We all know the importance of creative hobbies for kids. We enroll them in different classes to help inspire and cultivate creative hobbies. Yet somehow, as adults, our creative time often is lost in the day-to-day busyness.
We make time for work and family, and there’s often no time left for extra creative activities. When you do find time, it may seem like all of your energy is zapped, and you have nothing left to invest in your project.
If this is you, you’re not alone. Only twenty-five percent of us believe we are living up to their creative potential.
But making time to be creative is important. Being creative can reduce stress, boost happiness, and, believe it or not, can even make you more productive.
If you don’t have time to spend hours each day on creative pursuits, don’t worry -even the smallest creative activity is a step in the right direction.
Here are some amazing benefits of creativity. Read on to see how being creative can open up a whole new world for you.
Reduces Stress
Getting creative is a great way to reduce stress. When you’re lost in a hobby or creative pursuit, your mind is focused on something other than the issue that’s causing you stress. Instead, you’ll be completely engrossed in the project at hand. Often, this is just the break you need to shift your focus, and come back with a renewed mindset or a solution to the problem at hand.
Provides a Healthy Outlet
Art is a great way to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Having a creative outlet allows you to express what you’re thinking or feeling, even if it’s difficult to verbalize those thoughts.
Boosts Health and Happiness
Studies have shown a relationship between creative hobbies, and health. One such study found that those who engage in physical leisure activities for at least 20 minutes once per week were less susceptible to fatigue. Performing enjoyable activities has also been linked with lower blood pressure as well as lower levels of depression.
Improves Work Performance
Dr. Kevin Eschleman and his colleagues measured the effect of creative hobbies, using over 40 employees. The results, they discovered, were that those employees with a creative hobby were more helpful, collaborative and creative when it came to job performance. Having a creative hobby not only helps you –it helps those around you.
Finding a creative hobby may be easier than you think. It doesn’t have to be something that you are exceptionally good at; it only needs to be something enjoyable –something that interests you, and allows you to use your abilities to the fullest.
Ready to get started? Here’s how you can get the most out of your creative pursuits.
- Schedule in Time – One of the most important steps to cultivating a creative hobby is taking the time to partake in it. Scheduling in time for your hobby can help you to commit to it, and prevents other things from crowding in.
- Join a Group – Joining a group can be beneficial in a number of ways. It will help you to hold yourself accountable to a schedule and also enables you to experience the social benefits of connecting with like-minded individuals.
- Try Something New – If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to try something new. Starting a new hobby might just what you need to get out of a creative rut and gain a fresh dose of inspiration.
- Don’t Get Discouraged – Finally, don’t get discouraged. If someone is better at something than you are, this doesn’t mean you should stop trying –it simply means you are in the right place. Surrounding yourself with skilled individuals will help you to improve your skills.
You might be surprised to learn that creative hobbies aren’t limited to drawing or painting. Being creative comes in many forms including designing, cooking, teaching, exploring, or even working out –just to name a few. It’s less about the activity you choose, and more about how you choose to experience it. So find your niche, and start getting creative –it’s something that you don’t want to miss out on!
What about you? Which creative hobbies would you like to take up? Share with us in the comments.