Hanging on by a thread. The delicate dance between creativity & mental health.
- michele7925
- Jan 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 9, 2024
There's a delicate connecting thread between creativity and mental health.
Research has shown that mental health and creativity share a complex relationship. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can create roadblocks in the neural pathways that foster creativity. A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (2018) found that individuals with high levels of psychological distress tend to experience a decline in creative thinking.
The brain's default mode network, responsible for daydreaming, self-reflection, and creativity, can be negatively affected by stress and anxiety. This can lead to a decreased ability to generate novel ideas and think outside the box.
Prioritise your mental well-being, for example:
Prioritise YOU: Taking care of your mental health should be a priority. Incorporate activities that promote relaxation and fun. Play, daydream and just 'be'. Put it in your diary as a regular slot like you would a meeting, and DON'T move it! Health is in the habit.
Be Mindful: Whether it's getting out for a walk, sitting on a bench, reading a chapter of a book, breathing or doing meditation, anything you focus your attention on to the exclusion of everything else, constitutes mindfulness. Just being in the moment for a few moments, opens up the neural pathways that allow creativity to flow.
Have Fun: All work and no play...well, you know how it goes. Have you forgotten what makes you laugh? Remember when you were a child and you could get totally lost in play. Who told you to stop? Go play. Find something fun and just do it, regularly if you can. For instance, I just dusted off my roller skates and I'm heading back to the roller disco. Wish me luck!
Don't Be a Loner: Building a support network is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Share your creative struggles with friends, family, or fellow creatives. Often, a fresh perspective can provide new insights and solutions. Plus it's more fun. Going it alone is well, lonely and not healthy.
Be a Paradox: Having said all that (above), downtime for you to spend just with you is crucial too.
Get help!: It's totally OK to reach out. Whether it's to friends, someone at work or a professional. Do what you have to do, before you have to....if you know what I mean?
In the intricate dance between mental health and creativity, finding a balance is key but it ain't easy. Acknowledging the impact poor mental health can have on creativity is the first step toward getting a grip of it. By prioritising your well-being, establishing routines, seeking support when needed, embracing mindful practices and playing out more, you can pave the way for a more vibrant, flourishing, and altogether more fun, creative life. Remember, creativity thrives in a mind that is nurtured, supported, and at peace.
I'd love to hear your thoughts but don't bring unnecessary negative comments or energy my way. Their names aren't on my list and they won't get in! Big love, Michele
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