Is it only me who feels good when I just doodle or paint without looking at anything? Is it only me who feels calmer after a bout of tapping away at the laptop?Do you feel the same?Then this podcast ,is exactly what you need.
If your friends, family, or parents told me to stop wasting time with your art,music gardening, or other creative hobbies.You can share this link with them.
I have news, my friend. You may be sixteen or sixty ,if you are a creative person and feel guilty when you take out your art supply in the middle of laundry or homework,remember your brain is getting a boost of happy hormones when you let her play.
When why the wonder why I started painting and writing stories in 2020 lockdown? I wish I could download my mind and do a quick keyword search. It’s impossible to know why there was a need for green plants and art when you were stuck at home.
The strict lockdown served a purpose but the effect on mental health & the Social health of kids and adults is unmistakable.
If not for my paintbrush and paper, I would be lost. Too many video calls, digital workshops kept me busy, but I felt cluttered inside. The brain was worried and even more overworked from worrying.
The first month of lockdown we binged on mindless Web series, whose name I can’t recall now. Then my husband said 2 pm as a sleeping time was going to the horrible to get out off & we stopped. Just like that . Suddenly how we started. Wearing masks, head shield for seeing patient is awkward. But, at least it’s work that keeps my mind happy. It’s something I am trained for and good at. What’s not to live? But painting? It’s not something I have any sort of education or professional training. But it’s a nice way to keep my brain humming.
Painting, singing, music, dancing, playing outdoor games, going for walks, gardening, are ·very important for the brain to play to relax. If we are always doing a thing with an agenda, we never achieve a state of flow. That’s why today’s episode of the Doctors’ Creative Diary podcast is about creativity & mental health. It’s so close to my heart.
A few of my friends filled up the survey and some of them sent me a voice note on Anchor. Their input and a few of my favorite songs make up today’s music plus talk podcast, which you can hear on Spotify here.
I asked them to tell me
What are Mental Health benefits of Creative Activity?
Creative habits will help you feel
- Calm
- lower anxiety and stress
- Stimulate the pleasure centre and release endorphins .That helps fight low moods and depression
- Creating is a positive expression, and that helps you in teh flow of getting more work done in other fields of life.
I wrote a book about How writing, gardening, and walking help me in my wellness journey. That was before I started painting. But much of that was the reason behind me asking my artist friends about their experience with creativity and mental health.
My artist friends who answered this question were seven.But only six of them could send me a voice note. It was a tech glitch. But sharing all their stories to let you know how you too can be happier exploring your creativity.
Ginia, Thea, Richa, Sara, Linda, Firoze,and Jeel. Their answers will surprise you. Find them on their website or on social media.
Ginia from thefoodlives.com
Creativity in any form, be it writing, baking or painting, is a booster doze for my mental wellness. It helps me tide over the frustrations of the daily 9 to 5 grind. It calms my mind and makes me feel worthwile.
Richa from livingherself.com
I’m an ENT doctor, with a creative soul inside and just to feed my creative monster i write. Most of feeds are about Health, Travel & Lifestyle. My zone of mental peace is attained by a perfectly written page. If i’m not found in hospital then you’ll find my buried in romance novel ( it’s my secret addiction LOL).Creativity gives my mind just the right outlet to my inner musings and at times conflicts too. Just by feeding my creative soul my mind feels rested. Some of my best work is extempore writing with no plot in mind.
Thea.ong on Instagram .Listen to Thea in more detaiThea here.
Sara a.ka. @letterringgems is a very creative art educator and calligrapher.Hers was one of the first I started following on Tangi ,back in 2020.
Firoze Ahmed | Geologist | Nature Lover | Traveller | Foodie | Music buff | Art Enthusiast | Day dreamer |
Creativity in any form gives me a great sense of satisfaction. When I create something be it an art or music or gardening, something original is created and it stays for life which is a bonus. Its a win-win situation for me.
It gives immense pleasure to the soul.. which in turn boosts my mental well being. Also, even at times when i am feeling down due to various stresses in work- life, I have seen that being associated with something creative helps in reducing the mental stress to a great extent. Its an instant mood lifter. Recently, being creative was very handy in coping up with immense stress/ fear during the pandemic.
Linda is a mom,artist and loves sharing helpful videos and tutorial on Instagram.You can find her here.
Creativejeel :Artist from New Jersey. A wife and a mom of two.
Creativity keeps my sanity intact. I take to a different world where there is peace and harmony. It’s just amazing.
Conclusion
Art and creativity have diverse meanings for different people.If you enjoy making art in any form, don’t stop just to conform to society. If you can support your art and its hurts no one, you carry on creating . The world may not know it yet, but you never know when fame will come calling. Either way, creativity is a much-needed exercise for your brain to relax.
Creating keeps your brain healthy, but don’t obsess over it. Mental health needs work just like overall health. If you need professional help, seek it soon. Sometimes it’s difficult to ask for help. I get that . But sometimes a little of the right help, in time, will prevent a lot of harm.Yes, Creative arts and mental health have a deep connection. Studies have shown artistic endeavors even help in convalescence and beating dementia. Do you want to know more about that connection? Let me know and I will share.
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