We take fitness classes to strengthen our bodies. We see therapists to care for our minds. We meditate, get massages and take vacation to de-stress. But in our pursuit of self-care, we neglect perhaps the most uniquely human element of them all: creativity.  

It’s time we start thinking of creativity as a core component of our health and wellness regimen. Not just artistic expression, but in the broadest sense of flexing our mental muscles to make connections, entertain ideas, and imagine possibilities. Research reveals what many of us know intuitively - that engaging in creative pursuits enhances our problem-solving abilities, sharpens our minds, boosts our moods, and enriches our lives.

Yet in our machine-like, efficiency-driven, algorithmic society, we often stifle our creative gifts. We default to the familiar and conventional, failing to challenge the status quo. We regurgitate the first idea that pops into our heads rather than pushing our imaginations. In the process, we undermine our potential for innovation, meaning, and self-actualization.  

Relegating creativity solely to the artistic realm misses the point. Certainly, making time for artistic hobbies nurtures creative thinking. But creativity is about unlocking our daily problem-solving capacities, not painting perfect still lifes. It’s about breaking out of ruts to see challenges in new ways. Just as physical exercise builds muscles, creativity strengthens our cognitive and psychosocial fitness.

Practically speaking, how can we incorporate creative wellness into our lifestyles? It starts small - keeping a running list of problems to solve, doing daily idea quotas, seeking diverse inputs and collaborators. Much like our bodies, our creative brains need training and consistent exercise to stay nimble.

Imagine if schools taught creative thinking skills alongside math and grammar. If employers offered creativity wellness programs alongside gym memberships. If we valued our creative optimization as much as our BMI.

It’s time we rethink what it means to be well and recognize creativity’s central role in living purposeful, fulfilling lives. Our imaginations are our most valuable resource. Let’s start treating creative wellness with the same importance we give to our physical and mental health. A life lived creatively is a life lived fully.

Related: Practice
Related: Make Connections
Related: Train Your Imagination

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