Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Activating our brains' creative side has a multitude of benefits for us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Writing, drawing, singing, painting, playing music, and coloring in a coloring book gives our brains a boost.

 

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

– Maya Angelou

 

An article by Lifehack.org states, “Many of the physical and mental benefits of creativity involve being in flow, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s term for that state we get into when we are so engaged in a creative task that our sense of time disappears and we temporarily forget ourselves and our ‘internal chaos.’” Creative moments that result from writing a poem or visiting an art gallery have a calming effect on your brain by releasing dopamine, a natural antidepressant. That is why you tend to feel good when you are being creative.

 

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” 

– Dieter F. Utchdorf

 

Being creative reduces dementia, gives your immune system a boost, improves your focus, and makes you smarter. It also improves your mental health. According to an article in Forbes.com, “Creativity reduces anxiety, depression, and stress… and it can also help you process trauma. Studies have found that writing helps people manage their negative emotions in a productive way, and painting or drawing helps people express trauma or experiences that they find too difficult to put into words.”

 

“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow.” 

– Kurt Vonnegut 

 

Go get your creativity on! Plant some flowers, make a craft, loudly sing a song as you drive your car, or go explore an art show (Community Arts Day is perfect for the whole family!). Do this knowing that you are giving your brain and body a happy boost of positivity.