The Psychological Benefits of Creating
The Joy of Creating: Why Art Makes Us Feel Alive
Have You Ever Noticed?
Have you ever noticed how doodling in the corner of a notebook instantly makes you feel calmer? Or perhaps for you it’s sewing, baking, or strumming a few chords on the guitar.
Creativity is not reserved for “artists.” It’s something we’ve all done since the very beginning.
We were all creative once
The truth is, creating is something we’ve all done since the very beginning. As children, we build towers with blocks, smear paint with our fingers, make ‘music’ with wooden spoons and invent wild stories with crayons and scraps of paper. We don’t stop to ask ourselves, “Is this any good?” — we simply create, because it feels good. Conversely, we do stop when we reach a stage in life where someone else (or our inner voice) tells us we are not actually very good at it!
If you’re just starting out as an artist, you might think that making art is about producing something polished or impressive. But really, it’s about tapping back into that natural, joyful impulse you’ve carried since childhood. Creating isn’t only about the image that ends up on the page, it’s about what happens inside of you when you take that creative leap. Answering the call to create helps us to reconnect with ourselves.
The Science of Creativity 🧠
In an article in the Financial Times, 9 Jan 24, Jemima Kelly presents her findings from neurological research into an area called “neuroaesthetics”, which studies the brain’s response to aesthetic experience. Scientists note that perceiving art and beauty can have similar effects as mindfulness “by lowering stress responses, “reducing cortisol and moving us into our parasympathetic “rest and digest” state”. Not only that but Jemima goes on to mention other studies which have shown positive effects on life expectancy with regular artistic activity.
So yes, doodling really is good for you.
Slowing Us Down
In a world that constantly tells us to hurry up, creating is an invitation to slow down. When you’re sketching the curve of a leaf or shading the inside of a teacup, your thoughts soften, and the chatter of the day starts to quiet.
Your sketchbook can become a little sanctuary—a pocket-sized retreat you can open any time. Even ten minutes of drawing can feel like hitting the reset button.
Building Confidence
There’s something magical about making something that didn’t exist before you put pencil to paper. It doesn’t matter if it’s a masterpiece or a messy doodle—what matters is that you made it. Every line, every scribble, every smudge is proof that you showed up, and that builds confidence.
A Path Back to Ourselves
Here’s the beautiful thing: creating isn’t just about producing art, it’s about remembering who we are.
Answering the call in our hearts to create helps us to reconnect with ourselves—our playful, curious, imaginative selves.Art gives us permission to return to that childlike state of wonder. It says, “Play again. Explore again. Remember who you are.”
Connecting Us with Others
Art is also a bridge. Throughout history, humans have told stories, recorded experiences, and expressed emotions through creative acts. And your art—even if it’s just a quick sketch—carries your unique perspective.
When you share what you make, you’re offering a little piece of your world to someone else. And sometimes, that’s exactly what another person needs to see or feel.
The Joy of Creating ✨
Art doesn’t just decorate life—it transforms it. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to be “an artist” to experience the psychological benefits of creating.
You just have to begin. Every mark you make is not only shaping a picture—it’s shaping you.
Try This Simple Doodle Exercise 🎨
✨ Action – If you have a felt pen and any paper, draw a series of circles spaced apart. Now take your felt tip and link these circles with any flowing lines you like. Keep building these until you have a free-flowing abstract pattern on your page. Enjoy the process as you take your pen across the page in any way you feel is right. This is a wonderful doodling exercise that has no pre-conceived ideas of what looks ‘right’. No judgement, just drawing. Happy days 🙂