Unleash Daily Creativity: Transform Routine into Art

Why art classes aren't the only way to be creative

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Have a look at that painting.

Any idea what it is? Is it even the right way up?

This is my output at my first watercolour class a few weeks ago.

It’s called wet-on-wet technique (WOW)!

What I love about the technique is the freedom and flow of the colours in water.

What I’m not so sure about is whether it looks anything like a scene in nature.

And do I care? Not a lot.

I’m there for the fun and to get into the flow.

And luckily the teacher is too.

It’s that non-judgemental, happy spirit of creativity that I love.

And that you can capture too. Every day.

Creativity in Everyday Moments

So, as I hope you know, you don't need art classes to be creative.

You could be creative in your men’s shed.

Or planning your garage sale.

Or running your corner shop.

Anywhere you can try out something new and experiment a little is a creative opportunity.

Because creativity is about making a change and following our curiosity.

And there are countless ways you’re already expressing it.

For example:

• When you change up what to make the kids for breakfast on the weekend.

• When you consider if the sofa would look better on the other wall.

• When you choose a new haircut for the holidays.

It’s also a creative act when you find a different path to solve a work problem.

Or try out a new exercise to stretch your hamstrings.

Or brave a new opening on a hard conversation.

It’s everywhere in the everyday.

So, let’s set the record straight.

Creativity’s not only in snooty art galleries, modern theatres, and quirky bookshops.

It’s not the natural-born talent of special artsy people.

It’s not something you can’t cultivate.

It’s a natural thought process that already propels you through your day.

And it’s renewed with the choices we make.

In invention.

In imagining something different.

In my book, Albert Einstein got it right, saying,

Creativity is intelligence having fun.

Because creativity doesn’t always take itself seriously.

Creativity’s Fun

The more we let ourselves daydream and unfocus, research suggests,

the more likely we‘ll tap into our creativity.

Because being creative means staying open to new possibilities.

The opposite of staid routines and furrowed brows.

So the way to get there is to chill.

And watch how children spend their free time.

Because play and fun are the keys to unlock the fertile, fluid parts of our brains. Where judgment and criticism go to die.

So keep that childlike spirit when you doodle on your notepad. Or take a risk by switching the ingredients in a recipe. Or rearrange the garden pots.

Don’t fuss too much over whether you get it “right.”

If you keep your heart light and stay present, you’ll default to the joy of the creative process.

And stay in the sense of non-attached play we see in children.

Who build sandcastles and shriek with delight when the sea washes them away.

And go right ahead and build more.

Creativity’s Good for You

When I look around my art class, I see absorption. I hear silence. I see late bloomers, young and old hands.

People are quiet.

Lost in the page.

Absorbed in making.

And something stirs in the air.

And on the faces.

Beginnings. And excitement. And wonder.

Which has to be rejuvenating, right?

No surprise that, according to research, creativity is good for your health.

How?

• It enhances sleep

• It reduces depression

• It improves resilience

• It increases dopamine

• It improves heart health

• It reduces inflammation

• It enhances neural activity

• It helps process emotions

• It prevents cognitive decline

• It reduces stress and anxiety

• It increases cognitive function

• It helps with pain management

• It decreases the risk of dementia

• It improves immune system function

• It lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels

You can look up the research studies on these claims. They’re reputable (from American Psychological Association, Harvard Medical School, NIH, Mayo Clinic).

But these health benefits of creativity are a bonus for me.

My why is simpler than that.

I explore my creativity because it makes me feel good.

It makes me laugh. It frees my mind. It lights up my soul.

Making art adds to the beauty of my life.

It also reminds me how smart my hands and fingers are.

And it makes me grateful for the freedom I have to do this.

To sum up

Join an art class if that’s what floats your creative boat.

Or try out something different in your routine or path to work.

See how it feels to actively embrace change, try things, and make stuff.

And be curious about where else creativity is already showing up in your everyday life. See how you can do more of that.

Let go of the reins a bit.

And as you do, watch for the expected signs of better health and a lighter step.