3 Powers of Creative Wellness (and Why It Matters)

What creative pursuit brings you joy? From dancing to painting, creativity can manifest itself in various ways to make us happy. However we decide to unleash our greatest imaginations, we lean on creativity to leave a mark on this world. But creativity isn't just about what we make. It's also about what happens to us when we bring our creations to life—a transformation perfectly alive in the idea of 'creative wellness.'

Almost 40,000 years ago, our paleolithic ancestors engraved their creations in caves and painted indelible landscapes with natural pigments that still awe us today. Our affinity to create is innate and links the human experience as one of self-expression. To no surprise, medical associations have found countless evidence that expressing yourself is beneficial to your health. Broadly recognized as creative wellness, integrating joy-filled creativity into your life is a key aspect of nurturing your overall well-being.

I get it—it does sound a bit too good to be true. Dancing in your kitchen or doodling on a napkin don't sound like effective remedies for keeping the winter coughs (or winter blues) away. But contrary to our skepticism, studies have shown that creative pursuits—like dancing and doodling—can meaningfully improve mental and physical health. Translation: investing in your creativity and taking time to express it, whatever that means to you, is one of the most powerful wellness practices of all. 

Still need some convincing? Here are 3 benefits of Creative Wellness, plus tips for integrating them into your health plan. 

1. Creative Wellness Brings Dopamine Highs

Nestled on a mountainside in Crete, Greece, VAWAA Artist Myrto explores the harmonic relationship between traditional and contemporary Greek ceramics. Melding her passions for clay and people, Myrto’s creations reflect the ancestral traditions of Athens. The sounds of the Mediterranean mountainside and the controlled motions of forming clay are sure to show you the power of creative wellness. 

Master ceramist Myrto brings clay to life in the Greek pottery tradition. 

Holistic practices like these have been found to flood your brain with dopamine, a neurochemical responsible for supporting mood and triggering feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. By regulating the balance between our persistence and abstract thinking, dopamine is the motivating chemical that increases happiness and drives influence toward similar behaviors. 

Dr Patapia Tzotzoli, a clinical psychologist, explained: “Studies have found that dopamine…plays a crucial role in concentration and motivation. Focus, drive, and motivation are essential components of creativity; thus, it is suggested that dopamine can boost creativity.” It's the ultimate feedback loop: creative acts stimulate dopamine, and in turn, dopamine makes you feel even more creative.

2. Creative Wellness Boosts Physical and Mental Health

For some of us, creativity is mobile; it gets us moving! Dance, for example, has its own set of benefits, including physical, mental, and emotional. During the Zumba craze of the early 2010s, studies showed that these dance routines improved blood pressure and contributed to weight management. Time magazine has even declared it as “the best thing you can do for your body.” 

A known stress reliever, dance also releases endorphins and presents the opportunity to connect with other community members. Research even shows that a dance therapy prescription can be a powerful remedy for depression. 

International UNESCO dancer and VAWAA artist Alper uses dance as a practice of personal creative wellness. Honoring the creative movements of Istanbul’s vibrant culture, including the healing movements of Sema-Semah whirling, Alper has performed these traditional dances of Anatolian and Sufi culture across the globe and hopes to bring these healing practices to his apprentices. A form of moving meditation, this particular practice can bring on feelings of elation or even inspire new spiritual connections.

Alper guides you through sacred rituals and traditional dances rooted in Anatolian and Sufi culture.

When you think about it, it’s not just dance—most forms of art and craft are versions of moving meditations. Whether you’re using your hands working on ceramics with Eva in Madrid or doing hand embroidery with Ana Maria in Colombia, on your feet harvesting indigo plants for natural dyeing with Thao in Vietnam, or challenging your strength brass bell crafting with Yoshinori in Japan, you’re activating your body and mind.

3. Creative Wellness Powers Your Brain

Much like any other skill, creativity is practiced. Beyond the many benefits of creative wellness, creativity is one of our best tools for improving memory and brain functions. Contrary to the “Left/Right Brain” myth, creativity is a full-brain process that is not reserved for one hemisphere or the other. 

This outdated narrative suggests our left hemisphere is responsible for motor functions and our ability to mentally compute logic and analyze. A “left-brained” person may be better at mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing. Whereas a “right-brained” person is more visual—since this hemisphere is responsible for creativity and artistry.

According to a 2013 study, brain imaging technology hasn’t found any evidence of right or left dominance. In fact, research conducted at the University of Texas' School of Brain and Behavioral Sciences showed that engaging in creative activities can improve the strength of existing neural pathways and create strong pathways to memories and creative problem-solving. 

How to Start Your Creative Wellness Journey

Harnessing the power of creativity to boost your health is all about getting started and finding your rhythm. The anxiety of adding a creative endeavor to your routine may be overwhelming. With so many options out there to try, it's important to center an activity that brings you joy and fits your schedule. 

Think about the things you tried years ago that life may have overshadowed. Was it journaling? Drawing? Photography? Give it a try one more time with these benefits in mind. Think of it as a mental break rather than a project or task. This approach will create an environment to promote creative wellness and relaxation rather than make you feel like it's a mental sport. 

“What if I don’t consider myself to be creative?” Creativity is within us all. Don’t miss out on the fun of creative wellness for fear of embarrassment or not being successful on your first attempt. Give yourself permission to be a learner and be spontaneous. Remember: it's okay to be a beginner and not know what to do your first time. Very rarely are we masters at something the first time we try.

If you're craving an immersive creative wellness experience, consider learning from a master artist. Booking a Vacation with An Artist is the perfect spontaneous addition to your new wellness plan. We go on yoga retreats to nurture our physical and mental health—so why not creative retreats? Invite yourself to nurture the wonders of your imagination beyond silent meditations. 

The possibilities of creative wellness are endless and can happen in your home, on the go, or on vacation. Before you know it, you’ll see creativity as a form of self-care that will seamlessly integrate with your lifestyle. 

Written by Tyler Pharr

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