Happy Stationery Week! I hope you are all enjoying the stationery filled posts on social media.
People assume that because they don’t have a creative outlet or are not naturally drawn to a certain type of art form, they must not be creative. Another misconception is that some people are born creative and others aren’t. The truth is everyone is creative, its just a matter of discovering a creative outlet that suits you.
When you ask others or even yourself why do you like blogging or why do you like another creative hobby that you pursue, the response is usually “I do it because it makes me happy, or it makes me feel good“. Therefore it is no surprise that being creative can help with mental health and change people’s mood and perspectives.
A person has an average of 60,000 thoughts per day. I can definitely relate to that figure, especially if I am feeling anxious. Being involved in a creative activity can help keep your mind busy and focused. Being involved in art forms not only focuses the mind but it has been suggested in recent reports that it is just as calming as meditation for the body.
Completing an art project or a creative activity can give a sense of achievement (I feel like this when I complete a notebook haha), which leads to a boost in self-esteem. Creating art stimulates the release of Dopamine which raises mood and makes us feel good.
Anxiety can cause stress, which I know all too well. However, by being creative through my blog and colouring it helps me to focus my mind elsewhere and relax my mind.
Journalling is a great way to write down all your thoughts and feelings. Studies have shown writing helps people manage their negative emotions in a productive way. I have been journalling on and off for years and I definitely find it therapeutic. I also like to be able to look back on positive memories as well as see all I have achieved over the years.
When you started creating art in your chosen form it can help with self-discovery and you learn about feelings that have been in your subconscious. Sometimes people find it hard to express their feelings in words, which is why art is so powerful.
I believe that being involved in creative activities has a huge positive impact on one’s mental health. Do you agree? What do you like to do to be creative? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I certainly agree art is therapists. Your mind has no chance to think when you are being creative.
Colouring is for me and a dab at watercolours.
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Thank you, it is such a useful tool to benefit from x
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this is so true – doing art makes me feel so calm 🙂
great post
-Lena
http://www.lenasnotebook.co.uk
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And you are so great at it! Your designs are beautiful xx
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It is certainly important to be creative and just let your mind run with it! so many studies have proved that it is relaxing and calms the mind and helps us cope with our day-to-day stresses and anxieties! I love just doodling for hours, it is so peaceful:) thank you for sharing lovely!
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Aww that’s great. I like to doodle sometimes too. Thank you for reading and commenting xx
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I definitely agree, great post and a good way to encourage everyone to express themselves in journaling or creatively even if not directly arty
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Definitely! Thank you for reading and commenting x
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60,000 thoughts per day, wow, that’s a terrifying number. I have tried colouring books before but I just can’t get on with them, I find myself getting distracted which is not the purpose of the exercise! But I do love my blog so I guess that’s my creative outlet and my garden is my happy place, which is good for my mental health. Fab post as always, Lauren, thank you for sharing 🙂 Lisa x
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I know, so many thoughts! Yes, you have your blog and your garden which you do so well. Thank you for reading and commenting Lisa x
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I mean, it totally makes sense and I totally understand why creative hobbies improve and help mental health. My blog was like that for me, until it became my job so I look at it a lot differently now however it does still help massively with my mental health because it always gives me a sense of purpose! I really wish I could get into more crafty things though, like painting or colouring! ❤
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
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That’s great it has helped you with anxiety, my blog helps me too as well as things like colouring. Maybe try paint with numbers first? It might be a great way to start. Thank you for reading and commenting ❤️
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I might get a adult colouring book to try xx
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It’s good fun and relaxing xx
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That’s so amazing that you have found and connected with others, I wish I had this platform of people when I first was diagnosed with anxiety. Like you, it focuses my mind too. Thank you for reading and commenting xx
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That’s amazing! ❤️ colouring is so good, helps me focus and is so relaxing! Thank you for your service that’s amazing. Thank you for reading and commenting xx
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This is sooo true! Creativity really helps with my mental health too! I recently started journalling again to note down my thoughts and feelings, it really does help put things into perspective and focus on the positives. Colouring in is such a relaxing activity too, I can easily sit there and colour for hours! I love your pages, so pretty and colourful 🙂 Thank you for sharing lovely, this is such a great reminder to do something arty and creative over the weekend! ❤ xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
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I could colour for hours and have done before, time just runs away with me when I am colouring. It is so important to take time out and reflect. Journaling is so important! Thank you for reading and commenting ❤️xxx
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Really enjoyed your post Lauren. Thank you.
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Yeah that’s true it can effect you like that. I hope it improves soon so you can be involved in art more
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Wonderful post Lauren. I definitely agree that art can be a great form or therapy and, even if you’re not artistic there will be something for you to try. I’m hoping to have a go at scratch art and my parents kindly gifted me a penguin one for my birthday.
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Yes, definitely do! It’s so much fun! They look great when they are finished too
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome !!
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I agree that being creative has a positive impact on your mental health. I enjoy making pierced earrings and making my own DIY holiday decorations.
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Aww that’s so cool. It’s so much fun making things and seeing the end result x
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Wonderful! I recently learned painting and it has helped me enormously in dealing with work stress. Shared your post on my blog. 🙂
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That’s great! Thank you for reading and commenting
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Love the color a lot!
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Thank you!
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Thank you for reading. I love being creative xx
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Totally. I’ve been loving exploring my creativity. Making poems out of my thoughts and drawing and painting. Yoga is quite creative too, a bit like dance. And thats just a few of the many options! Theres something for everyone when they look x
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These are great things to do! Thank you for reading and commenting x
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