Our need to create or be creative goes back to the period of hunting and gathering.
Daily creative adaptations were necessary for survival.
So, why should getting creative be our #1 focus now? Though times have drastically changed since the early hunter/gatherer days, we still use our creativity and problem-solving skills every day without even realizing it!
- Do you adjust to detours in your route due to weather or traffic?
- Are you problem-solving to meet deadlines or balance busy schedules?
- Are you working on a new budget, a marketing strategy, tech or mechanical design, adjusting important plans around unpredictable weather, planning your garden, or coordinating a vacation itinerary?
No matter your daily norm, creative thinking is vital to a full rich life and leads you to new ideas, solutions, and inventions!
“Creativity now is as important in education as literacy and we should treat it with the same status.” ~ Ken Robinson
Why should getting creative be our #1 focus?
Creativity is crucial in the world of technology and our fast-paced lifestyles. But, the importance of creative thinking impacts far more than just those aspects of our life.
Nurturing your creative side has scientifically proven benefits.
It helps:
- increase your positive emotions,
- decreases anxiety,
- reduces stress,
- helps prepare you for flexibility in changing times,
- and, in multiple studies, even improves your immune system functions!
“Every child is born creative. The challenge is to keep that creativity alive.”
~ Kristina Webb
The neuroscience studies behind creative flow are pretty exciting!
During the act of creating, parts of your brain temporarily rest while others kick into high gear releasing endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. When these chemicals are released, your pleasure and satisfaction levels increase.
The overall experience often results in additional benefits including:
- stimulating curiosity,
- personal growth,
- increased confidence,
- and provides a sense of purpose.
How can you increase the benefits?
- To increase the benefits, plan regular and frequent opportunities for engaging your creativity.
- Start incorporating creative projects or creative problem-solving opportunities.
- Think about a simple task that has bothered you that you’d like to correct.
- Rekindle an old hobby.
- Tackle a home project that’s been on your to-do list.
- Look through a community ed catalog for classes or go to your library and browse for ideas. Add or try new word or number puzzles.
The benefits of creativity start when you engage your thinking. You don’t even need to complete the creative project you start to reap the benefits of engaging your brain.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ~Maya Angelou
Why is journaling a key component of getting creative?
There’s something almost magical that happens when your brain is processing thoughts and writing at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing about an actual existing situation or planning how to spend your dream lottery winnings.
Journaling helps you get to the core of your creative thoughts as they appear on the page.
- Don’t wait for the perfect journal, pen, time, or worthy idea. Just journal.
- Write on your recipe cards as you’re cooking.
- Make note of the experience and jot down reminders.
The same scenario would apply to woodworking projects, farm and livestock management, retirement plans, reorganizing spaces, or any topic that fits your life.
Simply writing notes, reminders, supply lists, and doodles will work. Just write!
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~ Albert Einstein
Journal prompts can help you get started.
•What creative activity could you start today that you’d be grateful you did when you look back a year from now?
•What creative idea do you have for solving an existing issue? This can be silly, serious, small, or global.
•Have you ever said, “I’ve always wanted to do that!” What was ‘that?’
•Were there creative activities your parents or grandparents did that you would like to learn?
~ Canning, cultural skills & crafts, dancing, playing an instrument, painting, rope making, weaving, typing flies, woodworking, etc.
•If nothing was standing in your way, what creative activity would you like to be doing or working to develop?
What to diffuse while you’re tapping into your creativity?
For inspiring creativity, we like to diffuse Northern Lights Black Spruce (4), Lavender (2), and Ylang Ylang (1). Mint or citrus essential oils are always good go-to oils in your workspace. Consider tailoring your blend to reflect what you need in your work atmosphere; i.e., energy, relaxation, spirit lifter, or a fresh and clean working atmosphere.
Start enjoying the benefits of getting creative!
What do you love? What stirs your curiosity? What activities bring you joy?
Start enjoying the benefits of your creative mind by simply considering your interests. Grab your journal and start making a list of ideas.
Need a little help with ideas? These two posts will get ideas stirring: Boost your Journals by Adding Collage and Collage Supplies Sure to Inspire Your Journal Entries.
What ideas do you have for a creative focus in the months ahead?
We'd love to hear from you! Share here in the comments or connect on social media!
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