How do creative hobbies benefit your health?

What are the health benefits of creativity?

Creative outlets can be fun and rewarding. They can also:

• reduce feelings of stress and loneliness
• improve your mood
• positively affect how your brain works

Creativity and imagination help children become resourceful. And this can be beneficial to adults, too. In fact, having hobbies has even been linked to healthier aging and greater happiness in later life.

Whether it’s drawing, singing, or dancing, having a creative outlet can have a positive effect on your mind. Here are some of the ways that creative activities can benefit you.

1. Creativity can get you into a state of flow

One of the ways that creativity benefits your wellbeing is by helping you reach a state of flow. This happens when you’re completely focused on a task, to the point where you think less about things that are worrying you.

Being this absorbed can be rewarding and enjoyable – especially because you’re more likely to get into a flow state if the task is challenging enough.

Bupa Lead Behavioural Insights Specialist, Sarah Griffiths, enjoys completing jigsaw puzzles for this reason. “I love how I can be completely absorbed for periods of time. It’s great if I’m feeling stressed to just take some time from thinking about other things. It could just be for half an hour or for longer. I like large and tricky puzzles, and I can also listen to podcasts at the same time.”

2. Creativity can reduce stress and improve mental health

A recent survey reports that over seven in ten feel that having a creative outlet helps them better process their emotions. Plus, several studies have shown that creative hobbies, such as art, writing and music, can reduce and even prevent stress.

You may find that, after a stressful day, enjoying a hobby can:

• help you de-stress
• give you an energy boost
• reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
• help you express or manage your emotions in a positive and productive way – especially when those feelings are difficult to put into words

3. Hobbies can help you socialise

Hobbies don’t have to be done on your own – they can also be a way to socialise with others. If you enjoy reading, for example, you could join a book club; or if you like drawing or painting, you could join an art class. Group activities like these can be a great way to meet new people. And being socially connected also has a positive effect on your wellbeing.

4. Creativity affects brain function

Creative activities activate different areas of the brain. For example, research has shown that musicians have better connectivity between the left and right parts of their brains. This can help to improve cognitive function (the way your brain works). Simply listening to music can also stimulate your brain, and has been shown to improve cognitive function in people who have had a stroke.

For Graham, a parent, playing a musical instrument also provides mindful relaxation. “I really enjoy playing the acoustic guitar. There’s something very relaxing and mindful about sitting down, playing different chords and finger-picking patterns and seeing where it takes me. I could happily sit there for hours doing this, if I had the time”

Fun ways to get creative

Creativity is good for your health, but finding time for it can be tricky. The key is to fit it into your routine in a way that works for you.

Sarah suggests you start small. “As with other habits, if you’re starting something new then it’s best to start small before trying anything more advanced or buying specialist equipment. You don’t want to feel pressured to spend time on a new hobby. So, see how you can fit it into your everyday life, and if you get enjoyment from it.”

If you’re stuck for ideas, here are some easy ways to get creative.

• Colour pencil drawing. Try a small drawing each day to build your observation and drawing skills over time. You don’t need much equipment, and you’ll end up with a collection of artwork to look back on. If you find you enjoy it, you could always try painting next.
• Photography. Taking a photo is very easy if you have a smartphone. It can also help you notice everyday details you might usually overlook.
• Write one short story a month. Many of us may not have written an imaginative story since being at school. A short story can be just a couple of pages long and start with a simple question you have. Finishing a story can also be very fulfilling. Or, if you have an idea for a longer story, jot it down and see where it takes you. Writing can help develop research and analytical skills, interest in other languages, and is creative too.
• Try knitting, crochet or sewing. The repetitive action of knitting, crochet and sewing can be relaxing, while still being creative. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try more complex patterns as you get better with practice.
• Bake a cake. Baking is not only a creative outlet, but it can also be stress-relieving and fulfilling when you get to eat the end result! Or, even better, give your freshly baked creations to your loved ones.
• Start a journal. Simply writing your thoughts down on the page can be therapeutic, and it can be fun to look back on happy memories. You could include drawings, too. If you’re stuck about where to start, you could find some journal prompts online.
• Make a scrapbook or junk journal. Do you keep tickets from concerts or journeys you’ve gone on? Why not turn them into art and stick them in a scrapbook? You can get creative with the layout and the design, while keeping your mementos safe.
• Get green. Looking after plants and watching them flourish is a satisfying and relaxing hobby for many people. You don’t need to have a garden, either – indoor plants have similar benefits, and being around greenery is good for your mental health.
• Have a go at pottery. Get creative with clay, whether it’s using just your hands or a wheel. Why not try making a small figurine, a mug or a vase? You can try experimenting with different shapes, textures and colours too.