Creativity can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, as creative endeavors allow individuals to engage their minds in productive ways. According to a survey conducted by the APA, 46% of Americans engage in creative activities to reduce instances of stress and anxiety. In addition, individuals who feel they have excellent mental health tend to use creative outlets more often than those who feel their mental health is quite poor. This is because expressing one’s creativity can influence various aspects of cognitive, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of creative practices, as well as several creative activities you can try to improve your mental health.

Creativity’s Impact on Mental Health

Creating a work of art or taking time to develop a new skill has the potential to improve the way you feel about yourself, your mental health, and the world around you. Take a look at how the creative process stands to gift you with what you need to foster a greater sense of mental well-being.

Reduced Anxiety

Finding a creative outlet to pursue can serve as a great way to boost your mental health. Exploring your artistic or creative side has been shown to help relieve stress and anxiety naturally. In addition, putting your energy into creating something beautiful can help reduce feelings of anger, lingering depression, and shame. Though creative activities may not be a replacement for consistent mental health services, they may help supplement an individual’s current treatment routine.

Improved Mood

Focusing on creating something you’re proud of has the tendency to induce what’s known as a flow state, which is when your mind is completely engaged with the process at hand. Creating art and getting involved with it can help boost your mood and help you get settled into a more relaxed mindset. This is because, when you’re creating, your brain increases its dopamine production. This chemical generates a sense of well-being and will help motivate you toward success in your creative endeavors.

Mental Stimulation

Taking part in a creative venture can also improve your cognitive functions by encouraging you to think in new ways. The creative process stimulates both right-brain and left-brain thinking. For example, using your hands to create beautiful images can help improve your hand-eye coordination, which also enhances your fine motor skills (right brain). On the same page, playing a musical instrument or remembering the stitch pattern of a knitting project can help improve your memory (left brain).

Art Therapy Examples

Art therapy can be incredibly effective when it comes to boosting an individual’s mental health, and fortunately, the approach is quite dynamic. There’s something for everyone, no matter what your creative style may be. Here are a few activities to try if you want to step into creating art for your mental well-being.

  • Coloring blank images
  • Folding origami
  • Reading and writing poetry
  • Painting a self-portrait
  • Taking pictures to explore photography
  • Starting journaling
  • Knitting or crocheting
  • Upcycling an old object or piece of furniture
  • Dancing to your favorite music
  • Baking something delightful
  • Joining a theater or drama club

Art and creativity can apply to everyone, so take a chance and pursue a project you’re passionate about. Give yourself time and permission to have fun through the creation of something that makes you feel good. You don’t have to have the perfect form or approach, because your creations don’t have to go beyond your own vision. You can choose to share what you make with others or keep it to yourself, whatever helps you explore your creativity freely.

If you’re struggling and you feel that therapy would be a benefit to you, please reach out to us at DK Therapy to schedule an appointment with our office. One of our caring, experienced counselors would be happy to work with you.