🎨 How Creativity Heals the Brain & Boosts Mental Health

In this heartfelt Big Feels conversation, James and I dive into the powerful connection between creativity and mental health. James kicks things off by asking, “How important is engaging in creativity for your mental health?” — and the discussion unfolds into a beautiful, honest exchange about art, Flow State, and healing through self-expression.

✨ Key takeaways from this video:

• How creative activities like painting, music, writing, and even coloring books can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and help the brain heal.
• The magic of entering Flow State — where you lose track of time and escape stress.
• Why vulnerability in creative spaces matters, and how imperfection inspires others.
• My personal story of reconnecting with painting and honoring her mother’s artistic legacy.
• The importance of knowing your own list of “feel-good” activities — even if it’s hard to lean into them when you’re struggling.

🎶 Whether it’s strumming a guitar, painting a jean jacket, or doodling on an Etch A Sketch, creativity is a tool we all have access to — and it can work wonders for your mental well-being.

How Creativity Can Heal Your Mind — and Simple Ways to Get Started

Hey loves — Karena here. I wanted to share something close to my heart, sparked by a recent conversation I had with my friend James. We were talking about how creativity plays such a huge role in our mental health, and how it’s often one of the first things we forget about when life gets heavy. Sound familiar?

But here’s the thing: when we engage in creative activities, our brains actually heal. Neuroscience shows that getting into a Flow State — that beautiful zone where time disappears and you’re fully absorbed in what you’re doing — lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and gives us a break from the constant swirl of thoughts like what about me or what if this goes wrong.

I’ve been on a journey lately to reconnect with my own creative side. My mom was an artist, and for a while I pushed that part of myself away. But recently, I dusted off her old paint brushes, set up a little table in my home, and started painting jean jackets with fabric paint. It wasn’t perfect. It was messy, colorful, and exactly what my soul needed.

Why Creativity Matters for Mental Health

When you give yourself permission to create without judgment or expectation, you open up a space for healing. Creativity can:

• Help reduce stress and anxiety
  

• Improve focus and mindfulness
  

• Encourage self-expression and emotional release
  

• Build confidence through exploration and play
  

• Connect you with your inner child and sense of wonder
  

And the best part? You don’t have to be an artist, a musician, or a writer. You just have to be willing to play.

Simple Ways to Add More Creativity to Your Day

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few simple, accessible ideas to invite more creativity into your daily routine:

🎨 Adult Coloring Books
Yes, they’re still a thing — and for good reason. The repetitive motion of coloring can be incredibly soothing and meditative.

🎶 Create a Mood Playlist
 Pick a feeling — joy, calm, nostalgia — and build a playlist around it. Music is one of the quickest ways to shift your mood and tap into emotion. Check out my playlist for The Big Silence:

Music is Healing

Snake Sabo and I reminisce about the power of a good playlist! I might shed a tear, but listening to my favorite songs will always leave me feeling better. 

"Music can help you find the good in yourself. It's very rare that you listen to a piece of music and think, 'Wow, I feel like an even bigger piece of shit than I did before I listened to that.'" -Snake Sabo

🖋️ Stream-of-Consciousness Journaling
Set a timer for 5 minutes and write whatever comes to mind. No filter. No rules. Just you and the page.

The Art of Vulnerability: How to be more in touch with oneself through Guided Journaling

Case Kenny shared with me that he wasn't always so great at being vulnerable, but guided journaling prompts really helped to open up some blocks he felt, and get better in touch with his emotions and inner world. 

📸 Phone Photography Walks
Go outside (or even around your house) and snap photos of anything that catches your eye. Patterns, light, shadows, colors. You’ll start to notice beauty in the little things.

🎸 Play an Instrument (or Learn One)
You don’t have to be good — just get lost in the sounds. Even tapping out a rhythm on your table counts.

Overcoming Mental Anguish through Creativity

Shivarasa is an amazing musical artist that found her path to healing through creating meditation music for herself as an artistic experiment. 

🖌️ Paint or Draw Just for You
Grab whatever supplies you have. Don’t aim for “good,” aim for free. Abstract shapes, splashes of color, or doodles can release so much tension.

👕 Upcycle Old Clothes
Got an old tee or denim jacket? Grab some fabric paint, patches, or scissors and turn it into wearable art.

Give Yourself Permission

The most important thing is to release the pressure to be perfect. Creativity is messy, imperfect, and personal — and that’s what makes it so healing. You don’t have to show anyone, you don’t have to “finish” anything, and you definitely don’t need to compare your creativity to anyone else’s. We're here for the process, not for perfection!

As I’ve learned (and am still learning), when I’m not feeling my best, the things that help me the most are the things I sometimes avoid: working out, meditating, reading… and painting. So I’m leaning back in, slowly, and I invite you to do the same.

You are allowed to play. You are allowed to create. You are allowed to heal.

👉 If you’ve been putting off your creative passions, let this be your reminder to pick them back up. What’s your favorite way to express yourself? Drop it in the comments below!

BIG FEELS FEEDBACK

How are you really feeling? We'd love to hear about your week, or share your favorite tools for the week in the comments!

Start a conversation in your The Big Silence apparel. 

The information provided is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Users are advised to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if they're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

**Please note that if your thoughts start becoming hopeless or suicidal, contact emergency at 988 or 911 and crisis services immediately. You can find more resources here. Text HELLO to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.