A recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association revealed that those who rate their mental health as very good or excellent tend to engage in creative activities more frequently than those who consider their mental health fair or poor. The takeaway is clear — prioritizing creative pursuits can boost your mental health.
Need inspiration? Consider the mental health benefits of these five creative outlets.
Drawing/Painting/Coloring
Drawing — as well as painting, coloring, and similar artistic outlets — requires concentration, offering a reprieve from any unhelpful thoughts that may be racing through your mind. Drawing can also help you get those thoughts out of your head and onto a page or canvas. As such, creative pursuits like drawing can relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression, and help you process grief and trauma.
And you don’t have to be an artist to benefit from artistic pursuits. You can start with something simple, like an adult coloring book or paint-by-numbers kit. Or, if you prefer to color outside the lines, set up a blank canvas or sketchbook and see what emerges. Let go of judgment and expectation and immerse yourself in the creative process.
Writing/Journaling
Writing is a powerful way to process your emotions. Rather than keeping your thoughts and feelings locked up inside, writing allows you to unload them in a safe and private space. Getting it all out of your head and onto the page can be a great stress reliever, and it can also help you make sense of your struggles. Whether you prefer journaling, crafting stories, or writing poetry, the mental health benefits abound.
If you’re new to the practice, start by free writing for just five minutes a day. Write down anything that comes to mind. Don’t censor or edit yourself — let your thoughts, feelings, and ideas flow. You may be surprised by the mental clarity and stress relief you feel afterward.
Making Music
Playing an instrument is an excellent creative outlet, allowing you to express emotions without words. The act of making music can relieve stress, boost your mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Plus, learning to read music and practicing new songs can give you a structured routine, which can be helpful when dealing with depression.
If you don’t already play, it’s never too late to learn something new. You can try a beginner-friendly instrument like the ukelele or keyboard, and master the basics with the help of online tutorials. Or pick up an instrument you’ve always wanted to try but never did. The goal is not to become a musical maestro, but to explore a fun way to express yourself and learn a new skill.
Cooking/Baking
The results of cooking feed the body, but the process of cooking can soothe the soul. Cooking and baking both involve a degree of creativity, whether you’re considering new recipes to try, ingredients to combine, or flavors to add. Time spent in the kitchen can engage all your senses and improve your mood—especially when you get to feast on the fruits of your labor afterward!
Cooking doesn’t have to be elaborate to be satisfying. Start with something simple, like a smoothie or salad, or bake a batch of cookies. Savor the aroma and flavor of something you made with your own two hands, and the way the food nourishes your body. Cook with friends to make it a social activity, and enjoy what you create together.
Gardening
Gardening offers a healthy outlet for creative expression and problem-solving, whether you’re designing your garden landscape or experimenting with different ways to improve the soil. Gardening is also a sensory experience, allowing you to feel the warmth of the sun, smell the sweet blossoms, and listen to the birds sing. Cultivating herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables can induce a feeling of contentment, along with a sense of satisfaction as you watch your garden grow.
If you’re new to the activity, invite friends over to plant a small garden, or join a local community garden to work the soil together. However you choose to garden — and whether your plot is big or small — you can still enjoy the mood-boosting benefits of this creative outlet.
Not only can creative activities be fun and relaxing, but they can also give your mind a reprieve from anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors. By incorporating one or more of these activities into your life, you can build a positive and healthy mindset.
Need a brain break? Call Beachside Rehab at 866-349-1770 to speak with our trained admissions counselors. At our luxury mental health treatment center in Florida, you’ll have the freedom to focus on your health and well-being and discover creative ways to live a more fulfilling life.
Source: “New APA Poll: Americans Who Engage in Creative Activities at Least Weekly Report Better Mental Health,” American Psychiatric Association, July 6, 2023.