CREATIVITY ~ find the time because it is so worth it!
One of the things that we try to do at home but we definitely want to do more of is to make the time to work on being more creative – singing, playing an instrument, painting, cooking, gardening, photography, dancing, writing, whatever the form or expression – creating!
Not only is being creative fun and gives us an outlet to express different parts of ourselves it also helps in reducing anxiety – Some people believe might that taking on a creative project can be a form a meditation and for any of you who have really allowed yourself to get into a painting, a song… let lose and let go of the outside world I would have to admit it can be extremely meditating and an excellent way to focus on your mind.
My daughter has been the one to remind me and bring me back to my creative side because sometimes with life responsibilities as we get older we can forget about how good it feels to get into a creative project. I hope to teach my daughter to hold onto her incredible creativity during her life and as she deals with the trials and tribulations that life is going to throw at her, it will be a helpful tool, give her an outlet and provide her with so many benefits in life.
The calming effects that doing something creative has on both our mind and our body is pretty incredible and it’s said that something like gardening can actually release dopamine, the natural anti-depressant. Even something as simply as colouring will actually improve both your mental health and your physical health! There is a state called ‘flow’ and this is when we are absorbed into something and the outside world doesn’t seem to matter in that moment then reducing anxiety and stress levels. Yes that’s the feeling of being able to LET IT GO!!!
To name a few benefits… reducing dementia, improving mood, making us smarter and even boosting our immune systems… WHAT?
Two simple activities that many of us do or really should try to do – Writing in a journal and listening to music are said to actually benefit and boost your immune system!!! I agree I wasn’t sure how or why and sounds like experts still haven’t completely figured that out yet but our immune system is said to be stronger when engaging in both writing and music.
So, what am I trying to say? I’m not asking you to be the best painter, to be a master pianist or all of sudden become little miss crafty – I mean try… put yourself out there and try. Buy a canvas and paint something, create a garden, write a story or a song or even just something little about what you are grateful for at the end of the day. If you want to learn pottery, do it, if you want to pick up where you’ve left off learning that musical instrument, do it. They say that playing a musical instrument actually makes us smarter and those who know how to play an instrument have better connectivity between the left and right side of our brain. The left side controlling our motor functions and the right side focusing on melody – when both sides come together that’s when cognitive function starts to really improve and yes we can become smarter!!!
So, get to it, make some time because I promise you it will be worth it and who knows maybe you will find that hidden creative talent you’ve been looking for. Please feel free to send in any creative piece you want to share, any project that you feel extra proud of, we would love to see it and share it with our girls.
Have fun xo
