The Therapeutic Impacts of Creative Outlets
By: Michelle Lin
Creative expression has highly transformative powers on our mental health. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to hobbies such as baking, crocheting, and gardening as ways to cope with the challenges the pandemic brought into their lives. As society shifts away from lockdown mode, it’s important to remember that these tools are not just limited to the Covid-19 lockdown lifestyle; they benefit everyone regardless of their lifestyle and background. In this blog, we will explore the benefits creative expression brings to different aspects of our mental health and various ways to tap into your creativity.
How does it help with our mental health?
Participating in creative projects is a great way to process emotions effectively, as it allows individuals to externalize a full spectrum of emotions in tangible and symbolic forms. It provides an alternative way of communicating pain and suffering by transforming negative emotions into something meaningful, fostering a sense of autonomy and resilience.
Cognitive flexibility is another healthy by-product of having creative outlets. It trains the mind to explore alternative perspectives and approach problems from various angles. The self-driven nature of creativity also provides a sense of agency and control, improving self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Last but not least, creative communities are some of the most inclusive and diverse collectives out there. Being in a community with shared experiences and purposes encourages social interaction and cultivates a sense of belonging and social support, which are both vital elements of our mental well-being.
What are some examples of creative outlets?
Drawing and Painting
Watercolors, oil painting, pencil drawings, and even little random doodles can help tremendously with expressing thoughts and feelings that are difficult to verbalize.
Abstract and intuitive artmaking helps specifically with letting the repressed and subconscious rise to the surface.
Forget about what looks good and what doesn’t. Your art is for you to deepen your experience, not for others to judge.
Writing
Creative writing, poetry, and journaling are great ways to facilitate the processing of emotions.
One can gain insights into their own identity from ways like deep introspection, to thinking through the mind of a different character.
Music
Listening to music, singing, or playing an instrument stimulates our brain to produce feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, releasing stress and boosting our mood.
When an artist we don’t personally know expresses emotions that feel deeply relatable, it makes us feel understood and less alone in the experience.
Music has been a way for marginalized communities to be heard and to strengthen their community (more information in the article: https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/panel-explores-the-healing-power-of-music-in-communities-of-color)
Crafting
Crochet, kitting, scrapbooking, soapmaking, woodworking, etc.
Gaining these new skills can give us a sense of accomplishment
Studies have shown that activities with repetition and rhythmic motions, such as crocheting and knitting, help promote the feeling of relaxation and calmness.
Fiber art circles have historically been a way for people from all different backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups, to gather and share their stories—vulnerable yet empowering (for more information: https://www.cccba.org/article/the-power-of-a-knitting-circle/)
Dance
Dance helps promote physical activity and mind-body connection
There is no limit to how to incorporate dancing into your life. It could be through learning choreographies, which helps with self-esteem and sense of accomplishment; or simply moving your body intuitively with or without the guidance of music.
Forget about what looks good! Doing the goofiest dance moves can help us loosen up and lighten the mood.
Culinary Arts
Engaging in cooking projects at home and in community spaces is a meaningful way to practice kindness to ourselves and strengthen interpersonal bonds. Sharing meals has been a demonstration of trust since the dawn of humanity, manifesting in food serving as a love language in many families present throughout various cultures.
Cooking and baking as an activity itself is goal-oriented, and helps us increase awareness about what we’re putting in our bodies—with a delicious reward at the end (hopefully).
Remember that trial and error is a part of the process. Some forms won’t bring you the results you originally intended, while some will surprise you with how much you enjoy them and their unique benefits, so have fun don’t overthink it!
