In the relentless pace of daily life, many of us find ourselves swept away by the demands of work, family, and other obligations. It causes us to push aside our creative pursuits, dismissing them as indulgences that we simply don’t have time for.
The problem is that we see creativity as a luxury instead of a fundamental aspect of self-care and mental health. Engaging in creative activities has been proven to improve mental health and well-being for people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, decorating, or DIY-anything, utilizing these creative outlets is an impactful tool for personal growth.
As a blooming pottery artist, I have found that working with clay allows me to open my mind with ultimate clarity. I can understand, assess, and express my thoughts more clearly, being an active listener of my mind—all while creating something beautiful.
It has become a form of meditation, promoting a sense of calm and focus that transcends the chaos of everyday life. And you deserve that type of peace, too.
Why Creativity Matters
Creativity provides an outlet for stress and anxiety, a safe space where you can channel your emotions into something tangible. The act of creating offers the mind a chance to shift its focus, promoting relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.
When you’re expressing yourself creatively, you’re exploring and communicating your thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way (unless you’re a performer, in which case, rock on!). This exploration inevitably leads to deeper self-awareness, supporting you to be mindful, intentional, and present in the moment.
Creativity adds richness and depth to life, allowing you to get connected to mindful awareness. It can help you rediscover meaning in your life, offering you purpose and fulfillment.
How to Embrace Your Creativity
You’re not limited to how you can pursue a creative passion. Cooking, gardening, and even effective problem-solving can be seen as creative ventures. The only thing that matters is that what you do resonates with your interests and brings you a sense of joy.
I recommend taking small, consistent steps to incorporate creativity into your life. Setting your personal expectations too high is a sure way to quietly quit on yourself. Here are my top five tips for embracing creativity consistently so you can use it as a self-care practice.
Schedule downtime for creativity
Designate specific moments in your schedule solely for activities that spark your imagination. Treat this time with the same importance as other commitments, recognizing its value. Over time, it’ll be second nature for it to be a part of your daily life.
Experiment with different mediums
Don’t be afraid to pursue different forms of creative outlets to either find what feels best for you or to take yourself out of your comfort zone. Plus, diversifying your creative endeavors will keep the process exciting and allow you to discover hidden passions.
Embrace imperfection
Allow yourself the freedom to create without it being “right” or “perfect” or set to any standard you think creativity should be. Mistakes happen, imperfections are inevitable, and the joy is in the process of creating, not necessarily the result.
Connect with a creative community
I’ve loved volunteering at my local pottery studio. It’s given me the chance to connect with more people like me which not only inspires me but teaches me new things about the art form. Collaborating or conversing with other creatives can only elevate your perspective about what you’re pursuing.
Observe and absorb inspiration
Not all creative pursuits involve getting your hands in a mound of clay or picking up a paintbrush. Explore nature, visit art galleries, browse bookstores, or treat yourself to a performance in your area. Exposing yourself to settings can be just as impactful as creating.
Mindful Creativity Can Help You Move Foward with Your Life
Creativity is directly aligned with our identity. It’s a way to understand ourselves better and encourage us to be innovative, problem-solving, and critical thinkers. Creative outlets can be used for emotional healing and give us clarity on constructive ways to navigate life’s complexities.
If you’re someone who’s felt stuck in their lives and is struggling to move forward, I’d love to hear from you. We can discuss how to incorporate creativity into your self-discovery journey. Together, we can kickstart your healing journey, combining my work as a CBT-certified coach and a sprinkle (or two) of creative adventure.
