TGIF | Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Transformative Power of Creative Expression
This article is part of our weekly TGIF newsletter series. To get these in your inbox weekly, sign up below:
Dear community,
I must confess something: I've never considered myself particularly creative. My creativity finds its primary outlet in writing, and as some of you may know, my output varies from weeks of inspired prose to others where it resembles a rough first draft. I prefer to stay humble about it. Reflecting on my teenage years, I recall whispers about peers seeking therapy shrouded in secrecy. They visited offices tucked away in nondescript buildings for reasons left unspoken. While therapy could have benefited me, music became my solace.
For my husband, emo music was his emotional sanctuary, but for me, it was immersing myself in The Beatles' 1 album on my trusty 3-CD stereo. I'd lie on my bed, letting the lyrics wash over me as tears streamed down my face. Music also became my therapy during solitary drives, where I'd belt out lyrics from Ben Harper and The Wreckers, with the wind tousling my hair as I navigated with windows down. It was a profound form of expression I still rely on today to navigate my emotions.
Creative expression holds immense significance for some of my colleagues at Reset. In therapy, we've discovered the power of sharing music, analyzing lyrics, writing poetry, or composing songs. We doodle physical sensations, personify our inner struggles, and express ourselves through clay or dance. The integration of creative expression democratizes therapy, making it accessible to everyone. Therapy doesn't always mean talking for 53 minutes straight; it can involve coloring, painting, playing, or listening to music with the therapist as a guide and supportive presence.
I can't help but imagine how impactful it would have been to have a therapist during my formative years with whom I could share my favorite song lyrics or the poems I scribbled in the dark. Validation and assistance in processing my feelings could have been transformative.
Creative expression packs a punch when it comes to mental health benefits. When you dive into painting, writing, or jamming on your guitar, you're tapping into some serious brain chemistry. See, engaging in creative activities triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are the brain's natural feel-good chemicals. This flood of dopamine not only boosts your mood but also helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels. And it’s way better than scrolling on social media as a way to “decompress.”
But it's not just about feeling good at the moment. Creative expression is like a mental workout for your brain. When you're flexing those creative muscles, you're strengthening neural pathways associated with problem-solving and emotional regulation. It's like giving your brain a little tune-up or reset ;) helping you become more resilient in the face of life's curveballs. Plus, getting creative can give you a sense of control over your emotions and experiences. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by what's happening inside your head, you're actively shaping and processing your thoughts and feelings through your chosen medium. It's like hitting the reset button on your mental state, giving you a fresh perspective on your challenges. Sorry, I had to. #punintended
My son, at the tender age of six, adores his art class. His teacher marvels at his enthusiasm for learning about artists, noting that his second favorite activity (after football, much to my chagrin) is drawing. He creates wallpaper borders, crafts homemade books, and decorates our bulletin board with his artwork. While he's still very verbally expressive, I hope his art will remain a steadfast means of expression as he grows older and words become less concrete.
I've observed how his art serves as a tool for regulating his emotions, allowing him to calm his nervous system, turn inward amidst overstimulation, and quiet his busy mind. This rings true for many individuals; journaling, painting, writing poetry, or engaging with music can be powerful contemplative and mindfulness practices.
At our practice, our clients experience both aspects of creative expression's benefits: the cathartic outlet and the opportunity for introspection. I highly recommend it if you haven't explored creative expression as a therapeutic tool or for self-care. I'd also love to hear about your experiences. Please send us a message, and let's continue sharing ideas and stories within our community.
Remember, you're never alone on this journey.
Thanks for being here.
And this week’s TGIFs…
The 3-Minute Morning Journal
TOOL - Interested in tip-toeing your way into creativity? This journal was my tool for a long time before I transitioned to longer format journaling.
GRATITUDE—To all the art, music, dance, and theatre teachers who continue to empower our kids with diverse talents, interests, and levels of engagement at school, thank you. You’re SO important and valuable.
INNOVATION—Did you know we have a whole team that specializes in creative expression at Reset? Check them out!
FEELS - Growing up I always told myself I wasn’t creative because my sisters were so good at art. It stunted me for YEARS! Silly comparison. In honor of this week’s content, I’m going to push myself to write some poems, sing some songs, have a dance party, and play the piano. I hope you can find something to feel good about, too.