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Creativityhelps us perceive the world in new and different ways.
It helps us create works of beauty, problem solve, and refresh our bodies and our minds.
It’s fun, and when you are having fun, you are positively impacting your health.
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Turning to creativity has been proven in extensive research to relieve both stress and anxiety.
Creativity also helps lessen the shame, anger, and depression felt by those who have experienced trauma.
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has an art therapy program for soldiers with PTSD.
Veterans often find it difficult to express their trauma verbally.
Its sometimes called beingin the zone.
This is an excellent and often euphoric state to be in.
In this state, we are more mindful and relaxed.
This allows us to feel more positive and brings a sense of accomplishment.
People who experience flow report higher levels of creativity, productivity, and happiness.
We all have the ability to express ourselves and come up with alternate ways of looking at things.
They are not based on the end product.
The release of dopamine brings an enhanced sense of well-being as well as improved motivation, Healy says.
Actively making art rather than simply appreciating art has also been shown to stave off cognitive decline.
Sing or Play Music
Music bonds us.
Singing raises oxytocin levels in both amateur and professional singers.
If youre not enamored with singing, do you like to just listen to music?
Simply listening to music releases oxytocin.
Music directly impacts oxytocin levels and oxytocin affects our ability to trust and socially connect to others.
Dance
Dancing is not only fun, its actually really good for you to move with music.
What is surprising in the research is that the benefit wasnt due to physical exercise alone.
Compared to other forms of exercise, dancing was the only exercise that made a difference.
Play isnt just kid stuff.
Its also beneficial for adults.
Nature in this study provided emotionally positive stimuli.
Therefore, spending quality time in nature improved their creativity test scores.
So, when you are stumped by problems, move away from the computer.
A Word From Verywell
The everydayness of our daily lives might make everything seem flat or mundane.
The result is a numbing sameness or a sense of endlessly being on the hamster wheel.
Creativity inspires novel thinking and ideas.
So, step away from your routine, indulge yourself in playful and fun activities.
The Cleveland Clinic.How art can help you cope with the pandemic.
Twohig MP, Levin ME.Acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for anxiety and depression.Psychiatr Clin North Am.
2017;9:59. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00059
The National Institute for Play.Science and human play.
2012;7(12):e51474.
