Earlier we talked about where does creativity come from, but is creating somehow psychologically beneficial for us? The advantages and benefits of practising a creative task or a hobby have been proven to be undeniable and evident. Whether it’s a more visual, musical, or physical form of creative expression, it is good for our well-being. A creative mind is one of the keys to success and outstanding progress in one’s career, social, and personal life. So, how exactly is creating beneficial for you?
Creativity improves your mood
Participating in a creative activity, even only once a day can promote a positive mindset. After completing a creative task, such as painting a landscape, journaling or knitting a beanie, your brain is flooded with dopamine. Dopamine functions as a completely natural anti-depressant that motivates you and elevates your mood. According to a recent study, doing something creative every day can increase happiness levels. Something as simple as singing in a shower can already make you smile more. Thus, creativity and happiness seem to go hand in hand.
Creativity enhances cognitive functioning
When we’re creative, we use parts of brain regions that aren’t often used for daily duties. Divergent thinking enables the brain to investigate the numerous potential solutions for different scenarios, which results in creative ideas. This improves flexible thinking and problem-solving abilities, which results in better learning and memory.
Boosts your self-esteem
Nothing compares to that feeling of accomplishment you get after finishing something you created out of nothing. The sense of fulfilment you receive when creating something can feel pretty good. A person’s confidence can be increased with just 45 minutes of free art production, according to a study that was published in Arts & Health. Besides this, other studies have found a connection between the increase in self-confidence and creating. It is most likely that if you keep creating for a longer time, you’ll probably evolve in your creative skill. Noticing your progress or ability to create what you like, can also be a boosting factor for your confidence.
Alleviates anxiety and stress
A creative task can capture you into a state where you lose a track of all the anxiety-inducing thoughts because you’re so absorbed in what you’re doing. When you’re completely and utterly in the moment or taken over by the task, it’s impossible to be stressed or anxious. This completely captivating moment is called a flow state. A flow state can take over in any creative task, such as when focusing on a cake baking, adult colouring book or a dance routine.
Fosters your social life
There are many opportunities to socialize and meet friends through creative pursuits including different groups, classes or workshops. Taking part in creative workshops, art lessons or acting groups can extend social networks when getting together in a group setting. Creative activities are a great way to maintain social connections even at an older age. Additionally, sharing one’s creations and pieces can also foster a feeling of togetherness and belonging.
Helps in developing personal expression and self-awareness
Practising a creative task can endorse learning about yourself and your unique way of expressing your emotions. How one expresses themselves through art can often be seen as a very personal thing. While learning a creative skill you learn about your abilities and ways of conduct. This can teach you new ways of processing or showing emotions. Processing your own emotions through art can boost self-awareness which always helps in communicating and navigating the world around you.
[…] makes creativity a skill, that one can always nurture and develop further with practice and work. Especially for […]