CREATIVITY: Your Pathway to a Calmer Mind
“Creativity is Intelligence Having Fun”
Albert Einstein
Have you ever noticed how a splash of creativity can turn a hard day around? It's not just fun and games; there’s some real magic to it, especially when it comes to soothing nerves and a busy mind. Unleashing our creative side can be a game-changer for mental peace and nervous system regulation, below I am going to share a few reasons why.
When we get creative, our brains enter a state of heightened focus and imagination, almost like a form of hypnotherapy. It allows us to enter a flow state where we become fully immersed in the task at hand, experiencing a sense of timelessness and deep concentration. This state of mind not only helps us relieve stress but also boosts our mood and enhances our cognitive abilities.
Moreover, engaging in creative activities stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical response can lead to increased feelings of happiness, motivation, and self-confidence.
Spending time being creative can help reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and enhance our resilience to stress. By engaging in creative pursuits, we tap into the healing power of self-expression, allowing us to process our thoughts and emotions in a safe and controlled manner.
When you're deep in a creative task, be it sketching, gardening, or even knitting; you're fully anchored in the present. This isn't just a distraction; it's a form of mindfulness. By focusing on the here and now, your mind takes a break from overthinking, from drifting into the past and from worrying about the future. This gives your nervous system a much-needed pause from stress. (You know, most stress is caused from a creative mind worrying… so it’s good to put it to use)
With life comes obstacles, triggers and unwanted emotions that sometimes are just too complex for words and we don’t even know why they are there. Creativity is a secret weapon for these natural complexities of life. Painting, music, writing etc., are not just hobbies, they're outlets for emotional expression. When we channel our feelings into a creative process, it helps regulate and even sometimes release our emotional responses, making us more resilient, balanced and able to live in the now.
Relaxation Through Creation
Last of all, creativity can be so relaxing. There’s something inherently soothing about being creative. Whether it's the repetitive motion of sowing or painting, or the focus required to capture the perfect photo, these activities can be incredibly meditative. They offer a unique way to achieve calm, focused relaxation, reducing stress and helping our nervous system to reset.
The best part about creativity? It's all yours. It can be as simple as doodling on a napkin or as grand as composing a symphony. The point is to find joy and release in the process. It's about what makes you feel good and what helps you to unwind and reset.
There are so many things we have to do in life that we don’t enjoy, creativity offers a chance to slow down, process our thoughts and emotions, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. It's not just about the output; it's about how the act of creating impacts our mental well-being and nervous system health. It’s just for you!
The mind fascinates me and I love helping people understand, interpret and work with what is going on in our brains. Whether you are a client of mine, working alongside someone else or just on you own self-healing journey; I recommend engaging in creative activities, especially areas involved in innovative thinking, expressive release and problem-solving. See it as a workout for your brain and this mental engagement is key to keeping our minds sharp and it can also help facilitate new neural connections, which is excellent for overall brain health.
Please remember creativity is so much more than just making art or music. It's a way of expressing yourself, channeling your emotions, and finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or even cooking, engaging in creative activities can be incredibly beneficial for your overall well-being.
So now it's your turn. How do you tap into your creative side? What's your favourite way to unwind and reset?
