The Emotional Rewards of Creative Practice

(posted on Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine's blog)

Since the practice of creative therapy was introduced in Mid-20th century Europe, the benefits of the arts on mental wellbeing have been continually proven. This can include many different activities, ranging from colouring and painting to musical theatre and performance.

But what is it about creative release itself that is so emotionally healing? And how can we draw upon creativity to improve our own wellbeing?

A big aspect of this is mindfulness. To sit down and focus on the physical sensation of a silky pen gliding across paper – to watch as vibrant hues of paint swirl into one another – or to feel the vibrations of a guitar’s strings as it twangs out a major chord – immediately grounds you in the present moment. The act of creating (especially those acts which have a sensory involvement) can divert your attention away from any anxieties or troubling thoughts.

Note how none of these experiences are related to creative ability, too. You do not have to be an artistic genius to become absorbed in a creative activity. It is the process of creating that is the most important thing. Creativity allows us to access our emotions in a unique way. Whether it’s through making art with the specific purpose of expressing our feelings, or becoming lost in the creative process, the arts have a way of untangling our complex emotions.

There is no downside to creative play. I encourage you to implement small acts of creativity into your life and observe the magical effects it can have.