Creativity is Healing
When I was a kid, I struggled a lot in my family life as well as in school. I was teased a lot and had a pretty rough go. The one thing that helped me through those times was being creative. I used to draw, sing and play out in the woods creating tree forts.
I never thought of creativity as something healing or helpful until years later when I started to struggle with an undiagnosed illness.I returned back to creativity. This was almost 20 years ago today and I am still using creativity as a healing tool as well as for joy.
Remember, being someone creative does not mean what you create has to be technically sound. Creativity is free-flowing and quite a lot more than technique. It is a place for healing, growing, and learning about yourself and the world around you.
Today, I see how being creative helps us feel good about ourselves, live healthier lives and connect with other people. Let’s take a look at how creativity can heal us.
Creativity is healing because it can be used to manage stress.
Stress is a normal part of life, and it’s important to remember that. But too much stress can have negative consequences for your mental health. Creativity, on the other hand, can help you manage stress in healthy ways.
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed by life’s demands, creativity can be a soothing balm for your soul. Here are some benefits of using creativity to manage your stress:
Creativity helps you relax:
When our brains are relaxed and free from anxiety or worry about the future, we feel happier and more connected with ourselves and others around us.
Creativity helps you feel more connected with others:
Creative projects often require teamwork or collaboration between people who may not know each other well; this makes them great ways to get out into the world and meet new people!
Creativity can get us out of our head.
Creativity can help us get out of our head. When we’re stuck in a rut, creativity can offer a way to feel less alone and more connected to others.Creating something from nothing is an act of creation that has meaning beyond what we can see or measure.
When I’m feeling stuck in my own head and like there’s no way out, creativity can be an oasis.
Creativity can help us move past personal judgement.
I think this is why so many people turn towards art therapy: there are no wrong answers or bad artists; what matters most is that everyone has the freedom to express themselves however they choose without fear of judgment on whether someone else thinks their art looks bad or feels “right” according to any standard set by society at large.
Creativity can help us feel connected to something bigger than us.
Creativity can help us feel connected to something bigger than us. That’s the beauty of creativity. It can connect us to nature, other people, and even something beyond our own life.
When you’re feeling disconnected from your environment or from others, finding comfort in your creative pursuits is a great way to find that connection again.
When we create something new, it brings us into contact with the world around us in a different way—and then we start seeing ourselves as part of it too!
Creativity can give us back a sense of control when so much seems out of our control.
Creativity can give us back a sense of control when so much seems out of our control. Whether you’re working on a blog post, painting or writing a song, asking yourself what you want to create and acting on that question is an act of self-care.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, or if it feels like things just aren’t going your way, creativity can help you feel like you are in charge again. A an example is using creativity to get over disappointment.
You get to decide when you start and stop creating; your creative skill is something no one else has control over (outside of their own creativity).
Creativity also gives us an outlet for expressing ourselves in healthy ways when we don’t know what else to do with emotions.
Creativity also gives us an outlet for expressing ourselves in healthy ways when we don’t know what else to do with emotions we feel but don’t know how to express — especially those negative ones we tend to keep locked down deep inside ourselves because they’re scary or shameful or painful.
When I’m upset about something that happened at work but don’t want anyone else around me knowing about it right now (because maybe I’m ashamed?), I have art supplies nearby so that I can express myself without saying anything out loud at all!
Creativity can help us make new neural pathways.
Neural pathways are the connections between neurons that allow us to learn, remember and process information. They’re formed through repetition—the more you do something, the stronger the pathway becomes.
But creativity is also a way of forming new neural pathways. If you have a creative hobby or interest, like painting or singing in a choir, you’re likely creating new mental patterns that aren’t connected to your day-to-day routine—and these can help with learning and memory later on!
Also check out our blog post and video for Neurographic Art for Healing.
Creativity keeps our brains working so they stay healthier longer.
It’s not just for the kids, you know — creativity can help keep your brain healthy. Research has shown that being creative is a great way to keep your mind working and stave off mental decline as we age.
In fact, one study found that adults who were more creative showed better performance on tests of cognitive function.
That’s because creativity involves problem-solving and connecting concepts in new ways—both of which are important parts of keeping the brain sharp!
Creativity is more than just painting or writing poetry; there are many other creative activities that can help keep your mind sharp as well!
Try something new like learning a new language or instrument (or taking an improv class), cooking something new from scratch or trying out a new hobby like crossword puzzles or sudoku puzzles.
Even if it feels silly at first—try it anyway! The benefits will be worth it in no time at all
Creating art helps us cultivate a nurturing relationship with ourselves.
Creating art is a way to express yourself. It’s an opportunity to get to know yourself. When we create, we’re connecting with our inner self and finding meaning in our lives.
Creativity can also help us cultivate a nurturing relationship with ourselves by giving us the space and time to focus on who we are as human beings, rather than what others want from us.
This may sound like something only introverts would find useful, but it’s actually something that benefits people of all personality types—even extroverts!
Some of the best things in life are free and good for you, like creativity!
It’s true that some of the best things in life are free, like creativity! So if you ever find yourself feeling alienated or overwhelmed, try taking a walk outside or doing some yoga or sitting quietly with your eyes closed and thinking about how at one point all the water on earth was just hydrogen atoms floating around. Or even better—doodle
Try engaging in one creative act today.
- Choose something you enjoy.
- Try something new.
- Try something that you have never tried before.
- Try something that you have always wanted to try, but have never had the time or money for it until now!
Conclusion
Creativity is a powerful tool for healing. It can help us manage stress and get out of our heads, reconnect with the world around us and develop new neural pathways in our brains. Creativity is also free! So try engaging in one creative act today—it could be anything from writing something down on paper to dancing for twenty minutes without any music playing—and notice how you feel afterwards.
Suggested Workshop
Embark on a captivating journey with us as we explore the transformative realm of “The Art of Healing.” This workshop, enriched by a harmonious blend of intimate personal narratives, deep insights, and robust scientific backing, illuminates the powerful confluence of art and wellness. Throughout this immersive experience, participants will gain knowledge of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their lasting impact on well-being. Coupled with this, we’ll delve into a wealth of studies showcasing the profound therapeutic effects of art on mental and emotional health. Whether you are navigating your own path to healing, a professional bridging the worlds of art or psychology, or someone seeking to understand the evidence-based benefits of art on well-being, this workshop is tailored to offer you profound insights and a transformative experience. Join us and unveil the intricate tapestry where science, art, and healing intertwine.