Are you taking enough advantage of the health benefits of creativity? If not, this is your cue.
The wellness trend that dominated 2021 is set to continue this year as looking after ourselves has become more of a priority, especially in these uncertain times. Practising creative behaviours, no matter how simple, can improve both your physical and mental health and they can even improve brain function.
The benefits of creativity
Increases happiness
Once you get into that creative flow, anxiety and stress is reduced. Repetitive creative behaviours like colouring or knitting which focus on results for example, elevate your dopamine levels, further motivating you.
Reduces dementia
Creative activities have been used to help dementia patients – studies show they sharpen the senses and allow them to reconnect with their personalities
Improves mental health
Creativity reduces anxiety and stress. Simple activities like gardening or sewing can increase dopamine levels.
Start off 2022 the right way with our handpicked events across January and February:
JANUARY
13th January – TikTok Influencer Marketing Masterclass, Online
This digital masterclass will share expertise on influencer marketing with a focus on one of the most creative and trendiest platforms out there right now: TikTok.
19th January – Beat the blank page: Boost your creativity and confidence in writing, Online
Feeling stuck with your writing? This practical masterclass with Professor Jason Whittaker, head of English and Journalism and the University of Lincoln, will help your imagination get into gear. Discover how to be more confident and how to search for motivation when it’s missing. Reconnect with yourself and come away with practical tips and tricks for improving your creative writing abilities.
https://membership.theguardian.com/event/beat-the-blank-page-boost-your-creativity-and-confidence-in-writing-170327571351
21st – 22nd January -International Conference on Creativity and Creative Thinking ICCT, London
This conference brings together leading academic scientists, researchers and scholars to discuss their experiences and results on the subjects of creativity and creative thinking. Explore recent trends, issues and innovations with a space to delve into solutions for challenges.
22nd January – Adult Abstract Weekend Workshops (Multiple Dates), London
Reenergise your art practice in these workshops suitable for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.
22nd January – Creative Climate Conversations: Browse, Make & Chat, London
Engage in creative climate discussions and express your feelings and ideas about the climate crisis through art, creative writing and games! There will also be opportunities to learn about the ways you can reduce environmental impacts and help create a sustainable future.
23rd January – Mixed Media Art Workshop to Unwind Creatively, London
In this workshop, you’ll explore how to wind down and break those creative boundaries – all while having fun! Our creative potential increases through play – in this workshop, you can feel free to explore and try pretty much anything! It’s time to let your imagination run wild.
24th January – Feed my Creative, Learn to Sew, Birmingham
Join this fun and interactive 6-week course to learn how to sew!
https://nsdt.org.uk/event/feed-my-creative-learn-to-sew/2022-01-24/
27th January – Have a go at…Wellbeing
Join life coach and TV broadcaster Anna Williamson in this event exploring how to banish those winter blues.
31st January – Health and Happiness Workshop
Manage your stress and increase your energy levels with effortless techniques. You’ll leave feeling energetic and enthusiastic!
FEBRUARY
1st – 3rd February – Creative Coalition Festival 2022
The UK’s largest festival for the creative industries, jam-packed with over 50 diverse events spanning across 3 days!
https://festival.wearecreative.uk/
1st February – Mindfulness in Leadership, Preston
A new and interactive session designed to showcase how mindfulness can improve your creativity and keep you calm and focused. You’ll learn how to use mindfulness to enhance your productivity, enabling you to be your best self at work.
Multiple dates – Repair and Refashion your Clothes @ The Remakery, London
This regular sewing workshop encourages you to come along and find out how to repair and upcycle your clothes. Practice techniques on examples of bring your own clothes to repair so we can reduce waste!
Multiple dates – Creative Strategic Thinking Course, Online
This course is ideal of anyone that develops or implements strategy. Explore how you can maximise your most useful thoughts and transform them into practical plans that achieve results. You’ll find out how to think creatively around vision and learn about the stages of planning as well how to communicate your vision to others.
https://coursalytics.com/courses/creative-strategic-thinking-course-impact-factory
Multiple dates – Speak the World: online open mic night
A free online poetry and spoken word open mic night for people of all experiences.
Multiple dates – National Gallery Lates, London
The National Gallery is opening late -enjoy an array of late-night opening and events which include free guided tours, drop-in drawing sessions and talks from special guests!
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events/national-gallery-lates
