A ‘gazillionty’ reasons to create: breaking the barriers to creative health
We’ve heard the science. We’ve read the studies. Our creative health plays a vital role in our happiness, with a gazillionty (an undefined imaginary number) of reasons why creativity supports us emotionally, mentally, cognitively, socially, and physically too.
I’ve experienced it myself — life is complex and creativity brings a release. But we often build a wall between ourselves and that joy. We tell ourselves that we need hours of time, a pristine studio, or expensive kits.
In truth, there’s deep satisfaction in using what we already have to create something new. It doesn't have to be beautiful, useful or productive. Heck, it doesn't even have to be finished.
So, what holds us back? Here are 5 common barriers and why it’s time to knock them down:
1. "I’m 'bad' at art"
One of our lovely crafters recently shared that a teacher told her that she was ‘bad at art’ over 25 years ago, and it stuck. She felt nervous to try anything new in case it wasn't ‘good.’
The Truth: Creativity has no measure. It is entirely subjective and utterly personal. (And for the record, that teacher was talking nonsense – her creations are stunning.)
2. "There’s always something more important to do"
The laundry, the dishes or the ping of the inbox may feel urgent. But who decided that our time must always be productive?
The Truth: Taking a moment of calm to just ‘be’ isn't selfish. When time creating helps you feel like a better version of yourself, you are actually more able to tackle the rest of your world. It’s less about the outcome and more about the act of doing.
3. "It’s too expensive"
While some supplies cost a fortune, creativity isn't governed by your bank balance. If you have a pen, some scrap wool, old bed linens, or even just daisies on the lawn, you have enough to get creative.
The Truth: Creativity isn't limited to just crafts. It’s dancing, gardening, or singing in the shower. I joined a choir that changed my life and while the membership costs money (but oh so worth it, hello performing at Symphony Hall!), singing at the top of my lungs in the car is totally free — and totally freeing!
4. "I don’t have enough time"
We often think creativity requires a deep dive, a whole afternoon or a weekend retreat. And because we can't find four hours, we don't take ten minutes.
The Truth: Creativity is a cumulative habit, not a marathon. Ten minutes of sketching or five minutes of arranging flowers on a table can reset your nervous system just as effectively as a long session.
5. "I don’t know where to start"
The ‘blank page’ syndrome is real. Sometimes the sheer volume of possibilities paralyses us, so we end up scrolling on our phones looking for ideas, instead of making.
The Truth: Constraints are a creator's best friend. Don't try to make "art"; just try to move one material from one state to another. Pick up one thing, add it to another, and see what happens.
Permission Granted
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to go and 'make something, even if it’s messy, even if it’s ‘pointless’, and even if it’s just for five minutes, this is it.
Need a little spark? I’ve created a free Mini-Makes Guide with 30 creative ideas that take 30 minutes or less. No fancy kit required, just you and a little imagination.
And I’d truly love to hear how you get on! You can email me any time on lucy@rmgcreative.co.uk