Over the weekend I had a chance to enjoy and reflect on the posts from the last seven days for creativity week. Particularly I am appreciating seeing more discussion and research evidencing the benefits of creativity and this was the impetus to write this article. The short article covers a very brief outline of the neuroscience that is showing us how beneficial being creative is in our lives. And ends with some compelling reasons to bring creativity into your life.
The breadth of what creativity can be - is captured beautifully here by Helena Bonham Carter:
"I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art."
Professor Christian Strang poignantly sums up the importance of creativity in our lives when she said that “Creativity in and of itself is important for remaining healthy, remaining connected to yourself and connected to the world” (2020)
There was a time when thinking of myself as being a creative person was a foreign concept. Yet through a series of events I found experimenting with being creative through painting was the biggest catalyst for finishing a major research project. Getting up and painting whilst thinking about what to write had a feeling of opening the window and letting in fresh air. This always resulted in being more energised and thinking more clearly. It was like oxygen for the brain - hence the name of my book 'Creative oxygen for your writing soul' published in 2022 that combined my experience and the paintings I produced during that time.
As well as being beneficial for my writing I also noticed other positive impacts on my general wellbeing, coping mechanisms, self expression, relationships and innovation at work. At that time I was unaware of the volume of research that has and is taking place into creativity until I started drafting my first book and have been intrigued and continually interested since.
There is creativity research taking place from an individual and group perspective where there is a growing body of evidence showing that the act of creativity can have a profound positive effect on mental health and well-being. Neuroaesthetics examines reactions to creativity from a neurological perspective and is using neuroscience to understand how art affects our brains, both when we’re making it and when we’re viewing it (Jacolbe, 2019).
A recent book, ‘Your Brain on Art: how the arts transform us’ (2023), by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, helps explain why that might be the case. By focusing on the science of neuroaesthetics—how our brains respond to aesthetic and artistic experiences—the authors make the case that creativity is good for our physical and mental health. Compelling research is offered that shows how engaging in creativity for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol no matter your level of skill.
Further, that any type of creative expression allows you to imagine new ways to communicate and engage with the world, as well as it engages the brain’s neuroplasticity. There is increasing evidence in rehabilitation medicine and the field of neuroscience that creativity enhances brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system.
Cognitive research from Bolwerk, Mack-Andrick, Dorfler and Maihofner (2014) suggests that the production of visual creativity improves effective interaction and connectivity in the brain. The MRI scans carried out demonstrated improvements in ‘psychological resilience’ with the ability to cope with negative emotions and remain happy and functional during times of stress. Art therapy which has been around for decades embraces the theory that any sort of creative expression can encourage healing and mental well-being.
Igniting your creativity and exploring the creative has many wellbeing advantages.
Here is a list of compelling reasons to embrace creativity for personal growth, self-discovery and professional development:
1. Self-Expression: Creativity allows you to express yourself in unique and personal ways. Through various creative outlets, you can communicate thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be challenging to express through conventional means.
2. Exploration of Emotions: Creative activities provide a safe and constructive space to explore and understand emotions. Whether through art, writing, music, or other forms of expression, creativity enables you to delve into the complexities of your emotional landscape.
3. Discovering Hidden Talents: Engaging in creative pursuits often reveals hidden talents and abilities. Exploring different creative outlets can uncover aspects of yourself that may have been overlooked or underestimated, leading to a deeper understanding of your potential.
4. Healing and Catharsis: Creativity can serve as a therapeutic outlet, offering a way to process and release emotions. Engaging in creative activities has the potential to promote healing and provide a sense of catharsis, helping you move forward from past challenges.
5. Building Self-Confidence: Expressing yourself through creative endeavours can boost self-confidence. The act of creating something meaningful fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces a positive self-image, contributing to personal growth.
6. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Creativity encourages introspection and self-awareness. The process of creating requires you to reflect on your thoughts, beliefs, and values, fostering a deeper understanding of who you are and what matters to you.
7. Problem-Solving Skills: Creativity involves navigating challenges and solving problems. Applying creative thinking to personal challenges can lead to innovative solutions, empowering you to overcome obstacles and move forward with resilience.
8. Adaptability and Flexibility: Creative people often develop a mindset of adaptability and flexibility. This mindset can be applied to personal growth, enabling you to navigate change, learn from experiences, and approach life with a more open and resilient perspective.
9. Setting and Achieving Personal Goals: Creativity provides a structured framework for setting and achieving personal goals. Whether it's completing a creative project or mastering a new skill, the process of creating can instill a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
10. Connection to Inner Wisdom: Engaging in creative activities can help you to tap into you inner wisdom and intuition. The act of creating provides a meditative space where you can connect to your inner self, fostering a deeper understanding of personal needs and desires.
11. Positive Mindset and Well-Being: Creative expression has been linked to improved mental health and well-being. Embracing creativity can contribute to a positive mindset, reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting overall emotional balance.
12. Meaning-Making and Purpose: Creativity allows you to infuse meaning into your life. Whether through creating art, writing, or pursuing other creative endeavours, you can find purpose and a sense of fulfilment that contributes to a meaningful life.
Creativity isn't just for artists'. By embracing creativity as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, you can embark on a transformative journey that not only enhances your understanding of yourself it will also empower you to navigate life with increased joy, resilience, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose.
In my next article I will share seven ways that you can ignite your creativity into your everyday - without creative materials.
Book at time if you would like to discuss how to ignite your creativity
References:
Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How art changes your brain: Differential effects of visual art production and cognitive art evaluation on functional brain connectivity. PloS one, 9(7), e101035.
Bonham Carter, Helen. Quote – date unknown. https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/370877.Helena_Bonham_Carter
Jacolbe, J, J.( 2019). Art is good for your brain. JSTOR Daily https://daily.jstor.org/art-is-good-for-your-brain/
Magsamen, S., & Ross, I. (2023). Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Random House.
Strang, C. (2020). How the brain is affected by art. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine website https://acrm.org/rehabilitation-medicine/how-the-brain-is-affected-by-art/