It has been found that people feel happier and more energised when they engage in everyday creative endeavours – and that being in a positive mood correlates with creative thinking.
But can everyone reap these benefits?
Yes! While certain personality traits have been linked to creativity in the past, such as an openness to experiences, researchers found that the benefits of engaging in creativity were similar across different personality types.
Even a short amount of time spent on a creative pastime has powerful benefits for personal wellbeing.
Taking part in creative activities helps people manage stress better, face challenges, and explore solutions to problems in their lives.
Researchers identified three key ways that creativity is used:
1. as a ‘distraction tool’ to avoid stress
2. as a ‘contemplation tool’ to create the mental space to reassess problems and make plans
3. for ‘self-development’ to build self-esteem and confidence.
Encountering and experiencing success in new creative activities – regardless of the level of skill involved – was found to have a particularly positive impact on emotions and wellbeing.
And while the study concluded that live face-to-face activities, such as singing in a choir or taking part in a group painting class, were the most effective – even lone creative activities leads to a positive impact.
So what is stopping you? Get creative!
