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The Joy of Creation: How Creativity Can Boost Your Mood

Self-care challenge

We're about to dive deep into the fascinating link between creativity and mental well-being. I’m sure you’ve all had that one kid in your class at school who was always doodling or daydreaming, and was often lost with what was happening in class…maybe the student was you! Did you know that it is often these students who go on to be super successful and are the ones who become amazing entrepreneurs? There is a massive link between creativity and success in life and business, as well as improved mental well-being.

 

But, what if I’m not creative? Yes, some people are naturally more creative while some and more logical. However; creativity, like a muscle, can be exercised to become stronger. Keep reading for tips on how to flex your creativity to boost your mood. Who knows, you may just become the next big entrepreneur of this decade ;)

 

What’s in the blog:

 

 

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION


Picture this – a world where doodles aren't just scribbles and imagination isn't just child's play. Research has shown time and time again that there's a strong correlation between flexing your creative muscles and boosting your mental well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, engaging in creative activities can lead to an increase in positive emotions, a decrease in anxiety and stress levels, and an overall improvement in psychological functioning. Furthermore, A study from 2021 showed that children with good creative skills ended up with better-paying jobs, higher quality jobs, obtained a higher education level, and had more self-confidence and independence.

So, it's time to pick up that paintbrush or dust off that old guitar – your mental health will thank you for it!

 


Child drawing

 

MOOD-BOOSTING MAGIC

Happy

Now, let's talk about how creativity can work its magic on your mood. You know that euphoric feeling you get when you're completely in the zone, lost in the flow of your creative process? Well, that's not just your imagination – it's science! When you engage in creative activities, your brain releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that's responsible for those moments of blissful joy and satisfaction. So, whether you're sketching, writing, dancing, or crafting, you're essentially giving your brain a happiness boost with every stroke of the pen or step of the dance.

 




 

TOP 10 TIPS FOR MOOD-BOOSTING CREATIVITY


Now that we've established the power of creativity in enhancing your mental wellbeing, let's dive into some practical tips for incorporating more creativity into your daily life:


Adult ballet

  • Carve Out Creative Time: Schedule regular blocks of time dedicated solely to creative pursuits. Whether it's ten minutes or an hour, make it a non-negotiable part of your day.

  • Try Something New: Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different creative mediums. You never know – you might discover a hidden talent! I signed up for adult ballet 3 years ago as it's something I never got the opportunity to do as a kid and always wanted to. It has been such a great challenge in so many ways and I love it!

  • Embrace Imperfection: Remember, creativity is about the process, not the end result. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or create something less than perfect – it's all part of the journey.

  • Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, whether it's nature, art, music, or literature. Let your surroundings fuel your creative fire.

Mindfulness

  • Practice Mindfulness: Get into the zone by practising mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation before diving into your creative endeavours.

  • Collaborate with Others: Join a creative group or collaborate with friends on a project. Sharing ideas and bouncing off each other's energy can be incredibly rewarding.

  • Take Breaks: Don't forget to give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Stepping away from your work can help refresh your creativity.

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your creative achievements, no matter how small. Every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

  • Stay Playful: Approach your creative pursuits with a sense of playfulness and curiosity. Don't take yourself too seriously – creativity thrives in an atmosphere of fun and spontaneity.

  • Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout your creative journey. Remember that it's okay to have off days or moments of self-doubt – what matters is that you keep showing up and expressing yourself.

 


 

10 CREATIVE ACTIVITIES TO TRY


Gardening

  • Drawing or Painting: Grab some coloured pencils, markers, or paints and let your imagination run wild on a blank canvas or sheet of paper.

  • Creative Writing: Start a journal, write poetry, or craft a short story – the possibilities are endless!

  • Photography: Explore the world through the lens of a camera and capture moments of beauty and inspiration.

  • Music: Play an instrument, sing your heart out, or create your own beats with music production software.

  • Cooking or Baking: Experiment with flavours and ingredients to whip up delicious and visually stunning dishes.

  • DIY Crafts: Get crafty with projects like knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, or upcycling old items into something new and exciting.

  • Gardening: Cultivate your green thumb by tending to indoor plants, creating a balcony garden, or planting flowers in your backyard.

  • Dancing: Let loose and dance like nobody's watching – whether it's ballet, salsa, hip-hop, or just grooving to your favourite tunes.

  • Acting or Improv: Channel your inner actor by participating in community theatre, joining an improv group, or practising monologues at home.

  • Meditative Art: Engage in mindful activities like adult colouring books, mandala drawing, or zen doodling to relax and unwind while tapping into your creativity.

 


 

THE FINAL WORD

So, there you have it – a crash course in the transformative power of creativity on your mental well-being. Whether you're painting a masterpiece, writing a poem, or simply doodling in the margins of your notebook, never underestimate the profound impact that creativity can have on your mood and overall happiness. So go ahead, unleash your inner Picasso and let your creativity run wild – your mental health will thank you for it! 🎨✨




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Hi, I'm Mandi. A former primary teacher, Lifestyle Medicine graduate and current Diploma in Natural Skincare student with a passion for natural living.

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