Why use Creativity? What is all the fuss about?

Creativity is a vital skill that is important in all aspects of life. Whether you consider yourself the next Picaso or have the deep belief that you are not at all creative and avoid anything remotely creative, creativity allows you to approach challenges and difficulties with a fresh perspective and helps problem solve effectively.

The truth is we are ALL creative beings and whether it's deciding what you are going to wear, what flowers to plant, or herbs to use in your cooking, everyday we are being creative.

Creativity has been linked to improved physical and mental health, as well as an increase in happiness and wellbeing.

And this is why I use it in my private practise.

1. Creativity Improves your Mood and Motivation

I know, I know - I can already hear the head's shaking at this one. What about when you spend ages on a piece of work and are disappointed and frustrated that your blue blob on the page looks nothing like the beautiful dolphin you intended it to be? Or when the meal you prepared has too much hot-chilli powder in it and now it's ruined.

The truth is though, taking time out, immersing yourself in colour's and smells or any 'playful' activities allows some juicy 'feel good hormones' to start flooding your system. This brings a sense of happiness and relaxation allowing us to feel better. The trick is about learning to enjoy the process and not get hung up on the end result. So what if my cakes always look like the leaning tower of Pisa. It taste's alright!

2. Creativity helps you focus and is naturally grounding.

Even if you are Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen or a successful artist, you need to take your time and focus. This may even mean taking several brakes as your bring your masterpiece into completion. In today's fast-paced world It can be so easy to become overwhelmed and stressed.

Engaging in creative activities is a great way to slow the pace down and can be naturally calming.

Creativity is also a great way to help express and explore your emotions. Particularly any that you find uncomfortable.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed try engaging in something creative.

3. Creativity helps you solve problems

Creativity is a valuable tool that can help you solve problems more effectively and efficient. Being creative allows the unconcious to come through. When you are faced with a problem it can be easy to get stuck in the same patterns of thinking and to come up with the same types of solutions. However, creativity helps you break out of these patterns by allowing you to become aware of unknown and this will help you to come up with new and original ideas that can help you find a better solution.

The truth is there are so many reason's for engaging with creativity on a regular basis and even more reason's to be using them when it comes to supporting people's mental health and emotional wellbeing.

It is a safe way to engage and explore someone's feelings and challenges they are facing.

As well as the fact that there are studies that show engaging in creativity can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

So why not go and get inspired by the variety of ways to engage in creativity.