October 21, 2024

6 Creative Activities That Boost Mental Health

According to Psychiatrist Brad Brenner, Ph.D. art therapy has been used for a number of years to help people with emotional issues. Being creative has been shown to increase positivity, decrease depression, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety.

Brenner suggests that the focus required to complete a creative task is beneficial. This is because people have to concentrate solely on what they are doing so they escape other concerns that may cause anxiety. Scientists refer to this concentration as artistic flow and during this time the brain actually releases positive chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

1) Learning a Musical Instrument

The Sloan School of Music suggests that learning to play a musical instrument may be a great way to combat poor mental health. The focus and concentration required to master playing a complicated instrument helps block out anxiety.

Mastering a musical instrument also requires patience which in turn promotes calm feelings. Along with the focus comes an increase in memory function. Mental sharpness is also boosted when learning a musical instrument.

2) Art Classes

Some people are naturally talented at artistic things while others may need instruction. Either way the process of drawing or painting is good for mental health. The focus and concentration required to produce a personal piece of art helps with mental discipline. Anxiety and feelings of depression can also be decreased with the calm that the artistic focus brings.

3) Photography

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can have a very beneficial effect on your mental health. It can help combat depression, relieve stress, and calm anxiety. That is why an artistic hobby like photography has the potential to help boost your mental health.

An added benefit is the extra exercise experienced by searching the great outdoors for photographic subjects. It is of course not just exercise that brings benefits from photography, so does the calm of nature and the relaxing feeling of seeking and seeing things of beauty.

4) Creative Writing

Public health expert Dr. Heather F. McClintock PhD MSPH MSW believes that creative writing may be an important tool to help maintain good mental health. Setting down thoughts and emotions on a page creatively is a good way for the author to understand themselves more fully. A good sense of self is a key cornerstone of secure mental health.

5) Pottery

The practice of pottery is a very absorbing creative art but is also a very tactile one. It is not a particularly easy pursuit as it takes a lot of focus and hand-eye coordination. However, these are the very things that make it a good creative way to boost mental health.

This is a craft which can take a great deal of trial and error but it should be understood that perfection is never required. Approach this creative outlet with the attitude that everything you make is for you and that it is for fun.

6) Gardening

Combining artistic flare, exercise, and spending time out in the sun, gardening is a great creative project for mental health. If you have an area of garden that you can work by planting flowers or vegetables, you’ll experience a sense of relaxation and serenity.

When you plant a garden, you get to watch it grow and progress and have an extended feeling of success. You also get out into the fresh air and allow yourself time to think and reflect. Surrounded by beautiful plants that you have grown can give you a real sense of calm and happiness.

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If you liked this article, check out my Substack Newsletter piece entitled, "The Surprising Benefits Of Humor And Laughter For Your Wellbeing" at: https://www.theunreliablemind.com/blog/benefits-of-humor-and-laughter