability to benefit. Listening to music, doing crossword puzzles and even coloring can boost mood. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, remember to do something creative to boost your mental wellness.
Creativity positively impacts the body and brain
Music in particularly has been studied and utilized by the medical community. It can reduce pain, boosts immunity and even improves the connection between our right and left brain hemispheres. In another study, writing in particular positively boosted immunity. The act of keeping a journal resulted in an increase in the CD4+ lymphocyte count in participants. Journaling has also been found to help patients with chronic pain management. Hospitals use art and music to improve patient comfort and reduce the length of patient stays. Guided imagery and even having a landscape painting in the room of critical care patients results in shorter hospital stays. Try one of more of these techniques in your day-to-day life and see how you feel.
Art and creativity don’t require talent to be healthy
Don’t worry whether you are talented enough to make art. Just the act of coloring adult coloring pages, playing with clay and gluing collage materials to paper reduced student’s anxiety before taking final exams. Even a very brief period of artistic expression…no matter the quality…results in significant stress relief. The next time you’re feeling stressed, reach for a coloring book or some clay and feel better in minutes.
Just do something creative to boost your mental health
Creativity is one of the most effective (and quick) ways to reduce my anxiety. In particular, knitting and crochet are an easy-to-take-along way to almost immediately transport my mind to a happier place. In particular, I enjoy simple and repetitive patterns which don’t require much skill but result in wonderful blankets and throws. Think about activities you enjoyed as a child or maybe something you were taught by a loved one. My Grammy was the inspiration to pick up knitting needles again in my 30’s. A wonderful friend loves to color and pass along her work with a lovely note. Every time I look at one of her creations, it brings me joy and reminds me that someone cares. Take a few minutes and try something you enjoy creating today.
To read more about our 8 Ways to Wellness read this blog post. And don’t miss out on our FREE resource, 8 Quick Ways to Boost Wellness, which you can get here.
