264 Creating Well-Being

Based on research by Conner, Tamlin S., DeYoung, C. G., & Silvia, Paul J. (2016) written by Mara Rowcliffe, MS.

Can engaging in creative activities elicit positive emotions and more life satisfaction?

Psychologists analyzed surveys from over 650 young adults instructed to maintain a daily online diary for 13 days. These participants daily recorded how much time they spent doing creative activities and their overall emotional health.  They evaluated their levels of positivity, negativity, and an overall sense of meaning, purpose, engagement, and a social connection in their lives.

Results revealed that people who engaged in more creative activities than usual, reported higher levels of positive emotion, purpose, and meaning the following day, while negative emotions did not change. The researchers noted a strong pattern, for all personalities, indicating that doing creative activities today predicts improvements in well-being tomorrow.

How do you incorporate creativity into your life? What activities allow you creative expression? How can you promote creativity and meaningfulness in your work and life? Devise a novel solution to a problem, express original ideas, cook a new culinary dish, write a poem or song, sing or play music, draw, paint, or make a craft project, even tell a joke, engage in conversation, or encourage others?

The options are endless, the reward is great!

References:

Conner, T. S., DeYoung, C. G., & Silvia, P. J. (2016). Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1-9.