Did you know that a creative hobby such as arts and crafts or a specific physical activity can directly support your emotional health? Our ability to express ourselves through art, dance, music, or writing is often a key ingredient in our healing.
Creativity is not just a nice-to-have or a luxury that only wealthy people should pursue. Specific areas of the brain are engaged when we are creatively active. The areas of the brain that we use while playing are not the same as those that are engaged in problem-solving, survival reactions, and anxiety.
The brain regions we engage when we are being creative, playful, or imaginative are the same areas that support our healing and recovery. If we do not make an effort to engage these areas of our brain, we may continue to have outsize or unmanageable stress and trauma responses.
Talking often helps to calm the anxiety areas of the brain, mostly because we no longer feel alone in trying to solve our problem. But sometimes talking only seems to make things worse. If that happens, try finding a new creative hobby – something that resonates with you – or learn body-based stress management strategies.
Many people shy away from trying to be creative because they feel they are “not good at art” or “cannot write”. Yet these hobbies are good for us. We don’t have to be good at them! The aim is not to make something to sell. It’s to express yourself and experience that positive brain activity.
My approach includes helping clients find a balance in their lifestyles. This may include encouraging them to find a creative niche that feels safe and happy. I do not force my clients to do that, however. Many people really just need to talk about a specific challenge.
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