When you finish a creative task, like writing in a journal, knitting a scarf or drawing a cute dog, your brain is filled with dopamine – an all-natural anti-depressant that motivates you and makes you feel good. "Even something as simple as singing in the car is bound to make you smile more. Infact there are recent studies and research to prove that creative activity just once a day can lead to a more positive outlook," says Mekhela Chaudhary who is pursuing a Masters in psychology.
Creativity improves cognitive functions. "Parents often encourage creativity because it's good for a child's brain development. That's because when we're creative, we use parts of the brain that aren't usually in action for everyday tasks. Studies show that musicians have better brain connectivity compared to those who haven't grown up playing instruments. While the more analytical left hemisphere focuses on motor functions, the more subjective right hemisphere is all about the melody. Music as a creative activity is unique in that it stimulates both sides of the brain, contributing to improved cognitive function over time," says Radha Bose a wellness counselor who has practiced in the US.
Creativity also improves our social life. "Social connection plays a major role in maintaining wellbeing at every age. Creative activities like music groups, cooking lessons or photography workshops provide plenty of opportunity to interact with others and make friends. For older people who might be experiencing loneliness after a partner has passed or children have moved away, creative activities are a great way to maintain social connection. Incidentally a study involving older people with sensory impairments found that participating in creative activities in a group setting helped them extend their social networks. The study not only highlighted how creative activities can help reduce the risk of isolation; it also reinforced how it can help improve self-confidence and mental wellbeing," Radha elaborates.
Needless to say creativity alleviates stress and anxiety. It's impossible to be stressed or anxious when you're completely and utterly in the moment, distracted by a captivating novel, cake recipe or art project.
What's more creativity boosts the self esteem too. "Well it does feels pretty good to be creative. There's nothing better than that moment of personal satisfaction when you're finished - not to mention the sense of achievement you get from creating something out of nothing. According to a recent study conducted in the US, researchers have established that just 45 minutes of free art making was enough to improve a person's confidence. Participants aged 18 to 59 used any materials they liked to create something and afterwards were asked a series of 10 questions. The group reported a 73% increase in self-confidence, which is pretty impressive considering the short timeframe. So if you keep on creating over a longer period of time, you're probably going to get better at it. And as you start to notice your progress, you're bound to notice a confidence boost, too," concludes Radha.
Both Radha and Mekhela agree that creativity is a much needed life skill. Creativity does not only imply art, craft or even activities like composing music, penning fiction or cooking. It goes much beyond. It is about finding alternate perspectives too and hence creative thinkers are usually good problem solvers. "Actually creative workshops are all envisaged towards this broad end," observes Mekhela.
Remember that wellness counselors often emphasize the value of cultivating a hobby. These hobbies are invariably creative outlets and hence translate to veritable stress busters. So next time you feel anxious or overwhelmed just dabble in some creative activity of your liking. And in better saner days remember to cultivate some creative activity that you can (and should) weave into your daily routine.
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