Creativity helps to focus the mind and studies have proven that it has a calming effect on the brain and body. I didn’t know this in 2008 when – in my first job interview – I was asked how I handled stress. I answered apprehensively by saying “I colour, I love colouring, it calms me. Sometimes I colour my nephews homework for him.”
I thought it might sound strange (adult colouring books were not yet a thing) but it was something I genuinely found comfort in.
When we are creative, we acitvate the state of flow by completely absorbing ourselves in the creative activity; we’re working toward a completed result and on completion of this activity our brain releases dopamine. The positive feeling achieved from the dopamine release stimulates behavioural patterns that reinforce rhythm.
You can train your brain to be creative & @pinterest is a paradise for DIY options.
Creativity helps with
🔹Processing trauma or experiences that are difficult to verbalise
🔹Improved brain function & intelligence
🔹Increased happiness (dopamine release)
🔹Decision making
🔹Boosts immune system & improves physical health
🔹Reinforces rhythm
These are some of my favorite ways to be creative, what are yours.
🖌️Colouring
🖌️Musical instruments
🖌️Art / doodling / drawing / painting
🖌️Sewing / knitting / crocheting
🖌️baking