Mental Health Benefits of Creativity

By Jade Caswell, MA, NCC, LMHC

When most of us think of mental wellness, we may think of maintaining a healthy

routine, diet, getting enough exercise, sleep, etc. While all of these strategies are beneficial, the

positive effects of creativity on mental wellness may be less widely known. According to the

Journal of Positive Psychology, engaging in a creative activity is associated with 'higher

activated positive affect'. In other words, creativity can boost positive mood! Furthermore,

creative and artistic activities have been found to assist in processing complex emotions and aid

in the alleviation of stress and anxiety. Additional benefits include greater self-awareness,

resilience, and sense of purpose and identity. When words are difficult to find, non-verbal

expression using creative methods can be therapeutic.

With creative expression, consistency is key! This means that spending 10 minutes per

day on a creative pursuit is more beneficial for mental wellness than spending an hour once per

month. We all know that taking the first step is often the most challenging. Below are some

examples of creative outlets to consider:

- Visual Arts (painting, drawing, photography)

- Crafts (woodworking, sewing, ceramics, pottery)

- Music (playing an instrument, DJing, singing)

- Cooking & Baking

- Gardening

- Mindful Movement (dance, yoga, tai chi)

- Written Arts (journaling, storytelling, creative writing)

Interested in learning more? Reach out to our office today at 813-335-9794.

Our trained therapists look forward to speaking with you!