By Catherine Nitelet-Vedder, Wellness Educator Quite often, creativity offers us many advantages, it helps us keep our brains active, it gives us a greater sense of self-awareness, and it helps us deal with problems more effectively. There are many different reasons why having a creative activity can be an invaluable asset for our happiness…
Learning and Developing a New Skill

Creativity often requires learning a new skill: a new way to play the guitar, paint, or learn to sculpt. Learning new things keeps our brains active and ‘flexible’. When we stop learning new things, our brain power begins to decrease, just like when you stop working a particular muscle. In addition, learning a new skill increases our self-confidence. This can be the start of a positive cycle of continuous learning and development.
Increasing Self-Awareness It is difficult to express emotions and thoughts with words, but things like art, music and photography give us the ability to express those emotions and thoughts through other mediums. It allows us to uncover many emotions and other thoughts that might be hidden in our subconscious. Art and creativity give us a way to formulate these hidden, abstract emotions into something more tangible and accessible. This often helps us to develop a deeper and more intimate understanding of ourselves and our inner world.
Flow – a state of maximum engagement When we are truly immersed in creative activity, psychologists say we enter a state known as flow. Flow is a state of high engagement, strongly focused on a particular activity. It can be considered a trance state very similar to many forms of meditation or yoga. If you’ve ever been so involved in an activity that you completely lost track of time, then you’ve probably had to deal with this state of flow. In many ways, creative pursuits can produce this same meditative state.

Power and Control When we begin to become proficient at something creative, it gives us a new sense of empowerment. It gives us a sense of control and becomes a true example of how our ideas and intentions can have a real impact on the physical world.
These are just some of the main reasons why creativity can benefit us and how it contributes to our happiness and well-being. And the best part is that it’s right for any type of creative activity. Whether it’s painting, music, photography, sculpture, cooking, dancing, or anything else.
The 3 C’s Curiosity: Get your eyes wide open and look at things around you that might inspire your creativity. Whether it’s a sport, an art, a hidden talent, take the time to think about what you would really like to do that would make you happy. Connect: Share what you have decided to undertake creatively with your family, your friends, your colleagues. Contact people who already practice that same hobby or who also want to start. Chances are you will meet people who will appreciate and support your newfound passion. Complete: Whether it’s finishing something creative, going on a trip, or successfully completing a course you’ve undertaken, the experience you’ve had by embarking on this creative project is an irreplaceable gift that no one can ever take away from you. It will enrich your life forever. Add a little fun and movement to your team’s work day with our 10 Minute Fit Break. Click here to set up!
Connect with WYAO Hawaii-TERRIDIETZ to find out how we can support a Culture of wellbeing, health, and happiness in your office today! Call 808-772-8222 or email Terri directly, Terri@wyaohawaii.com
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