Your Mind on Art: Why Creativity Boosts Wellness

Contributing author: Janelle Mallard

When we talk about mental health and creativity, we’re really talking about the mind and how it works. Creativity, like making art, music, or even writing, can help us feel better when we’re down. Sometimes, when people are stressed or upset, doing something creative can make their minds calmer and happier. It’s like giving your brain a break and a chance to focus on something enjoyable.  

But mental health can also affect how creative we feel. If you’re feeling really anxious or sad, it can be hard to come up with new ideas or find motivation to do creative things. On the other hand, some people find that their creativity increases when they feel certain emotions deeply. (They call it transmuting pain into positivity. But that’s a more in depth topic for another day) For example, a sad mood might help someone write a powerful song or poem. It’s different for everyone, but our feelings definitely play a role in how creative we are.  

Creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s about problem-solving, finding new ways to do things, and expressing yourself. When we use our creativity, we often feel more confident and connected to others, especially if we share what we’ve made. This connection is really important because it helps us feel less alone, especially when our mental health isn’t great.   In the end, taking care of your mental health can help your creative spark, and being creative can help your mental health. They go hand in hand.

If you’re feeling stuck, try doing something creative that you enjoy, draw, write, sing, dance, cook, anything! It doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters most is letting your mind play and express itself. That can make a big difference in how you feel day-to-day.