Week 7

CREATIVITY

"I'M STRESSED, I'M OVERWHELMED, I CAN'T DO THIS!....."

DON'T WORRY, ART CAN HELP

There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence that proves art enhances brain function. It has an impact on brain wave patterns and emotions, the nervous system, and can actually raise serotonin levels. Art can change a person’s outlook and the way they experience the world.

HERE ARE SOME ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS THAT MAY HELP YOU TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE:

  1. Draw a zentangle. What's a zentangle? Watch the video to find out.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ske2jBRBEB8

  1. Grab yourself a mindful colouring in book and get to it! Here is a link to some printable colouring in

printablefreecoloring.com/drawings/relaxation/anti-stress/

  1. Knit a scarf (In most op shops you'll find knitting needles and some wool)

  2. Turn on your favourite upbeat song, now turn it up! Start drawing. Lines and Shapes are fine. Be expressive!

  3. Turn on your favourite melancholy song and do the same as above

A creative act such as crafting can help focus the mind, and has even been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body. Even just gardening or sewing releases dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. Creativity reduces anxiety, depression, and stress… And it can also help you process trauma.




Here are some more benefits:

  • Creativity quiets the areas of the brain involved in checking and judging.

  • When you’re creative, your brain’s sensory regions become more active, taking in information from all the senses more deeply than usual.

  • Doing something enjoyable and self-expressive helps the brain achieve a state of flow, in which it lets go of the need to overthink and analyse so you can be fully present in your moment.


You're still feeling a little stressed? You're not quite convinced by all this talk of being creative?

Ok, let's test it out. Note how you feel now, maybe even write it down. Then do one of the following for say, 10 - 20 minutes at least.

  • Make something

  • Draw something

  • Play an instrument

  • Sing out loud

  • Dance around the house! (Here are two music videos for your convenience...)

Now tune in to how you're feeling. Has anything lifted? Are you feeling lighter somehow or more grounded perhaps?

Don't be disheartened if you feel much the same as before. Getting creative is all about being in the moment. Allow yourself some time to get there.

You'll be amazed at how much it can help you clear your head and re -set, ready for the next challenge that life throws at you!