Strengthen Your Spirit: Embrace Creativity for Resilience
The events of the past year – the pandemic, racial injustice, political unrest – have put us all through the wringer. Many of us have felt like we’re just trying to survive, instead of really living. We’ve lost loved ones, missed important milestones, and struggled with loneliness and anxiety.
But in the midst of all this, there is a powerful tool that can help us not just endure, but thrive: creativity. When we tap into our inherent creativity – whether that means painting, writing, cooking, or simply trying new things – we strengthen our spirits and become more resilient.
Here’s why creativity is such an important weapon in our fight against adversity.
Creativity boosts mental health
Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can have enormous benefits for our mental health. One study from the University of Otago found that people who engaged in daily creative activities – even things as simple as doodling or knitting – reported feeling more positive emotions and a greater sense of well-being. Another study found that engaging in creative expression was an effective way to manage symptoms of depression.
This is because creative activities give us a sense of control and agency over our lives. When we’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, taking some time to create something – even if it’s just a silly drawing or a short story – can help us feel like we’re making progress, and can give us a sense of accomplishment that can help us feel better.
Creativity builds resilience
But the benefits of creativity go beyond just feeling good in the moment. Engaging in creative activities can actually help us build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. When we’re faced with challenges or setbacks, our resilience is what enables us to keep going.
One reason creativity helps build resilience is that it trains us to be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. When we create something, we never know exactly how it’s going to turn out. We have to be okay with taking risks and embracing the unknown. This is an incredibly valuable skill when we’re facing difficult times, because we can’t always predict what’s going to happen next.
Creativity also helps us build a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. When we’re engaged in creative activities, we’re doing something that feels important and valuable to us. This sense of purpose can help us stay motivated and focused, even when things are tough.
Finally, creativity helps us build problem-solving skills. When we’re creating something, we have to figure out how to make it work – whether that means figuring out how to mix the right colors in a painting, or how to structure a complex story. This kind of problem-solving mentality can help us tackle challenges in other areas of our lives as well.
Creativity helps us connect with others
Another reason creativity is so important for resilience is that it helps us connect with other people. When we’re engaged in creative activities, we’re often working with others – whether that means collaborating on a piece of music or sharing our writing with a critique group.
These connections can be incredibly valuable when we’re going through difficult times. They help us feel less alone, and can provide us with support and encouragement when we need it. And even if we’re working on something solo, sharing our work with others can help us feel more connected and engaged with the world around us.
How to embrace creativity for resilience
So, how can we tap into our own creativity in order to build resilience? Here are some tips:
- Start small. You don’t have to take on a huge creative project right away. Start with something small, like doodling or writing a few sentences. Even five minutes of creative activity can make a difference.
- Try new things. Don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never done before, whether that means trying a new technique in your drawing or attempting a new recipe in the kitchen. Embracing new experiences can help you build resilience.
- Collaborate. Seek out opportunities to work with others on creative projects. Whether that means joining a writing group or painting with a friend, collaborating can help you build connections and resilience.
- Make time for creativity. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of life – but it’s important to make time for creative activities. Schedule in some time each day or each week for your creative pursuits.
- Don’t be afraid to fail. Remember that creativity is all about taking risks and embracing uncertainty. Don’t worry about creating something “perfect” – just focus on the process of creating. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creativity is a powerful tool for building resilience in the face of adversity. By engaging in creative activities, we boost our mental health, build resilience, and connect with others. So whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete novice, try tapping into your own creativity today – your spirit will thank you.