The benefits of creativity
Humankind was meant to create. The creative spirit resides in all of us. For some, it might be hidden, and for others it’s on full display. We create every day of our lives, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, down to how we style our hair. The act of pulling an outfit from the closet and arranging it just so, is creation. Assembling foods together in varying combinations is an act of formulation, each choice an expression of the creative self. The creative spirit burns bright from an early age. If you’ve spent time around young children, it doesn’t take long to notice the creativity flowing from every aspect of their being. They tell fantastic stories, rich with imagination and character. They may not have the ability to get every word right, but they show you through play. Young children can spend hours creating marvelous wonders and magnificent works. Playdough, Legos, arts and crafts; these activities engage the creative mind, helping it to bloom and blossom.
As we grow older, it can be easy to lose our creative expression. The good news is that we never really lost it, it’s always been there, waiting quietly in the background, ready to be rediscovered. When was the last time you engaged in something creative simply for the joy and fun of it? It can be difficult, busy schedules and busy lives, but the benefits of doing something creative can be experienced instantaneously and immediately; mood elevation, reduced stress, and improved mental health.
For many years, my outlet has been creative writing; short stories and novels. What started as a fun hobby, grew into a passion and a love. I noticed something peculiar along the way. No matter what state my mood was in at the time, I always felt better after engaging in my creative hobby. Even if I wanted nothing to do with it, sitting down and spending a few minutes each day practicing creative writing lifted my spirits, gave me energy, and improved my mood and overall wellbeing. Artistic expression helps us feel good. We don’t need to paint like the great Michelangelo, write like Hemmingway, or compose like Mozart. We just need to create. Just as eating a healthy diet and getting exercise is good for the physical body, creativity is good for the soul.
The possibilities for creativity are limitless. Give it a shot and see how you feel. If you feel like the powers that be skipped you over when handing out artistic ability, it doesn’t matter. There is creativity in all of us. Next time you’re out for a walk around the block, snap some pictures with your phone. Look for things you hadn’t noticed before and see what stories, images, and visions pop into your mind. You might be amazed. When you’re in the kitchen, try and create a dish that’s not from memory or that came from a recipe card. Might it go bad? Maybe or maybe not, but benefit lies within the creative process. Who knows, you might just stumble upon greatness.
