9 Surprising Benefits of Practising Creativity

One of my favourite things about being creative is that I sometimes slip into a state of flow – where I’m so focused and absorbed in what I’m doing that I lose track of time. This is known as the “flow state,” a concept coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It’s calming, energising, and satisfying all at once.

To tap into flow more often:

• Choose a task that challenges you but doesn’t overwhelm you.
• Minimise distractions (put your phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs).
• Set a timer to help focus your attention without pressure.

Useful resource: Positive Psychology’s flow guide and Skillshare’s creative flow tips.

Creativity often brings people together. Whether it’s a book club, a workshop, or just sharing your work online, it gives you a reason to connect and collaborate. I’ve found that conversations come easier when they revolve around shared creative interests.

Here’s how to use creativity to build relationships:

• Join local or online creative groups (like writing circles, art clubs, or maker spaces).
• Attend workshops or open mics to meet people in real life.
• Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Behance to start conversations.

Useful resource: Creative Lives in Progress

Engaging in creative thinking has helped me approach problems in more flexible, innovative ways. It keeps my brain active, helps me see patterns, and often leads me to unexpected solutions. Even daydreaming or doodling during a break can stimulate new ideas.

Tips to enhance cognitive benefits:

• Try journaling or mind-mapping when you’re stuck on a problem.
• Mix up your usual routine to encourage fresh thinking.
• Challenge yourself with new mediums or creative constraints (e.g., writing a poem in six lines).

Useful resource: NIH research article

Creativity has become one of my most reliable coping tools. It gives me an outlet to express emotions, distract myself from spiralling thoughts, and shift into a more mindful headspace. Even simple activities like colouring or rearranging a room can have a calming effect.

To use creativity for stress relief:

• Keep a sketchbook, journal, or mood board nearby.
• Try guided creative prompts (YouTube and Pinterest are full of them).
• Give yourself permission to make “bad art” – it’s about the process, not the outcome.

Useful resource: MQ Mental Health on art and stress and Creative arts therapy study.

There’s something really empowering about creating something from scratch. It reminds me that I have ideas worth expressing and that I can follow through on things. Each finished project, no matter how small, adds a little confidence.

Ways to use creativity to build self-esteem:

• Keep a “done list” of every creative thing you try or finish.
• Display or share your work (even just with friends).
• Reflect on what each project taught you, rather than how it “turned out.”

Useful resource: Study on creative self-esteem and Eddins Counseling’s guide.

Creative work often reveals what matters to me. Sometimes it’s subtle, like returning to the same themes in writing or feeling drawn to certain colours or subjects. It helps me clarify what I value and want more of in life.

To uncover meaning through creativity:

• Pay attention to recurring themes in your creative projects.
• Set a small, personal goal
• Use your creative time as a check-in: How am I feeling? What do I want to explore?

Useful resource: Becoming Who You Are and Behance’s creative purpose blog.

Creativity has helped me become more curious, more open to failure, and more resilient. It’s a space where I can experiment without pressure. Each project, even the messy ones, teaches me something about how I think and what I need.

Ideas for growth through creativity:

• Try a medium you’ve never explored (pottery, sound, dance, photography).
• Keep a reflective journal to track how your creativity evolves.
• Look back at old work to see how far you’ve come.

Useful resource: Smart Schools USA on creative healing and LinkedIn reflection post.

Not all distractions are bad. When I feel restless or stuck, turning to a creative activity helps me reset in a nourishing way. It’s more engaging than scrolling and leaves me feeling refreshed rather than drained.

Positive ways to use creative distraction:

• Keep a mini creative kit nearby (pens, collage bits, yarn, notebook).
• Make a playlist, mood board, or vision collage for fun.
• Try creative prompts like “draw your mood” or “write a letter to yourself.”

Useful resource: Ahead App’s art therapy ideas.

I never thought about creativity as something physical until I noticed how much better my coordination and focus got from hands-on activities. Whether it’s painting, editing, or crafting, these small movements build awareness and dexterity.

To boost motor skills through creativity:

• Try activities that use both hands (e.g., clay, sewing, calligraphy).
• Use apps or online tutorials to build technical creative skills.
• Practice regularly, even for 10 minutes a day.