Is there a connection between individuals that incorporate creative activities in their lives and those that maintain a lower stress level? Well, case studies have been trying to find the answers to this question. Quite frankly, the results were expected but also there was a less stark influence with age not playing a role in the potency of creativity. “researchers from Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions believed that past experience in creating art might amplify the activity’s stress-reducing effects, their study found that everyone seems to benefit equally.” Quote by Mark Otto a news writer from Drexel University.
Anyone can reap the benefits of creative activities. Like stated earlier, skill level may only amplify the effectiveness, but is not a prerequisite. You might be wonder what is considered a creative activity? A creative activity is anything that allows yourself to express yourself by using a medium to creative sometime that is uniquely your own. So examples of this are writing, drawing, thinking about ideas, knitting, dance, singing, designing or reorganizing a space, etc.. It’s pretty much anything that has to do with you having a creative flow and allowing energy to flow through you, this activity should be one that inspires you and allows you to feel energized while doing it. These activities should not be mentally or emotionally straining.
You may be wondering where does creativity come from in the brain?
Creativity happens in the frontal cortex, but that isn’t the only part of the brain that works for this function, other parts include the hippocampus, basal ganglia, and white matter. The frontal cortex controls the part of our brain that works with planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behaviour. The hippocampus controls the formation of new memories and is also associated with learning and emotions. The basal ganglia controls responsible primarily for motor control, as well as other roles such as motor learning, executive functions, behaviors, and emotions. With all of these parts of the brain working together to act out your creative thoughts and bring them to the physical world.
How can one take steps to allow this creative process to flow through them to help themselves and benefit others?
Something you can do is just go and explore and try out different creative outlets, you’ll figure out which one you’re drawn to the most. You can then get the supplies you’ll need and just start your creative journey. It truly is a journey, with the deeper you get into these processes you get to unfold new and exciting things for yourself. You even get to learn more about yourself, this can greatly develop your sense of self, help with self worth, and lower stress in your life. These are healthy outlets. Eventually once you get to a point to where you can share your creative projects, which in turn becomes art. This way you can share with other and inspire more people to go on this journey or they will simple enjoy the beautiful art you created.
Overall allowing yourself to be in a creative space and allow yourself to just flow. There is a multitude of positive benefits that come with engaging in these activities. Once you start taking initiative to better your quality life, it begins to affect others around you in a positive way, of course this isn’t the cure all but it sure is a great start!
Sources:
http://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/prefrontal-cortex
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543080/
https://kids.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/frym.2017.00019
