Throughout the semester, it is common to feel stressed and overworked due to the burden of academic life. The pressure to perform well at work, in classes, or in extra-curricular activities can leave students feeling unbalanced. Furthermore, these commitments can make us feel like we do not have time for the things that we genuinely enjoy.
Feeling grounded definitely has its perks. In a study conducted in 2009 on creativity and mental health, it was found that “creative exercises can spur internal processes, leading to new insights.” The findings suggest that fostering creativity can help students with their academic performances through clearing their minds.
Finding balance becomes especially important when you consider the fact that stress can inhibit the way that you process the world around you. When stress takes over your mind, it can be difficult to think of other things. Diminishing stress can help foster a sense of harmony that may allow you to approach difficult tasks with more clarity. We often feel a sense of instability when we are unable to reflect on our lives in a way that is both enlightening and empowering.
Many people think that creative expression must involve some form of visual art and become discouraged. However, creative expression has many forms, meaning that there is ample opportunity to find a creative activity that works for you. Finding a creative outlet also allows us to feel like we are able to express our thoughts and feelings in a tangible way.
For many, creative expression can become rather nostalgic. If what we have made is something that can be preserved, it can become a way to revisit thoughts or feelings that we are attempting to process. Looking back on a piece of your creative work can help you appreciate how you understood your circumstances at the time. This is one of the reasons that creativity can be a great tool for reflection.
Some examples of creative expression are things like visual arts, music, writing, cooking, and filmmaking. These are just a few of the countless ways that you could get in touch with your creativity. Creative expression is not limited to a single sensation or form; instead, creativity can be anything you want it to be. In this, the possibilities for finding a creative outlet become endless.