I have often noticed how absorbed and peaceful an ordinarily boisterous child can be when doing artwork. I myself feel happy when I have accomplished something creative — even a little bit creative.
It’s nice to know but will surprise no one that research supports the idea that being creative makes people feel good.
Here’s a report from the BBC.
“Whatever gets your creative juices flowing will boost your mood, according to new research.
“Almost 50,000 people took part in the BBC Arts Great British Creativity Test. It suggested that being creative can help avoid stress, free up mind space and improve self-development, which helps build self-esteem.
“The findings also said there are emotional benefits from taking part in even a single session of creativity. But there are cumulative benefits from regular engagement in arts activities and trying new pursuits is particularly good for our emotions and well-being. …
“76% of participants used creative activities as a ‘distraction tool’ to block out stress and anxiety; 69% used them as a ‘self-development tool’ to build up self-esteem and inner strength; 53% used them as a ‘contemplation tool’ to get the headspace to reflect on problems and emotions.
“The survey also revealed that the most benefit comes from taking part in live creative activities that involve face-to-face social interaction, like singing in a choir or taking part in a group painting class. …
“Dr Daisy Fancourt, a senior research fellow at UCL [said], ‘You don’t actually have to take part for a long time for it to have benefits. … Also, we find that for somebody who’s been doing the same activity for more than 10 years, it actually starts to have less of an effect. So there’s a definite benefit to novelty.
” ‘And we also found that talent doesn’t affect this relationship. It’s not about being good at it — it’s genuinely the taking part that counts.’ ”
Of the top ten creative choices reported, singing comes in first. Read the others at the BBC, here.
I loved the part about getting headspace. That makes so much sense to me. If you are going around in circles with a problem, do something creative for a while. When you come back to the problem, you will be able to see new possibilities.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Teaching creativity to lower elementary to middle school children really works to help–or even “heal”–kids as well as develop a cohesive, positive, thoughtful, considerate, kind classroom environment. I devoted my teaching life to creativity and it has been an extremely successful approach because it goes to the source and heart of all education–that is, from within. Please check out my creative curricula at http://www.independent.academia.edu/PflaumJ.
Thank you. I will look.
You’re welcome. And thanks for taking a look-see. Your piece is so crucial to the education of all children. If I’m remembering correctly, there was an article I read in an ED course mentioning the fact that the skill of creativity is diminished by the time kids get out of elementary school. I don’t think this has changed too much since the greatest emphasis nowadays is on test-prep, leaving creativity by the wayside–sad.
Let’s hear it for creativity! One of the most positive things about being human, and there are so many ways to be creative.
That’s true. It doesn’t have to mean “creative in the arts,” although that’s a big one.
So true, Laurie.
I think it’s interesting how creativity can serve different purposes at different moments–as play to relax, as “headspace” to work thru issues, etc. That part about social interaction makes me think of all the get togethers that seem to be happening, where the participants paint the same picture and post the results on FB. I’m more the solitary creative type . . .
Except for your quilting bees.