We often think about creativity as creating some sort of art, but the root meaning of the word actually means ‘to grow’. To be creative is to grow and to feel alive. Actor/Director Tim Robbins states, “Creativity is essential to your well-being.” Robbins runs an actor’s workshop in a CA prison. It was featured in this really fascinating Netflix film on creativity. Robbins goes on to share that “inmates were 80% less likely to reoffend.” There is an obvious benefit to creative expression, so I decided to do a little research.
So, what exactly is creativity? Why do we need it? What are some examples of creativity? How does it benefit us? I’m glad you asked! (Even though you didn’t!)
What is creativity?
Although creativity is often associated with the arts, it’s actually a form of intelligence that drives people to make new discoveries. Creativity can be found in every area of life from the way you decorate your house to a new way of understanding how things operate.
An act of creativity might include creating something beautiful and artistic like a painting or sculpture, but it need not be artistic to be considered creative. Designing or creating a new product or inventing something is also considered creative expression.
We all possess some level of creativity. But creativity is also a skill that can be developed. Some people might be naturally more creative than others, but you can learn how to be more creative. You can learn to think more creatively. Creativity precedes innovation. Innovation is the skilled application of knowledge in new and exciting ways. By experimenting, exploring and questioning assumptions you can learn to be more creative. By being more open and curious you can become more creative. But you are already more creative than you realize. Hell, solving problems in our daily lives require creativity!
When we are trying to learn something new or and perhaps struggling to solve a problem or find a solution, sometimes all you need to do is take a break. Walk away. Do something else for a bit. Or nothing! Albert Einstein famously made the following statements regarding creativity:
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination.”
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Einstein suggests we solve problems creatively. In order to do this, we must change established thinking patterns and switch into a creative state of mind.
By doing this the unconscious mind has the ability to process the data in new ways. This often lays the groundwork for a creative breakthrough rather than staying stuck trying to solve problems doing things we’ve done in the past.
Every advancement known to mankind started with a new idea inspired by imagination and creativity. Creative thinking allows you to look at situations from different angles opening up a wealth of possibilities!
Successful people are often creative and persistent thinkers who refuse to be defeated by obstacles. Part of being successful is trusting yourself to find new ways to achieve your goals.
According to an article in Forbes Magazine (link below for those that might be looking to change careers or start a new business)
“Creativity is the second-most in-demand skill in the world. When many people think of creativity, they think of artists, graphic designers, writers, painters, etc. But that’s not what it means to be creative, because creativity doesn’t mean artistry. Yes, an artist could be creative, but so could a software engineer, a mathematician, a salesperson or a CEO.”
How does creativity benefit us?
One of the biggest benefits to us that are trying to keep our black from cracking (or whatever color you happen to be!) is that creativity relieves stress. As we age, our hormones can get out of balance. Our sex and growth hormones diminish while often, our insulin and cortisol levels increase. This can lead to all sorts of issues and illnesses.
One of the best ways to reduce cortisol levels is to reduce stress! Research shows that being creative reduces stress and therefore has anti-aging benefits. Being creative and engaging in creative activities can actually extend your life!
In a study published by Scientific American Magazine, researchers showed that creativity exercises some of our neural networks in the brain that keeps them active. These exercises are like a workout for your brain and can help ward off cognitive decline as we age. Exercising your mind, like we do our bodies makes us healthier.
A creative act such as painting, drawing, or crafting of any kind, helps focus the mind in such significant ways that it can actually be considered a form of meditation. Creative activities have a calming effect on the brain and body releasing dopamine which is a natural anti-depressant. Therefore, creativity can help reduce anxiety and depression.
And of course, you have folks that say, “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body!” To which I would say nonsense! (Or those that know me well….I’d called BS!)
Pablo Picasso said this, and I believe this to be true, “Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” Vincent Van Gogh, “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
Years ago, I heard that voice. (It was my voice! Relax. No bodies buried in my yard! YET.) I guess it was around 2008, since my first painting was of Obama right after he won the election. I had this idea to incorporate his speech into the painting. I still haven’t finished that part.
I used to draw a lot when I was younger, but then life left me little time to just sit and draw! I had never really painted, but I heard the voice. At the time I was living in a loft downtown Los Angeles and there was an art supply store blocks from me. I had no idea what I was buying, but off I went.
My painting weren’t very good, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process. It was so relaxing. I would spend hours on Saturdays painting. My routine at the time (I had a LOT of alone time!) was to go to the flower district and get fresh flowers EVERY Saturday. I would have three or four arrangements in my apartment. I was so surprised by how much better buying myself flowers and arranging them would make me feel. (Another creative outlet!) Once I was done flower arranging, I broke out my paints. Hours would fly by. Just me, my flowers, my music and my paints. Saturdays were for creative expression. I believe that this process got me through some pretty rough times.
Having been married to an artist for a large chunk of my life as well as managing artists in the music and art worlds, I have ALWAYS been fascinated and inspired by them. (This will be a whole other post!) It’s probably why I chose to do accounting work within the creative and entertainment industries. It was working with writers that inspired me and encouraged me to start writing. But you can find inspiration everywhere. And now, you can find instruction everywhere. Youtube is full of art, music and writing instruction. There are audiobooks and plenty of online classes. The resources on the internet are never-ending. I encourage everyone to explore their own creativity. AND, as a bonus, you can lower your blood pressure at the same time without even putting your shoes on!
Creativity and Aging!
In 2006, The Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University (GW) released a report called “The Creativity and Aging Study.”
It was a two-year study that included three hundred participants. It was used to evaluate the effects of participation in artistic activities on overall health in older adults. Those activities included painting, drama, music, dance, etc. Their ages were 65+.
The effects of participation became evident in the first year. They looked at overall health, how many times they went to the doctor, how many meds they were on, signs or treatments for depression and loneliness. In conclusion the results demonstrated a positive impact in health promotion, disease prevention, as well as maintaining independence or reducing dependency.
As I push 60 and have friends that have already crossed that line, (some years ago!) I plan to continue my creative endeavors! I actually started taking actual lessons a few weeks ago from my cuz who happens to be a fine artist and teacher. In the past, I went on instinct alone, so I really wanted to learn more theory and technique. In these crazy days and times, I am definitely looking to find ways to relax and de-stress! For me, painting it is.
Lastly, creativity also helps us see things differently and to better deal with so much uncertainty in life. CAN YOU SAY 2020? AND 2021, for that matter. Studies show that creative people are better able to live with uncertainty because they can adapt their thoughts to allow for the flow of the unknown. Creativity opens our minds and allows us to view and solve problems. Creativity enables alternative ways of thinking. Creativity unblocks old patterns, habits and ways of thinking. Creativity enables empathy and with what is going on in the world right now, a little more of that would benefit us all.
But if you need a little more encouragement, below is a short list of additional benefits to leading a more creative life! I came across some of these while doing to some research for this post:
Creativity is another form of play, and play is universally important to each individual’s sense of joy and well-being.
Creativity requires courage, confidence, and the willingness to fail and try again.
Creativity infuses life with depth and richness.
Creativity builds confidence.
Creativity connects us to ourselves and others.
Creativity allows for exploration and communication beyond the limitation of words.
Creativity supports resilience.
This I love but I’m not sure where I read it!
“It opens our hearts and doors to our mind. It brings us to hidden parts of ourselves. It allows recognition of uniqueness and identity. It can help draw out what is already there within – hidden talents and inner capacities can emerge. It connects us with our passions.”
Creative arts foster a sense of connection and understanding of what it means to be human. Creativity can be participatory and interactive.
Creative activities can help you find a community and feel less alone in the world.
At the end of the day, creativity is expression. It doesn’t matter which creative outlet you choose. Whether it be painting, writing, sculpture, music, the culinary arts. It allows you to present beauty to the world or just for yourself.
https://www.arts.gov/impact/accessibility/creativity-and-aging
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/being-creative-can-make-your-golden-years-more-enjoyable
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/creativity
Great piece. Thanks
Thanks Barb!
Interesting post, Kay! Can’t say I ever thought about the link between creativity and critical thinking or designing (as in rearranging furniture) as an expression of creativity… but, I certainly see the link. Thanks for your post!
Interior design!
Thanks for reading!
Very good blog on creativity! Thank you. Let me share mine:
https://posh-kubo.com/2021/01/19/creativity-overdose-prescription/
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Fantastic post!!
Thank you for reading! Your comments are welcome and appreciated!
Fantastic post!
Thanks for reading! I hope you were inspired to write that book!
Nice post
Thank you for reading and for your feedback!