Creativity isn’t something that is encouraged in our society and careers. And that’s a shame because being creative is important – and not just for artists or musicians.
What is creativity?
When you look up the definition of creativity, you’ll find something along the lines of using your imagination to create a new idea or object. And in almost all cases, that definition is followed by a reference to a creation of artistic nature. But such a definition doesn’t do justice to the actual broadness and scope of creativity. Because creativity is found in far more places than on canvas, within the pages of a book or across the keys of a piano.
Creativity is about doing meaningful and fulfilling activities. It’s about how we make and weave meaning and richness into our days. Being creative means possessing curiosity and imagining new ways of seeing, sensing and being. It means trying something different and taking the leap to trust your intuition.
10 reasons why creativity is important
If you’re still not convinced that being creative is important: here are ten reasons why it’s definitely worth exploring
Doing something creative can lift your spirits and help you shake off a bad mood. It takes your mind off what’s bothering you but you’re still engaging your mind. It’s just focused on something more fun.
Engaging in creative activities and losing yourself in an activity that stimulates your imagination (such as reading, writing, knitting, baking or listening to music) is a great way to relax and de-stress. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out in today’s fast-paced world and that not only causes a wide variety of health problems but it also significantly affects your happiness. Being creative then acts like a soothing balm: it can help you clear your mind, it increases positive thoughts and it helps you find a sense of calm.
Creativity can be a great way to express emotions and cope with difficult feelings.
Creativity connects you to yourself. It opens your heart and the doors to your mind. Being creative brings you to hidden parts of yourself. It can help draw out what is already within you and allows hidden talents and inner capacities to emerge.
Doing something creative that involves actually creating something (like baking, drawing or doing a puzzle) is like reviving the engine of your brain. You’re shaking off the cobwebs and you’re getting your brain moving.
Thinking creatively opens your mind to new possibilities when you’re trying to find the solution to a problem. You unblock old patterns or habits of thinking and you start looking at the situation from different angles which helps you come up with new and original ideas that can help you find a better solution.
Creativity builds and nurtures confidence. When you think creatively and you overcome a challenge in front of you with a creative solution, you don’t just gain a little dopamine hit: you also gain confidence.
Creativity helps clarify your thoughts and feelings. The mind can be a chaotic place: it can feel like you’re chasing one thought or feeling after another like a dog chasing every car he sees. Creative ways of outlining your thoughts and feelings (like journaling, mind mapping and drawing) let you release the contents of your mind without any restrictions. And by letting your thoughts and feelings run free, you’ll get more clarity on them.
Creative expression gives you a voice. Creativity is the key to the door of expression, no matter what form of creativity you choose. It can be painting, film, dance, music, sculpture, writing, cooking or anything else that brings beautiful or interesting things into the world.
Creativity can help you live a longer and healthier life. Several studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. For instance: creativity has been linked to a reduced risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues but it’s also linked to an improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Everyone can be creative
Contrary to popular belief, we all have a creative streak. Maybe it’s not in the areas typically associated with being creative but we all possess the ability to create: the ability to make something new and valuable. And there’s more good news: creativity is just like a muscle. It gets stronger with use which means that the more you exercise it, the easier it will be for you to develop new ideas.
Here are some tips to help you find your inner creativity
Start your day with free writing or journaling: it allows you to rediscover your perspective and become more productive. So instead of jumping right into your jam-packed to-do list, block off ten minutes for a digital detox and grab a notebook and paper to just write. Writing in a more free-form style will allow your creative juices to flow while also forcing you to put your thoughts into written words.
Change your daily routine and look at the world through fresh eyes: your creativity is related to how your brain is wired which means it’s important to keep your mind stimulated by new sights, sounds, tastes, smells and experiences.
Channel your inner child: instead of being concerned or self-conscious that your work isn’t good enough, be willing to take risks to push your creative limits. But most importantly: have fun with your work! A child sees everything as an adventure and makes the most of every moment and that’s exactly the kind of mentality you want. So instead of being concerned about all your responsibilities at once, focus all your energy into one project at a time.
If you like reading: “The Artist’s Way” (Julia Cameron) has inspired millions of readers to embark on a creative journey, find deeper connection and uncover the problems that may be restricting their creative flow. This book literally contains hundreds of exercises, activities and prompts so you’ll definitely find something to help you get back on track and rediscover your passions.
Are you in touch with your inner creativity?
©HolisticHappiness2023
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