In their Healthy Minds Monthly Poll for July 2023, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) survey more than 2,200 adults. The APA reported learning that 46% of Americans use creative activities to relieve stress or anxiety, and those who rated their mental health as very good or excellent were more likely to participate in creative activity more often than the adults who rated their mental health as fair or poor.
APA President Petros Levounis, MD, said, “We live in stressful times, and sometimes our jobs and responsibilities can drain our energy and our mental health. Creative activities aren’t just for fun, they can help us take a step back from the daily grind, use our brains differently, and relax. Picking up that paintbrush or solving a tricky puzzle can truly move us to a different mindset.”
If it’s been a while (or never) since you dove into a creative activity to alleviate stress or anxiety, the APA survey respondents shared their go-to creative outlets. The top 6 favorites include:
1. 77% listening to music
2. 39% solving puzzles
3. 25% singing or dancing
4. 24% drawing, painting, or sculpting
5. 19% crafting
6. 16% creative writing
It’s important to remember, you don’t need to be Picasso or Pavarotti to engage in creative endeavors, just pick something you are passionate about, or at least enjoy, and sing like no one is watching, as the saying goes!
Want to learn more about the intricate workings of the human brain? All front-line clinical healthcare providers are invited to join BRAINWeek for our annual conference featuring expert speakers, CME credits, networking and more. Click here for more information.
