The Importance of Creativity: The Positive Effect on Your Brain and Health (2024)

The Importance of Creativity: The Positive Effect on Your Brain and Health

Creative fitness refers to the idea of keeping one's creativity in shape, much like physical fitness helps keep our bodies in good health. As I write this, Superbowl advertising critics are in full effect, and almost everyone in the world is commenting on the merits of the advertising.

Creative fitness involves engaging in activities and exercises that stimulate creativity and encourage new ideas to emerge. This can include things like brainstorming, sketching, playing with new mediums or techniques, and trying out new experiences. The goal is to keep the mind flexible and open to new ideas and ways of thinking, which can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and personal fulfillment. In this sense, creative fitness is about developing and maintaining the mental and emotional abilities that support creative thinking and problem-solving.

You are creative even if you think you're the farthest thing from right-brained. Think about times you've made a beautiful dinner, written a poem in a valentine's day card or re-painted a room; all activities that require activation of creativity. We all have it in us, even if some of us are not writing Superbowl spots. Creativity is often thought of as a luxury, something reservedfor artists and musicians. But in reality, it’s a crucial aspect of our daily lives and can have a profound impact on both our mental and physical well-being. From boosting brain function to reducing stress, the benefits of engaging in creative activities are numerous and undeniable.

Boosting Brain Function

Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities stimulates the brain, increasing neuroplasticity and boosting cognitive function. This can lead to improved memory, increased problem-solving skills, and greater creativity. In fact, research has shown that engaging in creative activities can even help stave off the age-related decline in brain function.

Reducing Stress

In addition to boosting brain function, creativity can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Engaging in creative activities gives our minds a much-needed break from the demands of everyday life, allowing us to focus on something enjoyable and absorbing. This can help to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Improving Mental Health

Creativity can also play a role in improving mental health. Engaging in creative activities can help to boost self-esteem, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. Furthermore, creative activities can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which is important for overall mental health and well-being.

Enhancing Physical Health

Finally, creativity can have a positive impact on physical health. Engaging in creative activities has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall physical health. This is likely due to the fact that creative activities stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

Creativity has been linked to several mental health benefits.

Dialing into creativity can be different for everyone and here are some ways I actively lean into creativity to be inspired:

1. Observing the world around me, being present: Successful creatives often find inspiration in their everyday experiences, paying attention to the world around them and looking for new perspectives and ideas. As Rick Rubin says, the answer to your creative challenge is often right in front of you; all it requires is to see it.
2. Engaging with different cultures and art forms: I've learned that many successful creatives seek inspiration by exposing themselves to different cultures, art forms, and experiences, as this helps them to broaden their horizons and find new sources of inspiration.
3. Collaborating with others: Collaborating with other artists, writers, musicians, or creatives can be a great way to find inspiration and develop new ideas. I learn from other people every day... other advertising folks, musicians, graffiti artists, tattooers, barbers and more. I try to have as many other types of creatives in my social circle as possible.
4. Taking time to reflect: Successful creatives often take time to reflect on their experiences and emotions, as this can lead to new ideas and insights. This is non-negotiable for me. Every day, usually at the end of the day, I reflect on the day and the one coming ahead. It is a form of meditation.
5. Breaking routine: While I am a creature of habit, I try to break my routine or step outside of my comfort zone, which often can lead to new and exciting ideas or observing something in the wild that I may not have seen before.
6. Engaging in self-care: Taking care of ourselves and maintaining our mental and physical health leads to increased inspiration and creativity. Whatever this means for you is right... for me, it means reading, writing, playing hockey, doing complex lego sets, sitting by a fire and being on my boat.

These are just a few of the ways I get inspired. The creative process is highly personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find what works for you and to continue to explore and develop your creative passions.

Here are a few studies that demonstrate the creative/mental health connection:

1. A study published in the "Journal of Psychiatric Research" found that engaging in creative activities can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Another study, published in the "British Journal of Occupational Therapy," found that individuals who engaged in creative activities had lower levels of stress and improved well-being.
3. A third study, published in the "Journal of Positive Psychology," found that individuals who engaged in creative activities experienced increased positive emotions and a greater sense of personal accomplishment.
4. A fourth study, published in the "Journal of Applied Arts and Health," found that engaging in creative activities can help individuals to manage symptoms of traumatic stress.
5. A fifth study, published in the "International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education," found that engaging in creative activities can lead to increased self-awareness and improved emotional regulation.