When we were little, our free time was spent playing with friends, drawing, and building. We had the time to be creative. From finger painting to making up complex storylines to act out with our friends, the world was our oyster.
As university students, most of our free time has been taken up by assignments, work, and studying. We rarely find time for ourselves, to do something that brings us joy. We don’t allow the creative little kid in our head a chance to surface and create things again.
Being creative is a basis of humanity. Civilization itself wouldn’t have been possible without the ability to be creative. Creativity led to the development of wheels, tools, and shelter. Our creativity led to cuisine and art. The result of being creative doesn’t have to be a tangible thing; it can be a song, a dance, or a lullaby passed on through your family.
Being creative allows for an outlet for emotions. We can vent without needing another person. Creativity gives us the ability to share the inner workings of our minds, and we can be as concise or convoluted as we want.
Studies have shown that being creative reduces depression, stress, and the feeling of isolation, as well as increases positive emotions and even improves the immune system’s functioning! Creative and art therapy are used with dementia patients to help them act like themselves and to sharpen senses. While being creative, the brain acts similarly to the way it does while participating in mediation and mindfulness activities, which we’ve come to know as being beneficial to our mental health.
Creating gives our minds a break from all the things going on around us. It gives us the opportunity to put the outside world on pause for a bit and see where our imagination takes us.
It’s safe to say that in this day and age, we need all the breaks we can get. We are constantly bombarded with information, and allowing ourselves time to step back and do something that we want to do can help ensure we don’t suffer from burnout.
So make crappy art. Sew a wonky-looking stuffed animal, knit an imperfect blanket, paint with your fingers, and make up a fun song. Write something that no one will ever see or build something that doesn’t work. The creative little kid in your head is still there, and they’ll thank you for it.