Feeling stuck in a rut? When life turns into an endless series of days that appear never changing, it’s time to turn inward. It can be easy to allow the routines of the everyday to run away with us. That’s when creativity becomes most important. Even when things are going well, connecting with yourself through the act of creation can amplify your perspective.
Research suggests that creativity can improve mood, boost productivity, and so much more. Here’s why creative expression is important.
Creativity helps us see the world differently.
It’s easy to get into the routine of thinking about the same things in the same way. Over time, this can lead to stagnant thinking. Stagnation in work, relationships, and personal development can have negative impacts on our lives. Try looking at your job, your partner, and yourself in a new way. This type of creative thinking can boost your problem-solving skills, too.
Creativity can increase happiness.
If you’ve ever been deep in a project and looked up to see that hours have passed, you understand. This state, often referred to as flow (from the book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi), can feel transcendent. When you’re in a flow state, anxiety is reduced, your heart rate slows, and you just feel better. Participating in a creative pursuit, from drawing to gardening to cooking, can stimulate the flow state.
Creativity reduces stress.
Stress is one of the leading causes of health concerns including heart disease and suicide. Finding ways to manage stress can help improve your quality of life overall. Incorporating relaxing creative activities into your daily routine can be simple. Try picking up an adult coloring book and spending fifteen minutes focusing on the activity. You could also try puzzle games, painting, or other creative pursuits to manage stress.
There’s no wrong way to get creative. You don’t have to be a master artist or novelist to bring creativity into your life. Here are a few ways to get creative today:
- Cook a new recipe from scratch
- Try a new puzzle
- Paint a color by numbers
- Hem your pants
- Do a crossword
No matter what creative option you choose, enjoy it, and have fun!
