Creativity is often dismissed as an indulgence, as if it’s an unimportant activity we might treat ourselves to on occasion. Yet try to imagine a world without creativity? There would be no music, no films, no novels, no poetry and no artwork on the walls.
Like the arts, our emotions are often relegated to the sidelines, as if they’re a hindrance to the real business of life – yet they drive the majority of our decisions. Art and emotions are so strongly linked, yet we are often unaware of how much power they have for deepening self-awareness and improving mental wellbeing.
The simple acts of writing, crafting or baking, for example, can help us relax and focus on creating something unique which in turn, can aid us in expressing our emotions.
Creativity really has no rules, and there are so many forms it can take. Here are just a few of them…
Drawing and writing
We might use what we have at our disposal, for example, a biro and a scrap of paper, and we might begin doodling. Or we might put pen to paper and allow our words to flow.
One person who has done just that is firefighter Leigh Hosy Pickett. Leigh has been in the fire service for 25 years and, as a way of processing the mental health challenges he’s faced in that time, he wrote a book – Up In Smoke – detailing his career, from the humorous to the challenging times.
“The writing became quite dynamic, from it originally being a funny book through to me sharing some of my own mental health experiences,” says Leigh.
“Given my own mental health journey, it was certainly very therapeutic to write it all down. Sharing it all, and having no shame in doing so, shows strength. By admitting you have a weakness, there’s real strength in that.”
Community volunteering
If you prefer more structure alongside community support, you might choose to explore the creative opportunities in your local area.
Whether that’s through volunteering, baking and holding a bake sale or even looking into communal art and crafts opportunities, there are so many ways you could get involved – and interact with others around you at the same time.
Arts and crafts
In recognition of how creativity can boost mental health, we recently appointed an Activities Coordinator at Harcombe House, Sharon Cook, to encourage and support anyone on a Rest and Recharge stay who wants to try an activity.
“From making clay leaves and Christmas wreathes to wet felting and fat balls for the birds, we are trying all sorts,” says Sharon. “You can see people relax, the time flies and people chat away.”
Mask-making is another option for supporting mental health. By creating visual representations of ourselves via masks, we can express ourselves. A mask with a zip or lock over the mouth, for example, might express difficulty in talking about emotions. Mask-making to facilitate recovery from trauma is increasingly being employed as an effective therapy.
Dance and music
Alternatively, our canvas might be floor space and our mark-making might be the pattern of our body as we dance. Or maybe
we’re watching the dance and notice that our own emotions are stirred?
Similarly, picking up an instrument, singing or even listening to music can help us express our emotions. Perhaps you used to play, but haven’t for years? Or you’d like to try something new?
If you’ve been inspired, jump on to My Fire Fighters Charity and join the Hobbies and Interests Group to chat to others about how they embrace their creative side.