Many of us ignore creativity, like it's a task to be done or that it doesn't have any value if you're not good at it. We play as kids without thinking twice about it. It is what drives us and how we experience the world. Why do we keep losing it when we become adults? In this post, I'll break down the meaning of creativity, its benefits, and how you can start being more creative in your everyday life without overwhelming yourself. By being creative, you can improve your well-being and feelings of fulfilment. 

What is creativity? 

Creativity refers to the ability to open our minds and be open to change. It allows us to problem-solve, find new perspectives and ideas, communicate with others and help to see how we see ourselves. There is lots of information in that! As a society though, we have lost touch with creativity, where being more precise and fitting in with others has become the norm. That however, doesn't allow our minds to develop in new and innovative ways. Although some of us may be more naturally inclined towards creativity, it is also a skill that can be developed and nurtured over time through practice, training, and exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives.

Benefits of being creative 

Creativity helps us to feel more alive and at ease with ourselves, letting us be exactly the way we want to. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Increased problem-solving ability

Creativity helps us to approach problems in unique and unconventional ways, leading to more effective and efficient solutions.

2. Enhanced mental health and well-being

Engaging in creative activities can be a powerful way to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

3. Improved communication skills

Creativity requires effectively communicating ideas and concepts, which can translate into better communication and social skills in everyday life. 

4. Increased innovation and adaptability

Creativity helps us to be more adaptable to change and open to new ideas and experiences, facilitating innovation and growth in personal and professional contexts.

5. Greater sense of self-awareness and self-expression

Creativity allows us to express ourselves in unique and meaningful ways, which can help to develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

How can you start incorporating creativity into your life?

Below are some examples of how to start using creativity in your life. Be mindful, though, not to overwhelm yourself with all of them at once. Pick one to begin with and see how it feels. Start doing that once or a couple of times per week, in a way that feels good to you. 

• Journaling

This is probably the most common one, but many aspects of journalling exist. Julia Cameron, the author of ‘The Artist’s Way’ has suggested to start your day with morning pages, handwriting three pages of whatever comes to your mind. The content of this doesn't matter, we just want to get into the habit of doing so and to develop our creative minds.

• Picking up an instrument 

Start by picking up an instrument you have on hand by playing with different sounds, experimenting, and finding a melody or a beat. If you can't get your hands on an instrument, then don't worry. You can start experimenting with your voice and see how that sounds. Don't worry about the outcome. It is about experimenting with the sound and getting comfortable with it. 

• Art dates with loved ones 

Organising an art date with your friends or family members can give you the motivation you need. Preparing art materials and taking time to sit with art-making and creating something. You may have a prompt ready where each of you will create a landscape by thinking about what is important to them. Or by drawing a circle in the middle and filling it with shapes or colours that are important to them. There are many possibilities, but connecting through art-making might take the pressure off and offer you a long-awaited quality time. 

• Writing a poem

You can start by considering a topic you want to write about. It could be a feeling that you've had for a while. Write that down and start mind-mapping lyrics that associate with that word. Don't worry about whether these rhyme or not, you can focus on that later. Enjoy the process of it and see what comes from it. 

• Movement

Listening to your favourite music and moving to it without any judgement. You can start doing that on your own or with friends, whatever feels comfortable. Notice what is happening in your body. Any tension in certain areas or tightness. Some parts may feel more relaxed than others. Pay attention to it and be curious about the sensations but let them be just as they are without trying to get rid of them. 

Small steps towards creativity

Incorporating creativity into your life can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health and well-being. Whether through art, writing, music, or other forms of creative expression, taking the time to nurture your creative side can significantly benefit your mental health. It is a valuable and important trait that can benefit individuals and society as a whole.

If you want to start exploring your creativity with me in a therapeutic space, contact me below. I look forward to hearing from you.