Photo by Noodlemistress
Neurologists have long known that people who are creative often use different parts of their brains than those who are not. Even in those who are not inherently creative, studies show that when they engage in certain activities and practice certain skills, those parts of the brain become more active. I won’t get into the particulars about the anatomy and physiology of the brain here, but suffice it to say that the idea that creative people are “right-brained” has some truth to it.
The interesting thing to me, though, is that anyone can be creative. Any of us can utilize those various parts of our brains and find enjoyment in creativity. You may be asking yourself why you would want to engage other areas of your brain. “Aren’t I already using enough of my brain to try to manage all I do?” you might ask. What seems important about all of this is that when you engage yourself in a variety of activities and learn new skills, especially those that trigger use of different parts of your brain, you become better able to find balance. Your repertoire of coping strategies expands and you have more outlets for yourself.
Being creative requires you to see the world around you in a way differently than you normally do. You become more aware of the small nuances of your life and the things that you may typically take for granted or ignore. Creativity allows you to grow and develop new skills, different hobbies, and various opportunities to find well-being.
I have found that when I am overwhelmed and stressed out, one of my go-to coping strategies is finding a creative project for myself. It is not uncommon for me to have two or three going at a time that I can always fall into when I need a break away from the grind of my everyday life. I have also enjoyed learning new creative outlets, and am always looking for something that will spark my interest and give me something to look forward to.
Here are some ways to engage your own creativity (no degree in fine arts needed):
1. Pack a camera with you one day and take it everywhere you go. Snap shots of your everyday life: the people, the places, the activities. Look for interesting angles or different views. At the end of the day, look back at the photos you took and see your life from a new perspective.
2. Try out one of the popular do-it-yourself art project places. There are opportunities to paint your own pottery, paint your own picture, or make your own frame for a print you’ve been wanting to hang. Gather a few friends, take something to drink (most of these places allow this), and spend a couple of hours creating with friends.
3. Peruse the crafting books at a local bookstore. Choose one that catches your attention and try out the craft that it teaches… preferably something that you have not tried before.
4. Journal. Allow yourself to write without structure and to write about whatever may be on your mind. You could start a gratitude journal or a blog. Write about what you are passionate about that day, don’t worry about your spelling or grammar, and get your ideas out on paper (or screen).
5. Craft with your children. Something as simple as a box of crayons and some scratch paper can trigger amazing creativity in our children. Get down on their level, pick up some colors yourself, watch them, and emulate.
6. Write a letter. The art of letter-writing is disappearing in this age of email and electronic communication. While I don’t admonish the latter, I do still appreciate and enjoy the time and art in writing a letter. Think about someone who you have not communicated with recently, pick up some nice stationary and an ink pen, and write to them.
7. Play some music. For those of you who have talent with an instrument, this could entail you pulling out your old guitar and strumming on it. For those of us without such talent, it could mean that we turn on Pandora. Or the radio. Or an old record or CD. Having music in our lives automatically triggers those creative parts of our brain, whether playing or listening.
8. Take a walk. Or go for a hike, practice yoga, rock climb, or do anything else that stretches you physically. Try a new sport or exercise, use different muscles, and become more physically creative.
9. Wear a new outfit. Borrow something from a friend or buy something inexpensive. Choose a piece that is different from your normal wardrobe, mix and match varying pieces, with an goal of being creative. If you are really crafty, try making yourself something by engaging some sewing, knitting, or other skills.
10. Make something good to eat. Remember a favorite dish at a restaurant? Try to recreate it at home. Or come up with something completely innovative – choose some of your favorite ingredients and attempt a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy.
Sometimes if we don’t have a particular talent or skill, we assume that we cannot be creative. It is important, however, to find our own creativity and utilize it. Not only will it give you an outlet and something to go to for relaxation, but it will also expand your horizons and enhance your perspective on life. Seeing things from a creative viewpoint can be restorative and balancing.
What are your creativities? How do you try to implement them into your life?
The interesting thing to me, though, is that anyone can be creative. Any of us can utilize those various parts of our brains and find enjoyment in creativity. You may be asking yourself why you would want to engage other areas of your brain. “Aren’t I already using enough of my brain to try to manage all I do?” you might ask. What seems important about all of this is that when you engage yourself in a variety of activities and learn new skills, especially those that trigger use of different parts of your brain, you become better able to find balance. Your repertoire of coping strategies expands and you have more outlets for yourself.
Being creative requires you to see the world around you in a way differently than you normally do. You become more aware of the small nuances of your life and the things that you may typically take for granted or ignore. Creativity allows you to grow and develop new skills, different hobbies, and various opportunities to find well-being.
I have found that when I am overwhelmed and stressed out, one of my go-to coping strategies is finding a creative project for myself. It is not uncommon for me to have two or three going at a time that I can always fall into when I need a break away from the grind of my everyday life. I have also enjoyed learning new creative outlets, and am always looking for something that will spark my interest and give me something to look forward to.
Here are some ways to engage your own creativity (no degree in fine arts needed):
1. Pack a camera with you one day and take it everywhere you go. Snap shots of your everyday life: the people, the places, the activities. Look for interesting angles or different views. At the end of the day, look back at the photos you took and see your life from a new perspective.
2. Try out one of the popular do-it-yourself art project places. There are opportunities to paint your own pottery, paint your own picture, or make your own frame for a print you’ve been wanting to hang. Gather a few friends, take something to drink (most of these places allow this), and spend a couple of hours creating with friends.
3. Peruse the crafting books at a local bookstore. Choose one that catches your attention and try out the craft that it teaches… preferably something that you have not tried before.
4. Journal. Allow yourself to write without structure and to write about whatever may be on your mind. You could start a gratitude journal or a blog. Write about what you are passionate about that day, don’t worry about your spelling or grammar, and get your ideas out on paper (or screen).
5. Craft with your children. Something as simple as a box of crayons and some scratch paper can trigger amazing creativity in our children. Get down on their level, pick up some colors yourself, watch them, and emulate.
6. Write a letter. The art of letter-writing is disappearing in this age of email and electronic communication. While I don’t admonish the latter, I do still appreciate and enjoy the time and art in writing a letter. Think about someone who you have not communicated with recently, pick up some nice stationary and an ink pen, and write to them.
7. Play some music. For those of you who have talent with an instrument, this could entail you pulling out your old guitar and strumming on it. For those of us without such talent, it could mean that we turn on Pandora. Or the radio. Or an old record or CD. Having music in our lives automatically triggers those creative parts of our brain, whether playing or listening.
8. Take a walk. Or go for a hike, practice yoga, rock climb, or do anything else that stretches you physically. Try a new sport or exercise, use different muscles, and become more physically creative.
9. Wear a new outfit. Borrow something from a friend or buy something inexpensive. Choose a piece that is different from your normal wardrobe, mix and match varying pieces, with an goal of being creative. If you are really crafty, try making yourself something by engaging some sewing, knitting, or other skills.
10. Make something good to eat. Remember a favorite dish at a restaurant? Try to recreate it at home. Or come up with something completely innovative – choose some of your favorite ingredients and attempt a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy.
Sometimes if we don’t have a particular talent or skill, we assume that we cannot be creative. It is important, however, to find our own creativity and utilize it. Not only will it give you an outlet and something to go to for relaxation, but it will also expand your horizons and enhance your perspective on life. Seeing things from a creative viewpoint can be restorative and balancing.
What are your creativities? How do you try to implement them into your life?
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