In 2020 Aussies flocked to creative activities like painting, sketching and crafts to support their wellbeing, helping reduce stress and provide a sense of purpose for those stuck in doors.
Jim Berndelis, Officeworks General Manager Merchandise, told us that “we saw an incredible increase in demand for products that helped people fulfill their creative hobbies during COVID. It was great to see the amateur artist come to life during such challenging times for Australians.”
The widespread uptake of arts and crafts hobbies during this time highlighted just how creativity can be utilised to find calm. Dr Addie Wootten, CEO of not-for-profit Smiling Mind explains that “creative pursuits provide moments for us to pause, and immerse ourselves in colour, light, movement and sound”.
These ‘pauses’ allow us to be more mindful, giving us a different perspective and helping us develop proactive habits that support our mental health” she says.
So how can you use creativity to improve your mental health?
Mindful colouring
A well-known artistic activity linked to mental wellbeing is mindful colouring.
Studies have shown that colouring reduces levels of anxiety and improves awareness of the present moment, which benefits sleep, focus and motor skills.
To practice mindful colouring, put aside a few moments to play in an adult colouring book. Pick up a medium that you enjoy (be it pencils, markers or crayons) and shades you find relaxing, or inspiring.
Start colouring, finding mindfulness by bringing your focus to the page. Draw your attention to the weight of the pencil, the shapes you are creating or even the feeling of the paper and when your mind starts to wonder, bring it back to your creation.
Sketching
If you have ever found yourself mindlessly doodling throughout the day you have already practiced a simple form of art therapy.
Drawing is one of the oldest forms of expressing yourself, going back to cave drawings in a time where oral language was not yet developed. It’s also one of the most accessible outlets, only requiring a pen and a piece of paper.
If doodling sounds like it’s the right fit for you, you may find that having a dedicated sketchbook beneficial. Having a specific place for these creative moments can help you create a routine around finding time to pause within your busy schedule.
Painting
Painting is a really simple and fun way to let your imagination run wild.
The great thing about painting is that you can get inventive with it. A canvas or visual arts diary will work brilliantly, but you could also give that old bedside table a fresh coat, or complete a paint by numbers if the blank canvas is a bit intimidating for your first go.
If you want a break from negative thoughts, painting offers a way to focus your attention on something calming, providing a practical way to ground yourself.
Playing an instrument
While playing an instrument may be more of a commitment than other creative activities, it also has been cited to be incredibly beneficial to many aspects of your health, including mental wellbeing.
Musical training decreases anxiety and agitation while improving cognitive function, communication skills, emotional release and overall mental health.
With the rise of YouTube tutorials, learning an instrument has become much more accessible as it can be done effectively from home and for low cost.
Dusting off the guitar, keyboard, or, dare I say it, recorder, that’s been in the corner for longer than you’d like to admit, will help you keep exercising your mind in a new and challenging way.
Photography
Photography gives us a new perspective that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, assisting us in finding beauty in the everyday. Capturing moments in your day to day life will help you practise gratitude by taking note of the little things.
These days, most of us have a camera in our back pocket thanks to smartphones. However, having a dedicated camera can make the activity feel more purposeful and impactful.
Regardless of if you’re using a compact digital camera or a disposable point and shoot, taking 20 minutes to walk around your house, or your neighbourhood, taking pictures of what you’re grateful for will help you source happiness from the world around you.
