“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul”
- Dieter Uchtdorf

To create is a fundamental part of being human. When we sit still, we tap our feet to random rhythms. When we are given a piece of random paper, we doodle. When our favourite music is played, we move to its rhythm.

So, to create is to be human.

As we move into the outer world and our mind handles the stress of living, we need to set aside space for ourselves and our inner creatives. If you want to explore how creative expression can improve your mental health. Read on!

Benefits of Creative Expression

Creative expression is shown to have many mental health benefits. A couple of these benefits are listed down below:

1.     Relaxation

Creativity helps you relax after a tiring day. or draining day. Some mindless doodling or journaling can help you bring your thoughts into order and will bring a sense of clarity within. Unwind by singing your favourite song or by trying to modify your favourite recipe!

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2.     Catharsis

Have you found yourself unable to express yourself? emotions like grief, sadness, rage, frustration or anger? Creative expression can help with purging overwhelming emotions in a way that will not hurt you emotionally. It is an excellent form of catharsis that can help you stabilise after extreme emotional states.

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3.     Emotional Regulation

If you struggle to understand and regulate your emotions, try creatively expressing yourself. Trying to articulate your feelings by writing, painting or any other form of creativity will help you put a name to it and to handle it better. It will also help you unwind from the storm of emotion so that you can evaluate what you feel and why you feel it.

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4.     Happiness Booster

It is scientifically proven that pleasurable creative activities act as boosters for dopamine and serotonin secretion. So, whenever you express yourself creatively, you encourage dopamine and serotonin secretion. This improves your mood and overall affect. It also helps to regulate these neurotransmitters and their secretion.

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Sounds Nice! But Where do I Begin?

Creativity is something quite spontaneous! It can be an idea you had during your daily commute or a daydream in the middle of a boring class. Here are a couple of general tips to bring your inner creative to the forefront:

1.     Write it Down!

So many ideas are lost because we forget about them! Whenever you get a new idea, jot it down somewhere! In the notes app on your phone, a notebook or even a random piece of paper! This will help you develop that idea into something big and beautiful.

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2.     Believe and Believe Some More

The process of making something new is a fraught one. You might just feel like giving up on an idea or process if it doesn’t give you results immediately. But…persevere through it. Your idea deserves that chance!

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3.     Have Fun!

Art is meant to be fun so enjoy it! Your work does not need to be perfect or professional, it just needs to be yours. So, make sure to set aside perfectionism and focus on having fun!

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How to Overcome a Creative Block?

A common problem when creative expression occurs is creative block. It is not being able to express oneself openly. It may also be an inability to express oneself through the right medium. A common example is writer’s block. Here, a writer is unable to put their ideas into words or they don’t feel motivated enough to push their story forward. If you are also feeling a creative block or a creative slump at the moment, try these tips to release that block:

1.     Do Not Force Yourself

A blank page, a white canvas, a raw melody or a half-done craft is supremely distressing! But never attempt to force yourself to continue. It will then become another chore and lose its joy. Step away from your piece and revisit it later. Take a long walk and recharge yourself before going back to your piece.

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2.     Embrace Any Mistakes

It is a fact that perfection does not exist. It can be very tempting to attempt to make your creation perfect. It’s important to understand that perfection is never needed to make good art. Creatively use your mistakes to improve or highlight your work. Set aside perfection and focus on making the piece "feel" right for you. Ultimately, what matters is your joy so don't trade that for a perfect piece.

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3.     Switch Mediums

Sometimes, we might use our creative energies on the wrong medium. It is important to be flexible and try other mediums of creative expression. For example, if you are feeling stuck with music, try painting instead. Maybe your medium might be causing your block.

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4.     Collaborate

When you feel blocked or stuck with your work, try inviting a friend or fellow creative to contribute or evaluate your work. Creative expression is a deeply personal act. But it is also true that we express ourselves to be seen and heard. So, maybe show your piece to a loved one, who knows where it might lead you?

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I hope that these tips helped you navigate your creative space a bit more easily. If you are unable to channel your creative spirit and find your artsy senses blocked and these tips don’t help. If you are new to creative expression and don’t know where to start, consider going to therapy. At Heart It Out, we have multiple specialists in varied fields who will help you unlock your creativity and use it as a tool of self-expression. Reach out to us at our website for more insight into the therapists available and how they can help you come up with a tailored plan to fuel your creativity! Happy making!

For professional support, reach out to a therapist at Heart It Out today!

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