The links between pursuing a creative hobby and positive mental health have been well documented. Numerous scientific studies have shown that practicing creativity can improve your ability to solve problems, reduce stress and grow confidence to name just a few benefits.
However, where does that leave those for whom the belief “I’m not creative” is held firm in their minds?
Well, have you considered what creativity actually is?
I have, because I see it every time I welcome complete beginners to my silversmithing workshop. Those people, the “I’m not creative” crew, are among my most favourite people to introduce to a new skill. Firstly, because despite their long held beliefs, they’ve already stepped out of their comfort zone and opened themselves up to the idea that they can enjoy this experience anyway, no matter the outcome. That single fact is the most important one to remember:
YOU CAN ENJOY YOURSELF NO MATTER THE OUTCOME!
The perfectionists among you, and that includes me, will be shouting internally now. “NOOOO! I must create beauty on my first attempt! Well, I hear you, but teaching has opened my eyes to what’s truly important about a day in the workshop and that my friends, is the process. Which brings me back to my original point because the process – being creative – isn’t what you think.
You see, it’s not all about being able to make amazing drawings. It’s certainly not about designing a million pieces of jewellery before you’ve even set foot in the workshop. It’s simply a way of thinking and all of us can do it. Problem solving, having opinions, imagining a different reality, these are all ways of being creative. When your soldering doesn’t work you have to figure out why (with my expert assistance 😉), if something doesn’t look ‘right’ you need to decide what will help – you see you’re practicing creativity at every turn.
So why is a craft like jewellery making in particular SO effective when it comes to improving mental wellbeing? Personally I think the secret lies in the connection between your hands and your brain. Essentially, what you are practicing is mindfulness. When learning a new physical skill, be it making jewellery, painting or origami, your brain is wholly absorbed in what your body is doing. There’s little room for anxiety, the ‘daily grind’ is pushed aside and you are free to just . . . be. Now that’s healthy! A day in the workshop can be intense and even exhausting, but from my students feedback I can also report it’s one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating things you can do for you.
Oh yes, and why else are the ‘I’m not creative’s’ among my favourite students? Because the look on their faces when they see what they’ve created at the end of the day, despite their initial lack of self-belief, is just beautiful, truly.
I love my job!