In short, creative endeavors have profound positive effects on mental, emotional, and overall health. Activities like painting, singing, cooking, decorating, dancing, playing music, gardening or being in nature are beneficial. Even problem-solving and playfulness are creative acts that enhance your life experience.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
–Albert Einstein
Because creativity is innate and engages the whole person, promotes mindfulness, the relaxation response, self-expression, immune functioning, and resilience. While on the other hand, creativity lessens the impact of stress, anxiety, shame, anger, depression, and pain. Creativity is Wellth — being joyful, connected, confident, and complete, the mission for my life and work.
“…we all have a varying amount of energy, intelligence, and discipline to
expand on our ability to express ourselves and be creative.”
–Diversus Health
Creativity is my lifeline. It enables me to authentically express myself, to self-advocate, to be present, and to be connected to something more expansive than my individuality. Creativity is both humbling and an esteem builder. When feeling down, writing and singing nurture me. When feeling up, writing and singing affirm me. And on the daily, adding a dash of creativity to my work, to organizing my space, to cooking, to dressing myself, and to speaking brings joy to my mind, body, and spirit.
And creativity can do the same for you. So please don’t wait for the “right” time or to “feel” like it. Get creative now and flourish in Wellth. Your creative wellth can have a healthy and positive effect on you, your loved ones, and humanity.
“Creativity is a wellness exercise, similar to having a healthy diet and
steady workout routine.
–Diversus Health
To get started cultivating your Creative Wellth, follow these 5 steps:
1.
List all activities that put a smile to your face and a gleam in your eye. Don’t allow anxiety to filter this list with “what ifs”. Just write down everything you enjoy to have a raw list.
2.
Identify which activity to start with. Select the easiest, most convenient, and most cost-effective activity. For example, if you already have painting supplies, then that may be a good place to start.
3.
Schedule time for your creative activity. Waiting for the “right” time to appear will keep you stuck. So set aside time to engage. Perhaps you have 30 minutes before dinner or in the morning before your family members awaken.
4.
Give yourself permission engage and be present. Allow yourself to set aside thoughts about bills, weight, or other people’s opinions for this time period.
5.
Reflect on how your creativity impacts how you think and feel emotionally and energetically afterward. You may notice that you “feel better”.
“…everyday creative activity leads to increased well-being… People felt
more enthusiasm and higher flourishing following days when they were
more creative than normal.”
— Tamlin S Conner, PhD, Colin G Deyoung, PhD, Paul J Silvia, PhD
Being creative with specific activities and with your everyday choices can enhance your life experience by positively influencing your mindset, your emotions, and your overall health. So, get creative now and cultivate your Creative Wellth.
To learn more about creative wellth, visit GLENALEX.com to order your copy my 5x award-winning book Living in Total Health, order the Amazon Best Seller Wellness Through Words that includes my chapter, Living Well with Boundaries, and book your free consultation with me.
