When it comes to our well-being, we often find ourselves in a downward spiral by neglecting our physical and mental health. We can get lost in indulging in bad habits, such as working too much, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or eating unhealthy food, causing us to feel lifeless and depressed. However, there’s a simple solution to counteract this downward spiral – creativity.
The Upward Spiral Phenomenon
The upward spiral is characterized by enthusiasm, thriving, and enjoying life to the fullest. It’s a state we all desire to achieve, and it turns out that daily creativity may be the key to attaining it.
In a recent study by the University of Otago in New Zealand, researchers found that college students who engaged in creative activities were happier and felt more fulfilled. Furthermore, these activities had an almost immediate impact on well-being, with participants feeling happier the very next day after engaging in creativity.
Unleashing Your Creativity
There are countless ways to channel your creative energy. The study included activities such as songwriting, creative writing, knitting and crochet, making new recipes, painting, drawing and sketching, graphic and digital design, and musical performance. However, the possibilities are truly endless.
You can simply:
- Organize your closet or pantry in an inventive way
- Try the adult coloring book trend
- Drive a different route to work or home
- Listen to a podcast about a topic you know little about
- Write a daily haiku
- Take a walk during your break, aiming to capture a single photo of something (excluding selfies)
- Rearrange your furniture or your workspace
- Create a Pinterest board of inspiring artwork, designs, images, photographs, etc.
- Wear an attention-grabbing piece of clothing that makes you feel fashionable
No Talent Required
Don’t let fears about your creative abilities hold you back. It’s the experience of being creative that brings the most benefits, regardless of the end product. And there’s more good news – researchers discovered that engaging in a creative activity today not only boosts happiness the following day but also makes it more likely that you’ll partake in another creative activity. That means you’ll be well on your way to a full-blown upward spiral, where you’re becoming happier and more creative with each passing day.
In conclusion, creativity is an essential tool that can help transform our lives in a positive way. By incorporating creative activities into our daily routines, we can experience tremendous benefits to our well-being and happiness. The barrier to entry is low, as creativity requires no specific talent or skill. It merely involves taking the time to explore new activities and ideas. In doing so, we begin an upward spiral that not only brings more joy into our lives but also fosters a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.
