Before we start, I want you to take a moment to think about how you feel when you’re being creative.
Got it? Good.
I love hearing about the creativity of others vastly more than I like talking about my own work and processes. But I often find hesitation when I ask when or why people engage in their favorite expressions of themselves. They feel like they are required to have a reason to be doing something other than working or ‘what has to be done.’
So let me give you a reason. Self-care.
Self-care can provide stress relief, boost your confidence, give you a much-needed break from the outside world, meet your emotional needs, and help you achieve balance in your life.
Did you notice how much of that is related to your mental wellbeing? It should be no surprise then that taking part in a creative hobby can be a pathway to healing.
And the impact of the arts on mental health can be seen in various studies, including The COVID-19 Social Study from 2020. Data from the study suggests that people who spent 30 minutes or more each day during the pandemic consuming art or engaging in the arts and creative hobbies reported decreased rates of depression and anxiety.
A pre-pandemic study found that frequent arts participation and cultural attendance were associated with lower mental distress levels and higher life satisfaction.
These studies indicate the importance of engaging with the arts on a regular basis, so turn them into self-care. Create a visual representation of your feelings through colors, respond to your stressors through music, collect and share your thoughts in a poem. It doesn’t matter what you create, just create.
Remember when I told you to think about how you feel when you’re being creative?
That’s reason enough to keep doing things you enjoy.
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