Taking care of our mental wellbeing is sometimes seen as a luxury, but amid life’s chaos, there’s a calm retreat: creativity. It’s not just about creating masterpieces or composing sonnets; it’s a gentle force that can reshape our mental landscape.

Research highlights the benefits of engaging in creative pursuits for adjusting our mindset. It’s a simple remedy that can ease stress, enhance cognitive function, and uplift mood.

So, how does it work?

Stress Relief: Creative activities help shift our focus from daily stressors. The rhythmic strokes of a paintbrush or the melody of making music can transport us to a serene realm, easing tension.

Mood Enhancement: Your creativity triggers the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. Whether it’s doodling, knitting, or cooking, these activities bring joy, lifting our spirits.

Improved Problem-Solving: Creativity is where innovation begins. Engaging in creative thinking fosters flexibility, allowing us to tackle life’s challenges with a fresh perspective.

Here are some suggestions to incorporate practical creativity into your daily routine:

  1. Morning Rituals:
  • Journaling Journey: Pour your thoughts, dreams, or random musings onto paper. It’s a liberating way to kick off your day with clarity.
  • Positivity Boosters: Craft sticky notes filled with self-love and care reminders sprinkled with a touch of ‘You got this!’ Keep them close for an instant pick-me-up.
  • Green Therapy: Consciously water your garden or plants, relishing the fresh air and the daily and seasonal growth and changes. It’s a serene way to start your day with tranquillity.
  1. Break Time Boosters:
  • DIY Crafts: Engage in quick DIY projects – from making greeting cards to creating small sculptures with clay.
  • Mindful Colouring: Spend your coffee break drawing or colouring in an adult colouring book to distract and wind down your mind to have a proper break.
  • Photography Walks: Capture moments of beauty around you; it’s an artistic way to appreciate your surroundings.
  1. Evening Serenity:
  • Cook with fun: Experiment with new recipes and ingredients, infusing your dishes with creativity and flavour.
  • Musical Exploration: Pick up an instrument or create new playlists that resonate with your mood.
  • Family time: Shuffle the deck for a fun-filled card game session. Whether it’s classics like Uno or exploring new games, it’s a delightful way to bond and unwind with your loved ones.
  • Learn to draw: There are loads of free online tutorials on learning how to draw – from animated stick figures, cartoon illustrations or people or animals, or even learning to draw in perspective. Take the time to learn something new.
  1. Weekend Escapades:
  • Artistic Outings: Visit local galleries, attend workshops, or explore nature for inspiration.
  • Writing Sessions: Start a blog, craft short stories, or jot down your memoirs – the canvas is yours.
  • Build a puzzle: Find a space that you can switch off and enjoy the power of completing a puzzle.

There’s no right or wrong way to be creative. It’s about the journey, the expression, and the joy it brings. So, take a step, try new things, and let your creativity change your mindset towards self-care and mental wellbeing.

If you would like to explore some ideas and ways to change your mindset that allows you to manage your mental wellbeing, please reach out to LifeAssist, and a counsellor will be in touch.