Creativity: An essential nutrient of humanity

Bright and colorful block art graphic design “Make Create Sleep Repeat”.

Creativity is not just a way to alleviate stress, it is an essential nutrient to our humanity. Creativity, when allowed to express itself fully without constraints, can tap into the deepest parts of our psyche, provide fulfillment, and allow us to touch the unfiltered truths of life. When we are exhausted by the to-dos of life and distracted by Xanax-like habits of scrolling or binge watching TV, we loose our connection with our creativity.

We are told that creativity is only possessed by artists, musicians, and writers. THIS IS FALSE. Creativity is baked within each of us. The limitations placed on our creativity at various points in time have constructed walls around our creative potential. We are ALL creative people, we are a walking creation. We just have to get out of our own way. Creativity is born from what we yearn for. From how we engage with what we love the most, with what piques our interest and curiosity.  In each of our minds is the potential of the universe to be shared with the world. It could be as simple as putting a twist on a new recipe or creating a musical composition from a dream. Creativity allows us to be the truest expression of ourself and can have a profound impact on our life and the life of those around us.

Close up of person’s gray eye with a painted face of colors green, yellow, salmon, and teal.

Creativity is a core element of your biology, core to our essence as humans. We evolved because of our ingenuity. Whether by intention (e.g., perhaps the creation of a wheel) or happy accident (e.g., the discovery of fire), creativity is when we experiment outside of the status quo and produce something new. These experiments may not always go as we expect, but that is the beauty of the chance of acting on this urge for novelty. In return, our brains become more flexible and resilient. Studies suggest that creativity stimulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This helps explain why creative pursuits often leave us feeling energized, focused, and accomplished. Furthermore, creativity has been linked to reduced levels of cortisol, the hormone that is released in response to stress. By engaging in creative tasks, we allow ourselves to enter a state of flow—a mental state in which we lose track of time and feel completely present.

Creative outlets give individuals a way to process complex emotions and experiences. For example, journaling or painting allows someone to externalize feelings that might otherwise feel overwhelming or stuck inside. When we engage in creative activities, we tap into a deeper part of ourselves. Instead of bottling up feelings, we let them out through colors, words, shapes, or movement. This act of expression can be incredibly liberating and can help reduce the mental load we often carry in our minds and bodies.

When things in life feel chaotic or out of control, making something with your hands or mind can be a way to reclaim a sense of mastery. Finishing a creative project, whether big or small, provides a tangible result that reinforces the feeling of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem.

Creativity may also have a social aspect that can be particularly healing. Participating in group art projects, attending a writing workshop, or playing music with others can foster connections and build a sense of community. Social isolation is a significant factor in mental health struggles, but creative groups allow people to bond over shared experiences and passions. For those who might feel disconnected or lonely, joining a creative endeavor can provide a sense of belonging. Even just discussing the work you’re doing with others can offer a sense of validation and support, and foster ideas for new projects. We can become inspired by one another and continue fueling the fire for creative endeavors.

Brightly colored ornaments hanging from an open air celling above.

Creativity is a free and accessible tool to boost mental health and feel more fulfilled. Some simple activities to try may include:

Journaling

Write down your thoughts, feelings, or daily experiences. This can be a way to clear your mind and better understand your emotions. There are plenty of resources that offer prompts for journaling if free writing doesn't come as easily to you. You can even do "junk journaling" or "art journaling" if you are a more visual person or not much of a writer. You can check out examples of art journals or junk journals online.

Doodling or Drawing

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, doodling can be an effective form of expression. Try sketching, coloring, or creating abstract art without judgment. You can even try painting blobs of watercolor on paper, let it dry, and doodle images in ink over the colors like flowers or animals. Let your mind flow freely and allow images to come to you as you doodle.

Music

Whether you play an instrument, sing, listen to music, or dance, it can be a great way to express emotions and shift your mood. Trying music that you may not usually listen to and see how your body responds. What emotions come up? How does your body want to express itself?

Crafting

Knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, macrame, pottery, or other hands-on crafts help calm the mind and focus your energy on something productive. For those who like to fidget, learning one of these skills can be incredibly useful for keeping your hands busy and mind focused, and produce something beautiful and unique.

Gardening

Tending to plants is not only therapeutic but also offers a tangible way to nurture something living and growing. You may even buy a selection of flowers in various sizes, shapes, and colors and arrange them in ways that evoke joy.

Redesign your space

If you are a visual-spatial person, redesigning your space can bring a sense of novelty to your home and evoke different moods you are hoping to bring in to your life. Painting an accet wall (or an entire room) a bold or moody color, rearranging furniture, or carving out spaces you love with a certain intention in mind can be a fulfilling creative practice.

Clothing

Expression through clothing is a practice as old as time. Bring some creativity to your style by wearing clothing in new ways, adding your own artistic touch to clothes, mixing patterns, or any other way that speaks to you.

Cooking

We gotta eat, so why not make cooking a space for inviting in creativity?! Perhaps there is a food you love and want to try to make. Or perhaps you have been dreaming about a twist to your favorite recipe. You might experiment with unconventional flavor profiles. If you like sticking to recipes as they are, perhaps inviting some friends over for curating a menu and setting the table in a fun way could bolster your creativity.

Creativity is an essential part of who we are as humans; when practiced regularly, it can help cultivate long-term mental resilience. People who engage in creative activities often report higher levels of happiness, reduced anxiety, and greater emotional intelligence. It can provide a consistent outlet for stress and emotional overload, allowing individuals to live more authentically.

By integrating creativity into our daily lives, we foster mental well-being and strengthen the gift that each one of us possesses that we can rely on in times of need. Whether we’re seeking comfort, clarity, or joy, creativity offers a path to mental and emotional healing.

Creativity allows us to express what can’t be said, cope with what we can’t control, and connect with others in ways that feel meaningful and healing. Creativity isn’t just about creating a masterpiece—it’s about creating space for ourselves to grow, heal, and thrive.