Why a Creative Outlet is Like a Good Therapist

Did you know that there’s a direct correlation between stress levels and creativity?

That’s right. Having a creative outlet is known to reduce stress and improve one’s overall sense of purpose and happiness.

But oftentimes, we don’t take the time to be creative - we look at it as something we might get to when we have the time - but the truth is we never REALLY have the time.

With running a business, being a wife and mom, I sometimes forget to make time to be creative, and that’s when I find myself more stressed and overworked, and eventually I burn out.

Now, you might be thinking — I am just not that creative. But creativity can be so many things

creativity comes in so many forms..

Creativity can be physical, perhaps making something with your hands.

Or, perhaps you love cooking or baking and experimenting with new recipes.

Creativity can be dancing, yoga, gardening or sewing.

Creativity is also mental. It can be writing and journaling? Or, playing a game or doing crossword puzzles.

And it can even be emotional. You may love playing an instrument or singing or writing songs or poetry.

The point - no matter what being creative means to you, everyone benefits from having a creative outlet or release.

3 reasons having a creative outlet is vital to a happy, healthy life:

1. Creativity centers your mind and relieves stress.

When I start to get frazzled, I come back to my creative center and remember that having fun creatively helps reduce my stress. The whole reason I began Bird’s Tail was to make things with my hands, and even though that sometimes feels like the smallest part of my business, I have to remind myself to sit down, create, sketch, and overall enjoy the process no matter how busy I get.

2. Creativity boosts your mood and provides a greater sense of purpose.

When you take time to do what you enjoy creatively, your mood naturally turns positive. If you enjoy baking and sharing your baked goods with others, you’ll feel that sense of purpose. Or, if you’re musically inclined, sharing your abilities with others brings can bring both you and them a lot of joy.

When I am feeling my most stressed, I force myself to sit down and create or write. I try to forget about the other responsibilities for at least an hour or so. When I do that, I can go back to my responsibilities of being a mom and building a brand, and I find that I am way more productive, less stressed, and more fulfilled.

3. Creativity offers time for self-reflection.

Spending time being creative alone can be a perfect opportunity to turn inward and remember what matters. We all need time to take inventory of our physical, mental, and emotional needs. When we’re allowing ourselves time to be creative and engage in an activity that lights us up and keeps us mentally engaged, we can reflect on how we’re feeling. Next time you’re creative in any capacity, notice how you feel and reflect on what matters to you.

When I first started making jewelry, it was the creative process that I fell in love with. Not having a plan — starting with a blank canvas and then manipulating metals, beads, chains, and gemstones to create something beautiful. I didn’t start with the idea that I wanted to run my own business. I started with the creative outlet first. Start thinking of creativity as something you need — not something you’ll get to when you have the time.

Creativity is therapy.

According to the American Journal of Public Health, “Engagement with creative activities has the potential to contribute toward reducing stress and depression and can serve as a vehicle for alleviating the burden of chronic disease.”

I’ve shared with you that I suffer from chronic pain and anxiety. When I don’t take time to be creative, these symptoms creep up on me, and I realize how awful my body can feel. That’s when I know it’s time to return to my creative place.

According to an article published in Forbes, “The average person has about 60,000 thoughts in a day. A creative act such as crafting can help focus the mind, and has even been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body. Even just gardening or sewing releases dopamine, a natural anti-depressant.”

So has this convinced you to try something new and exercise your creative core? Do you need help deciding where to start? I’ve rounded up several options to get those creative juices flowing and get you on the way to happy and healthy!

Get creative with these creative businesses:

Rec Room Craft Co. is a craft studio for adults. Enjoy a cocktail while you do a project with friends. Best of all, no mess at your house!

Bay View Printing Co. offers print parties! What’s a print party? The opportunity to make a sign, banner, or even notecards using beautiful stamps.

Flowers for Dreams hosts classes where you can learn the art of flower arranging. These classes vary in theme and could be holiday, dinner party, etc.

Milwaukee Public Market offers cooking classes. There are so many options from cooking various ethnicities of foods or baking desserts. There are even options for children’s cooking, too!

Board and Brush hosts groups to make custom painted wood signs and decor, or try your hand at making a custom glass, chalkboard, slate, or other form of artwork! This is a fun event with friends.

Bird’s Tail - that’s right! We offer workshops at our studio! We plan to have some bracelet and mala making workshops coming up soon. So stay tuned!