Can Creativity Improve Your Mental Health?

You’re in a rut. Days are going by and nothing seems to change. The pressures and stressors are pushing and pulling you and affecting your mental health. You're feeling anxious, depressed, burned out, having trouble sleeping or it's affecting your relationship. What can you do to break this pattern? Creativity could be the key

I can imagine some of you are saying: “But Rich … I’m not an artist or musician. I don’t know how to draw or play an instrument.” I’d answer that by saying maybe it’s time to think outside the box. The way you’ve thought of yourself and your abilities haven’t been working for you lately, so let’s try something new. 

There’s something about art that can open up new ways of looking at the world. Maybe everyone can’t be a professional artist, but everyone can be artistic. Grab a pen and paper and doodle (or do it digitally on a tablet). Go for a drive and sing along to your favorite music. Go outside with your phone and take some interesting photos of a sunset or lake. Write a poem or song. And with all of this, don’t focus on the end product. Instead focus your energy on the creative process. You’ll be surprised that it leads to a break from rumination or negative instructive thoughts, and could change your perspective in a positive direction.

If you’d like to learn more about infusing creativity into your life, contact me for a free consultation. Take care and be well. Rich Lombino, Therapist & Lawyer