​Being in the  moment whilst being creative  leads to better problem solving, reduced  stress levels, stops rumination, increases self acceptance and is the gateway to flow. We know we are in a state of flow when we are fully  focused and absorbed in a creative task, we become distracted from  ourselves, others, what is happening around us and loose awareness of  time. Our attention is only on what we are creating, and making sure we achieve something positive, beautiful and meaningful. We don’t have  space for worrying thoughts and so happens to be a great way to escape the not so good things that may be happening in our everyday  lives.

Having your own creative interest helps develop  a positive self identity. Those who have suffered from anxiety, depression and trauma  have found creative expression healing. Activities such as writing,  painting or drawing can enable people to express or manage their  emotions in a positive and productive way. This can include helping  people to express their goals, or experiences that may be too difficult to  put into words, having a beneficial impact on their mental health. Writing  about an emotional topic lowers cortisol levels and helps to reduce  negative thoughts and emotions. It can also give a different perspective  on an issue. Drawing, painting or sculpting are especially helpful ways to  use imagery for people to process and express traumatic events in  situations where it is difficult to communicate them verbally. Drawing and doodling helps us to achieve that moment of flow, which boosts our mood and slows our heart rate down. Music calms neural activity, which  helps to decrease anxiety and restore emotional balance. Whereas  movement-based creative expression can help you to de-stress.

When  we have successfully  created something, our brain releases dopamine,  this natural antidepressant can improve our mood and also helps to  motivate us. Our brain changes throughout life, even as adults our brain has the ability to change and adapt. When we have new experiences and learn intentionally, we generate new brain cells and lay down new neural  connections and even increase the volume of specific areas. People who play musical instruments have improved connectivity pathways  between the right and left of their brain. Music is also an effective form of  therapy for dementia, helping to reduce agitation. It helps with  concentration and being focused. Other types of creative activities  including crafting, painting or has also helped to reduce the risk of  cognitive decline in middle aged and the elderly. Creative activities have  a calming effect on the brain and body.

The founder of “Art of Mindfulness,” Wendy Ann, has defined the 7 core  attitudes of Creative Mindfulness as Patience, Kindness, Curiosity, Persistence, Allowing, Trust and Playfulness.

www.artofmindfulness.org.uk/blog/the-7-core-attitudes-of-creativemindfulness

She has worked with Art and culture organisations all over the UK. As an arts and creative writing teacher in schools, colleges, adult education centres and art galleries, she has supported hundreds of adults, children and families with enjoying and developing their own creativity. Her philosophy as she states is this “Simply put, I believe  that we all have an extraordinary – possibly even limitless – natural  potential as human beings for compassion, creativity, joy, wisdom and  peace. I believe that creativity and mindfulness are two ways, through  which we can begin to realise this potential for inner freedom and  wellbeing. I’m enthusiastically committed to this in my own life, and to  supporting you to find it in yours.” She has a a FREE Stop Look Breathe Create Mindful Art Course called “3 Step” available for anyone to sign up here at

www.artofmindfulness.org.uk/stop-look-breathe-create-3- challenge-free-mindful-art-course

One particular interesting point that  Wendy Ann has said, is that for her being mindful has taught her more about being creative, and being creative has taught her more about  being mindful. Even though her own creative pursuits go in cycles,  whether it happens to be writing, photography, drawing or mixed media,  her mindfulness is always the one state of being that remains constant  throughout. She has also said that her inner-voices do not stop her from  moving forward, they lead her towards having more insight into how her  mind works and having more self- compassion.

 We all have a creative outlet waiting to be discovered, don’t be afraid to  try out new activities whilst being curious of the outcome. When we feel  curious we are present, alert and engaged. Maybe there is a new activity  you would like to try or start doing again? Try to think about how they will add value to your life and make you feel happy. Sometimes we just need to change the Creative activities we pursue to develop our growth  mindset. Enjoying the process matters more than the end result. We won’t  always get things perfect every time, mistakes are how we learn to challenge ourselves and problem solve. Through this learning we are able to fulfil our true potential. What is it you like about the things you’re naturally drawn towards? Can you identify a particular strength where you could flourish?

​If you are feeling out of touch with your creative side, then thinking about the things that inspire you or the activities or passions that you most enjoyed as a child, can help to give you direction. When deciding upon a new creative venture, also try to consider what it is that you need right now, how it will benefit you and what you want in your life. Keeping a journal to note down or draw things that inspire your creativity will help you remember your ideas. It’s also a good idea to find your own little, quiet space in your home where you can get to work on your projects.

Perhaps you have already decided on how you want to channel your  creativity, but struggle to find the time and to keep it going. The WEA 
(adult learning within reach)
www.wea.org.uk/find-course
have a selection of creative courses that can be done online via Zoom.  Courses usually run for four to twelve weeks, with each session lasting no more than two hours. Having direction from a tutor not only helps to improve your skills but share your interest with other like minded people whilst providing the opportunity to make new connections. Scheduling a time slot for your creative tasks into your calendar is also helpful, if you make them a priority in your schedule you are more likely to do them.  Don’t try to do too many projects at once though because this will just cause feelings of stress and failure. It’s more helpful to schedule in different tasks to focus on for each month. You don’t have to take too long doing them either, even if you only spend five minutes doodling, doing this each day can have positive effects on your wellbeing.

It is those little creative daily tasks that help us feel motivated to keep up  with the mundane everyday chores. Getting absorbed in just one hobby or passion regularly helps our brain stay healthy and helps to find our unique sense of purposes.

Thank you for reading this.  Please feel free to write any comments or feedback to me below or via our Art Culture Tourism links.

Dawn Lindson
​
https://www.facebook.com/InnerGrace
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Dante images by a selection of contemporary artists below.   
Please Click on the photo images to enlarge, and hover over to read any captions.