Emails. Deadlines. EMIs. Groceries. Meetings. Then sleep. Then do it all over again. Somewhere in that cycle, you lose touch with something important — yourself. And that’s where the importance of engaging in creative activities truly begins to shine. It’s not just about painting or music; it’s about rediscovering parts of yourself that get buried under responsibilities.
Take Meena, a 38-year-old HR manager from Ahmedabad. For years, she was everything to everyone — an employee, a mother, a wife, a caretaker. But when was the last time she was just… Meena? One Sunday, while cleaning out an old drawer, she stumbled upon a cracked pottery kit from her college days. On a whim, she enrolled in a weekend class. For two blissful hours, it was just her hands in clay, her breath steady, and her mind fully present — no screens, no deadlines, just joy.
By Monday morning, something inside her had shifted. She wasn’t just refreshed; she was sharper at work, calmer with her children, and more at ease with herself. That’s when she truly understood the importance of engaging in creative activities — not as a luxury, but as a necessity for well-being. She reconnected with her creativity. And that changed everything.
What We Get Wrong About Creativity
Many Indians grow up believing that creative activities are something only kids, artists, or “free people” can indulge in. For the working middle class, life often revolves around responsibilities. Creativity takes a back seat.
But here’s the truth: Creativity isn’t a waste of time. It’s your recharge button.
You don’t need to be a painter or musician. If you’ve ever:
- Cooked a new recipe
- Taken photos on your phone
- Decorated your home for Diwali
…you’ve been creative.
And it matters more than you think.
How Creative Activities Improve Your Life
1. Stress and Anxiety Reduction:
Creative pursuits can act as a stress reliever, helping individuals manage anxiety and depression.
2. Builds Self-Esteem
Finishing a drawing, recipe, or even a craft project can give you a confidence boost. It’s a small win, but these wins matter—especially when your 9-to-5 feels thankless.
3. Mindfulness and Focus:
Creative activities can help individuals enter a state of flow, where they are fully immersed in the present moment, improving focus and mindfulness.
4. Improved Relationships:
Sharing creative projects or engaging in collaborative creative endeavours can strengthen relationships.
5. Mood Enhancement:
Engaging in creative activities can lift spirits and promote positive emotions.
6. Inspires Long-Term Happiness
People who engage in regular creative hobbies report higher levels of long-term satisfaction. Why? Because creativity feeds curiosity, playfulness, and a sense of personal freedom — things often missing from adult life.
Easy Ways Busy People Can Be Creative
You don’t need weekends off or fancy materials to get started. Try one of these simple habits:
- Morning Journaling: Write 3 lines about how you feel every morning.
- Creative Cooking: Make a new dish with ingredients you already have.
- Mobile Photography: Take one interesting picture a day of your surroundings.
- Craft with Kids: Use newspapers and waste material to make something fun.
- Doodle During Calls: Let your pen wander while you’re on long Zoom meetings.
- Plan a Home Makeover: Rearranging your furniture or balcony garden is a creative act.
A Small Step You Can Take Today
Try this: Tonight, before bed, write a four-line poem about how your day went. Funny, serious, boring — doesn’t matter. Just write.
Feel something shift? That’s the power of creation.
At The Life TrackR, we encourage you to live mindfully, not mechanically. Find joy, even in small acts of expression. You’re more than your profession. You’re a creator in your own right.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published here https://thelifetrackr.com/why-is-it-important-to-engage-in-creative-activities/ by @Kairav and @krutika