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Did you know a good deal of addictions, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues stem from an absence of creative expression?
Because of this, finding a creative activity is crucial for improving your mental health.
Creativity gives you the space to reflect on your deepest emotions instead of bottling it all in, waiting for them to explode like a ticking time bomb.
For me, theatre has helped me to gradually heal from carrying the weight of unresolved emotions in a way that didn’t give me “emotional overload.” It helped me gain confidence through the stage, and acquire mindfulness through playing the life of a character.
There are a ton of creative activities you can fit in day to day that don’t require a lot of effort but are equally fulfilling in making that time for self-expression.
This article reveals the 5 easiest creative activities you can start today to take charge of your mental health.
1. Blackout poetry
This is a great activity for those who don’t consider themselves “artsy” and don’t have a lot of time. All you need is an old book or newspaper. Next you scan the page for words then circle the ones that speak to you the most with a pen or pencil. After you’re finished circling, draw lines from each word to make a complete thought. Finally, blackout the words you didn’t use with a marker and add personalized illustrations or boxes to emphasize the chosen final words. I love blackout poetry because it’s a great way to turn your thoughts off, and have your heart guide you to chose words that resonate with you. You don’t always know what you’re going to end up with, but the final result reveals a story your subconscious was dying to tell you.
2. Dance it out ( or try somatic yoga!)
The reason why dancing it out feels amazing is because it boosts your pleasure and happiness chemicals: dopamine and endorphins. Movement is also the secret to releasing the tension and stress that gets stored in our bodies from:
- Work ( do you sit or stand up a lot?)
- Stressful situations where you tense up
- Injuries
Having a solo dance party is the perfect quick activity to get your happiness levels radiating and working out those muscles. But if you have time, I recommend taking a class or trying out a video on somatic yoga. Different from traditional yoga, somatic is especially designed to target muscles through slow and steady movements to re-educate the brain so to relax and move muscles easier.
3. Turn up some music & get out the adult coloring book
I love when science backs us up on doing something fun! Studies show that coloring soothes the amygdala: the part responsible for stirring up feelings of fear in your brain. Research shows it induces the same state as meditating by reducing restless thoughts. Add your favorite music playlist to the mix and this is the perfect destressor after a long day working.
4. DIY Project
“When I get to work on an artistic project, whether it’s a personal or a professional one, I am transported to a happy place in my mind, where I feel settled and focused. The deeper I get into the task, the more introspective it becomes – I want to explore my inner self more and my thoughts start to flow in a way that feels almost cathartic. –
Diane Ng
You know that feeling when you can finally check off that home project of the list? It’s liberating to sit back and admire the creation you built. All that hard work and time & money spent, on a uniquely crafted design. Of course, there’s a science behind those “feel good” emotions. DIYing has a ton of benefits:
- Lower levels of anxiety / stress / mental distress
- Improved quality of life
- long-term social and cultural benefits
- And it may promote better aging!
5. Write letters
Are you waiting for that conversation that’s never going to come?
Whether you’re looking for an apology, explanation, or insight on a situation, it can be a difficult waiting game if the person in your life is not able to provide you the emotional support you’re searching for.
That’s why I love writing unsent letters to people in my life ( past or present) because it helps me to gain closure in unfinished business. Writing for healing helps you to express:
- Forgiveness
- Empathy for hostile situations
- Gratitude
- Compassion
WHAT’S THE SCIENCE SAYING…?
Writing for healing engages different areas of your brain that draws us away from feeling overwhelmed and encourages us to recognize a different point of view. This in turn helps us build resilience and improves mood.
So, which of these creative activities are you dying to try out?