Why Connecting with Your Creativity Again May Be All the Stress Relief You Need

Life is busy. Between work, family, bills, and an endless to-do list, it can feel like there’s no time to pause, let alone to create something. But what if the key to feeling less frazzled and more grounded was as simple as picking up a paintbrush, knitting needles, or even a spatula? Reconnecting with your creativity isn’t just a pastime; it’s an actual lifeline. It’s about finding joy in the process, calming your mind, and making space for something just for you.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not creative,” think again. Creativity isn’t about being a professional artist; it’s about finding ways to express yourself. So here is why I think a little dose of daily creativity may just be that mental health boost you’ve been looking for.

When was the last time you got completely lost in something—so focused that time seemed to melt away? That’s the magic of creativity. Activities like painting, writing, or crafting shift your brain into a state of flow, where worries fade and the moment takes over. It's like mediation for those of us who can't sit still, or have brains that are running the "million miles a minute" software created by years of relentless stress and pressure.

Scientific studies back this up: creative activities reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase feelings of calm and happiness ... all without an expensive trip to the spa or prescription medication. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being in the process. Mixing colours, stitching fabric, or shaping dough with your hands connects you to the present moment, giving your overworked mind a much-needed rest.

In my experience - busy hands give my brain permission to chill out a little, relax awhile and do what it does best, tapping into my creativity and problem-solving skills.

As kids, we built castles out of cardboard and drew masterpieces on the pavement with chalk. Then we grew up, got serious, and swapped crayons for spreadsheets and the fun and colour slowly slipped away from our lives. But here’s the thing: playfulness isn’t just for kids.

Reconnecting with your creative side brings back that sense of wonder and exploration.

When you try something new or pick up an old hobby, it feels a bit like coming home. Whether it’s baking your first sourdough loaf or doodling on a scrap of paper, these small acts remind you that life isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating moments that make you smile.

These moments can cost nothing - but these moments stitch together to become a life raft on the chaotic storm that is life and keeps hope and heart alive.

There’s a special kind of pride that comes with making something from scratch. Whether it’s a scarf you knitted, a song you wrote, or a bookshelf you built, creativity reminds you of what you’re capable of - and what you are capable of is so much more than you can imagine right here, right now!

Starting small is key. Try something simple, like sketching a leaf, baking muffins, or planting herbs in your garden. Each little project builds confidence and helps you realise that you can tackle challenges both in your craft and in your future life. Plus, sharing what you’ve made—with friends, family, or even online—creates connections and celebrates your unique perspective.

When no-one else can find the ten minutes to put a batch of muffins in the oven to share, you can. You can revel in the creativity it took to make them and in the community you can build as you share them. You can become a leader at your kitchen table showing those you love that creativity and a peaceful life can come hand in hand.

Reconnecting with your creativity doesn’t have to mean expensive art classes or a complete lifestyle overhaul. Start where you are with what you have. Dig out that old knitting kit, grab a blank notebook, or experiment with a new recipe in the kitchen. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

• Try a new craft like macramé or embroidery - half the fun for me in learning a new skill are those wonky beginner pieces that improve massively in such a short time.

• Write in a journal or start a short story - I know you have a notebook you have been "saving for something special"

• Paint or draw, even if it’s just stick figures - improving your eye-hand coordination improves not just your mood but your brain health too!

• Bake or cook something you’ve never made before - food need never be boring when you have the recipes of the planet at your fingertips online.

• Take up gardening and create a tiny green space - be mindful, get your hands in dirt and improve your mental and physical health too!

Whatever you choose, remember: it’s about the journey, not the result (unless the result is cake - in which case enjoy the result LOL )

If stress has been getting the better of you, reconnecting with your creativity could be the antidote. It’s a chance to slow down, focus, and find joy in the simple act of making. The best part? You don’t need to be “good” at it; you just need to start.

So, what will you create today? Whether it’s a doodle on a napkin or a loaf of bread fresh from the oven, the important thing is that it’s yours. Ready to feel lighter, brighter, and a little more like yourself? Let’s get creating together!

So let me know in the comments what you are going to pick up and do today? You have all the permission in the world to start healing yourself of the stress of living today by dipping your toe into the creative you that is sitting just below the surface.