Expressing your creativity may just be the health answer you’ve been looking for. Whether you are a dancer, singer, painter, poet, writer, drummer, guitar player, or pianist, taking time to be creative can make you healthier. Since there are plenty of ways to be creative, including blogging, gardening, making collages, acting, etc. find something you love that allows you to relax and be creative and do it! You will be amazed at how your mind and body will start to heal.

I often feel best when I write. For me, there are so many benefits to writing: I express how I truly feel, I tap into that part of me that makes me feel so happy, and I feel like I am telling my story. When I don’t write, the opposite happens. I become stressed, unhappy, and even anxious. If there’s one thing I can tell you with all sincerity is that you have to let that creative part of you shine so you can nurture yourself: mind, body, and spirit. There are no wrong answers with being creative – just do what you love!

I have been reading Dr. Lissa Rankin’s Mind Over Medicine where she lists several benefits to expressing yourself creativily. On page 114, she writes, “Health benefits of creative expression include improved sleep, better overall health, fewer doctor visits, less use of medication, and fewer vision problems. Creativity decreases symptoms of distress and improves quality of life for women with cancer; it strengthens positive feelings, alleviates distress, and helps clarify existential and spiritual issues; it lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, reduces anxiety, and improves mood, social functioning, and self-esteem.” She confirms what I have been feeling all along, which is that we must value our creativity and take time to nourish that part of ourselves. With so much credit being given to doctors, lawyers, and engineers, we often forget how important it is for us to tap into our inner artist, writer, musician, etc. and let that part of us out so we can heal and be happy. (By the way, I think artists, musicians, and writers are an invaluable part of our society! I owe so much to the brilliant authors and actors who make me laugh and to the singers who move me with their incredible voices. To all the amazing creative minds who encourage me to tune everything out and just write, I’ll always be grateful.)

I like to give my clients a journal. They can use this to write gratitude lists, keep track of how certain foods make them feel, and write about anything they want. I give them journals because I feel that my clients are on a journey and this is a great time for them to write about how they feel: their hopes, dreams, desires – I want them to know that they can all come true and that they should be proud of themselves for working with a Health Coach who believes in them. I always remind them that they can and should also do what they love and tap into that creative part of themselves. In this way, I watch them heal, relax, and release some of the stress that they carry around. You would be amazed how much of a weight is lifted when we sing, knit, dance, paint, write, etc. – the world suddenly becomes a better place and that stress, anxiety, and depression we may have been feeling finally melts away.

Dr. Lissa Rankin goes on to write, “The health benefits of creativity are incredible – that’s just how creative expression affects the individual! Creativity also affects your work life, your relationships, your sexuality, your spirituality, and your mental health […] Even seemingly unrelated benefits may arise as the result of expressing yourself creativity, such as improved fertility” (p. 115-116). I always feel that we all have a story to tell; a book inside of us or maybe even a short story that needs to be written and shared. Whatever is burning inside of you, let it out. The cost of keeping it inside could be your health. The benefit? Your mental, emotional, spiritual, and even physical freedom – the start of finally being healthy and happy. Unlock your creativity. Pick up a pen, paint brush, or instrument and sing the song of your heart.

Is it time for you to work with a Health Coach? Prioritize your health and happiness and work with me! Schedule your free initial consultation and start living the life of your dreams. You will have my undivided attention as well as a unique, personal program that is customized for your needs. You’d be surprised how fun and freeing it can be to finally let yourself heal. Read more about my approach to wellness and health coaching here. Whatever you do, nourish yourself. Namaste.