January is International Creativity Month. What does creativity have to with your overall health and wellness? It turns out a lot! In more recent years, there has been actual research on the subject; and the findings suggest that being creative is useful for both our mental and physical health.
How Creativity Affects Your Health
A Happier You!
A creative routine can build a positive self-identity, provide an outlet when under stress, and build self-esteem by developing or improving an area of creative interest. Research suggests that creative moments come from a blend of dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is considered the “happy” hormone.
A Calmer You!
The average person has about 60,000 thoughts per day; I doubt that any of us have 60,000 positive thoughts every day. Expressive writing has been found to reduce stress, especially if there has been some type of traumatic event. Have you ever been upset, written down your feelings and felt better just by this act? Drawing, painting, or molding clay have also been helpful when dealing with trauma. Many crafting acts have been found to be as powerful as meditation.
A Smarter You!
A couple of studies from 2004 suggest creative practices can improve brain function. One study suggests that playing a musical instrument improved the connectivity between your right and left brain. Einstein was a genius physicist, but did you also know he was a master violinist? Did his playing the violin increase his creativity? Well research may suggest that may be the case.
Another study found that older adults who participate in theatre performances had improved psychological well-being and exhibited better cognitive functioning. A Mayo Clinic study proposed that creative expression and exposure to the arts may positively affect cognitive and psychological health, Parkinson’s Disease, and some forms of dementia.
A Healthier You!
It has been found that people who write about their daily experiences actually have stronger immune system function; if you have considered journaling, this is another reason to start. Expressive writing has also been found to help to control pain and produce a decline in pain severity.
The good news is that the benefits of creative expression in your life can occur whether you are a professional or a hobbyist who only “creates” for the joy of creating. Journaling, painting, playing an instrument, dancing, quilting, woodworking, scrap booking, cooking, baking, and many other creative outlets can bring stability to our mental and physical state. Welcome more creative acts into your life and take advantage of creativity power!
For years I have said “I want to learn to watercolor paint”, but I have also put “someday” before that statement. Well, my daughter has heard me say this for a long time. She decided to spur me on and for Christmas purchased a book and supplies on how to watercolor paint. So one of my 2020 goals is to start doing this.
Do you have a creative outlet that you enjoy? Is there some hobby or craft that you have always wanted to try but haven’t made that leap? I encourage you to start; it can be a great investment for our overall health. If you have a creative outlet you enjoy, I would love for you to share in the comments what it is or better yet share a photo of something you have created.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Heather
Sources:
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320947.php
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/arts-and-health/201512/creativity-wellness-practice
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-athletes-way/201310/einsteins-genius-linked-well-connected-brain-hemispheres
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2018/07/25/heres-how-creativity-actually-improves-your-health/#171a97eb13a6
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
- https://relaxtheback.com/blogs/news/health-benefits-of-creativity
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Keshia is very smart to invest in you that way. I do a lot of sewing. I have always make clothes, especially my kids (Grand kids and Great Grand kids). In the past few years I have been making quilts.
That is great that you have sewn for your family. I used to find quilting quite relaxing when I did it, but I also enjoying learning new things. So yes, it was nice of Keshia to invest in me. Thank you for sharing your creative outlet.