The Role of Creativity for Mental Well-Being
- Giovanni Arcuri
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
January 9th, 2026
Author: Gio Arcuri, OT, Occupational Therapist
A Valuable Support, Complementary to Professional Care
Important: Creativity and creative activities can support mental well-being, but they do not replace professional mental health services, such as psychotherapy, occupational therapy, psychiatry, or medical care. Rather, creativity serves as a complementary tool—an accessible, everyday support that can contribute to emotional balance and overall quality of life.
Creativity is not limited to artistic or musical production. It encompasses a wide range of activities—writing, cooking, gardening, crafting, imagining, problem-solving—and represents a fundamental human process. A growing body of research shows that creative practices can support mental well-being and help foster balance in daily life.
Whether you are a child, adolescent, adult, couple, or team, engaging in creative activities can promote calm, joy, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment. In this article, you will learn how creativity supports mental well-being and discover practical ways to integrate it into your daily routine.
Creative spaces invite calm and focus, helping you express yourself freely.
How Creativity Supports Mental Well-Being
When you engage in creative activities that you genuinely enjoy, your brain activates circuits related to pleasure, motivation, and reward, including pathways associated with the dopaminergic system. This activation is linked to feelings of well-being and can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially when the activity is self-chosen and free from performance pressure.
Creativity also offers a powerful non-verbal channel for emotional expression. Some emotions—such as sadness, anger, or frustration—can be difficult to articulate. Activities like writing, drawing, or painting allow individuals to explore and externalize internal experiences in a safe and symbolic way, supporting emotional regulation.
The Flow State: Focus, Presence, and Calm
Creative engagement often leads to what researchers describe as a state of “flow.” This state is characterized by deep concentration, immersion in the activity, and a reduction in intrusive thoughts. Research shows that flow is associated with increased mindfulness, reduced rumination, and improved subjective well-being.
Importantly, you do not need to be an expert artist to experience these benefits. Simple activities such as doodling, coloring, cooking, gardening, or crafting can foster this calm, focused state just as effectively.
Creativity for Mental Well-Being: Practical Ways to Get Started
You may wonder how to integrate more creativity into your life. The key is to start small and choose activities that feel enjoyable, without pressure or expectations. Here are a few accessible ideas:
Journaling: Write about your day, your emotions, or your thoughts without worrying about grammar or style.
Drawing or coloring: Use pencils, markers, or paint. Adult coloring books are widely recognized for their relaxing effects.
Music: Listen to music, sing, or try playing an instrument in an informal way.
Cooking: Experiment with new recipes or create your own dishes. Cooking is a creative act rooted in daily life.
Nature walks: Collect leaves, stones, or flowers and create small artistic projects.
Creative hobbies: Knitting, sewing, crafting, or simple DIY projects.
Even 10 to 15 minutes per day can make a difference. The goal is to enjoy the process, not to produce something perfect.
Having accessible art materials encourages spontaneous creativity and relaxation.
What Science Says About Creativity and Mental Health
Research in psychology, neuroscience, and public health shows that creative activities can support:
Emotional regulation
Psychological resilience
Cognitive flexibility
Self-efficacy and confidence
For example, expressive writing has been associated with reduced emotional distress, particularly when individuals write about challenging or meaningful life experiences. Similarly, art therapy is widely used in mental health settings as a complementary approach, allowing people to express experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
Creativity as a Social Connector
Creativity also has a strong social dimension. Group-based creative activities—such as art workshops, music groups, writing circles, or community projects—can foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and social connection.
For couples, shared creative hobbies can strengthen communication and emotional closeness. In workplaces and community settings, creativity supports collaboration, innovation, and collective well-being, which can help reduce stress and enhance morale.
You do not need to be a professional to benefit from these social effects. Participating in a local workshop or an online group can open the door to meaningful connections.
Integrating Creativity Into Daily Life
It is common to feel hesitant or to worry about not being “good enough.” Remember: creativity is about expression, not perfection. Here are a few simple tips:
Set aside a few minutes each day for creative activities
Create a small, accessible space with materials you enjoy
Approach new activities with curiosity rather than judgment
Notice how you feel after engaging in creativity
Be kind to yourself if you miss a day
By making creativity a habit, you support your mental well-being while opening yourself to new forms of expression and possibility.
Professional Support at the Heart of Mental Well-Being
At Clinique Vivago, we recognize the value of creativity as a supportive tool for mental well-being, alongside professional care. Through occupational therapy, art-based approaches, group workshops, and individualized support, we believe in a compassionate, accessible, and evidence-informed approach to mental health.
Every step matters. Your mental well-being deserves professional, thoughtful care—and creativity can be part of that journey.
References
Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? World Health Organization.
Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Pennebaker, J. W., & Chung, C. K. (2011). Expressive writing and health. In Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Handbook of Art Therapy. Guilford Press.
Beaty, R. E., et al. (2016). Creative cognition and brain network dynamics. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
Clift, S., & Camic, P. M. (2016). Oxford Textbook of Creative Arts, Health, and Wellbeing. Oxford University Press.
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