The Creativity-Wellness Connection
When I was a new counselor many years ago, my supervisor said something to me that really stuck with me. She said having good mental health means having options. The truth is we all have options, but sometimes we just can’t see them. We can get stuck into thinking there is only one solution, or worse, no solutions. And that can lead to lots of problems.
As a creative person, I’ve been very aware of this stuckness, or what some call writer’s block or creative block. There is an ebb and flow to creativity, just as there is in life. Sometimes, things come easily. Sometimes, they don’t. What I’ve learned over the years is that the natural rhythm of ebb and flow is a good thing. And that just because something doesn’t come when I want or how I want doesn’t mean it won’t come.
But I’ve also learned that creativity and good mental health have a lot of parallels. Creativity is really about solving problems, and how many of us do that on a daily basis?
People sometimes seem to equate creativity with artistic pursuits – art, music, dance, etc. That is certainly one aspect of creativity. But not everyone is artistic in those ways. What about people who create systems, or machines, or gadgets that make our lives easier? Or people who help us communicate or understand things better? Aren’t those creative? And what about all the creative things we do to get through each day? Navigating traffic, paying bills, setting boundaries with family members or co-workers, etc. There are so many opportunities to exercise our creative muscles.
Creativity is simply the process of making something that is new and useful. I also like to think of creativity as what we do to solve everyday problems. There’s no lack of problems in the world. Why, then, should we believe there would be a lack of solutions? And when there are lots of solutions (or options), we have choices. And when we have choices, we feel more in control, happier, and more at ease.
So, what will you create today?
For more ideas on how to get your creative juices flowing, please join me for the “Creativity and Wellness Summit,” where I’ll be interviewing experts – psychotherapists, coaches, authors, and spiritual healers – on how to get unstuck and live happier, healthier, more balanced lives. Get all the details for how you can listen in LIVE for FREE at http://www.CreativityAndWellnessSummit.com.
Photo: Artist At Work © by katsrcool
