Over the last year and a half, people have taken more of an interest in their overall health and well-being. That’s largely because we’ve had more time to do it! While traditional forms of self-care like eating a healthy diet and exercising will never go out of style to maintain your health, have you ever considered how creative hobbies can better your well-being, too? 

Maybe you’re a naturally creative person. One survey from 2012 found that 52% of Americans would describe themselves that way. Or, maybe you’ve never really let your creative side shine, but you’ve always been interested in hobbies that would let you put it to use.

Now is a perfect time to get into those hobbies. Many creative activities can benefit your mental and physical health and wellness, and may even boost your brainpower. 

So, if you’re ready to flex your creative muscle, let’s take a look at how your mind and body can benefit. 

The Healing Properties of Creativity

There’s a reason that so many creative hobbies are also used in therapeutic settings, including: 

  • Music therapy
  • Dance therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Poetry therapy

These types of therapies are meant to be healing and beneficial to your mental health. For example, music can decrease anxiety. Art can be a way to creatively process your emotions. Even creative writing can allow you to work through major life events and find an outlet to express yourself. 

You don’t need to attend these therapies to give your mental health a boost. If you just want to better your overall wellness, try to find ways to integrate a creative hobby into your everyday life. That might include looking up free writing prompts online to get inspired or joining a dance class that meets once a week. Depending on what your health goals are, many creative hobbies offer multiple benefits. You can get in shape, physically, meet new people, and improve your mental health, all at once. 

The best part about trying something creative is that there is no perfect way to do it. The beauty of creativity is letting it flow naturally. As far as hobbies go, doing something creative is a wonderful way to try something new without putting a lot of pressure on yourself. 

Stepping Outside – and Outside the Box

So many creative hobbies can better your overall health because they naturally encourage you to get outside. It doesn’t get more awe-inspiring and beautiful than nature, which is why everyone from painters to photographers spends as much time in the great outdoors as possible. Taking the “nature pill” with your creative hobby can help you to manage the symptoms of mental health conditions. Spending time outside also helps to: 

  • Boost your energy
  • Improve your mood
  • Reduce stress
  • Improve focus

What hobbies can get you outdoors and help you to harness the power of your environment? Again, photography is one of the best ways to experience nature and capture the things you find inspiring. It can also help you better understand the world around you and feel more of a connection with nature. Things like beekeeping, cooking outdoors, and stargazing are also fantastic ways to let your creative juices flow while spending time outside. 

You can even capture inspiration from your traditional outdoor activities by allowing yourself to stay curious. Write down the things you do or experience and turn them into short stories, poems, or even simple journal entries. Take more pictures. Capture more moments. Eventually, your creative side will become second nature in everything you do. 

Creative Hobbies Are Ongoing

One of the best parts about starting a creative hobby is that it can last forever. Once you find something that inspires you, you’ll never want to give it up. So, you can experience the benefits for the rest of your life. There doesn’t have to be a specific “goal” in mind. Even though you can create things and complete them, the things you accomplish will push you to do more with your inspiration. 

That mindset can boost your confidence levels and self-esteem. Creative hobbies allow you to constantly look forward to the next thing. Like many habits that are good for your health, it’s not about some “quick fix” or sudden change. Creative hobbies can be more like lifestyle changes, allowing you to focus on your overall health and wellness while doing something you truly enjoy. 

Having a creative hobby will ignite your brain’s imaginative side. You’ll find that it’s easier to be creative in your everyday activities. That can help you to come up with fresh new ideas at work, be more spontaneous and romantic in your relationship, and be more thoughtful in your friendships. 

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a creative person now, try taking up a hobby that lets you explore that side. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself, and how those hobbies can have a positive impact on your entire well-being.

Did you know that scientific evidence shows your creativity decreases over time

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Beau Peters

Beau Peters is a creative professional with a lifetime of experience in service and care. As a manager, he's learned a slew of tricks of the trade that he enjoys sharing with others who have the same passion and dedication that he brings to his work. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading and trying new things.