boost creativity and confidence

Kelly Chan – King’s College London.
MSc, Applied Bioinformatics.
Co-Founder, Study Correctly Tuition Agency Singapore

boost creativity and confidence

Goh Yong Siang – The University of Manchester.
MSc, Advanced Engineering Materials.
Co-Founder, Study Correctly Tuition Agency Singapore

BOOST CREATIVITY AND CONFIDENCE

THE POWER OF CREATIVITY IN BOOSTING MENTAL HEALTH AND SELF-ESTEEM

Researchers have found that creative expression is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health and self-esteem.

Whether through art, writing, crafting, or music, creative activities offer a therapeutic outlet that allows individuals to explore their emotions, find relief from stress, and build a sense of accomplishment.

Engaging in creativity can be transformative, providing a means to process complex feelings and increase personal resilience.

This article examines how creativity contributes to mental well-being, and offers practical tips for incorporating creative activities into our daily lives.

WHY CREATIVITY MATTERS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Studies show that participating in creative activities can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

A report from the American Journal of Public Health found that art-based activities can decrease cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.

When we create something, we experience a sense of achievement, which in turn boosts confidence and self-esteem.

Creative expression provides a safe space for us to explore emotions that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

You don’t have to be an artist to experience the positive effects of creative expression.

Simply engaging in an activity that you enjoy – whether it’s painting, blogging, or making TikTok videos – can provide a sense of control, happiness, and accomplishment.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Creative outlets come in many forms, and finding the right activity is important when we want to sustain it over the longer term.

Here are some ideas that you can explore:

  1. BLOGGING AND WRITING. Writing can be an excellent way to release built-up emotions, reflect on personal experiences, and clarify thoughts. If you like writing a diary or journal, this can serve as private spaces for setting goals and tracking progress
  2. ART AND CRAFTING. Painting, sketching, sculpting, drawing, and crafting allow for visual expression. There’s no right or wrong in art: only self-expression
  3. MUSIC AND DANCE. For those of us who enjoy movement, music and dance can be powerful ways to channel emotions. Singing, playing an instrument, or dancing can also be incredibly therapeutic
  4. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY. Capturing moments through photography and videos to preserve memories can provide a visual way to reflect on meaningful experiences
  5. DIY AND HOME PROJECTS: Building, organizing, or redecorating can also fulfill creative needs. These projects allow us to create a space that feels comforting and personal

Experimenting with different types of creative activities can help you find one that fits your personality, interests, and lifestyle.

The goal is not perfection but exploration and personal fulfillment.

THE ROLE OF CREATIVITY IN MANAGING STRESS

Incorporating creativity into daily life can be especially helpful for stress management.

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose perspective.

Creative activities can pull us out of that mental space, giving us an opportunity to focus on something positive and soothing.

Remember the time when you felt happy while working on a project or activity.

That feeling of being fully absorbed in what you’re doing is one of the most beneficial aspects of creative work.

Research shows that experiencing this flow state can lower stress and increase happiness.

Creative outlets give the mind a break from its usual worries, providing a chance for us to relax and recharge.

HOW CREATIVE HOBBIES CAN BUILD RESILIENCE

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and creative activities are a practical way to build it.

When we create, we’re often faced with challenges and mistakes – smudged or spilt paint, mismatched colors or textures, or a story that just doesn’t flow.

Working through these obstacles can teach patience, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are all essential components of resilience.

When you complete a creative project – no matter how small – you reinforce the belief that you are capable of overcoming obstacles.

This is an important mindset that extends to other areas of life.

THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF CREATIVITY

Creativity doesn’t have to be a solo activity.

It can also be a way to connect with others.

Group art or music classes, cooking lessons, and ceramics sessions are creative activities that can foster community and social interaction.

Engaging in creativity with others can enhance feelings of belonging, reduce loneliness, and build a curiosity about life and the environment around us.

Joining a community club that offers crafting, or taking part in a music workshop allows us to share ideas, exchange feedback, and enjoy the creative process with people we would otherwise not be able to meet.

Social support and interaction contribute significantly to mental health, and creative communities provide a positive environment where people can feel accepted and understood – because you are among people who have the same hobbies, dreams, and challenges.

Even online groups and forums for sharing creative work can offer a sense of connection.

7 MOOD BOOSTING TIPS

Starting a creative routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.

These are simple and easy ways to start being creative.

  1. START SMALL. Begin with 10 to 15 minutes a day that is dedicated to a creative activity of your choice
  2. CREATE A DEDICATED SPACE. Set up a small area with art supplies, sculpting or writing materials, or craft-making instruments where you can work without distraction
  3. SET PERSONAL GOALS. Challenge yourself to complete a project, like finishing a poem, or drawing a picture of your cat
  4. JOIN AN INTEREST GROUP. Seek out workshops that are organized by the Peoples Association, or online groups to stay motivated and inspired
  5. CELEBRATE YOUR PROGRESS. Every piece that you create, no matter what the finished product looks and feels like, is an accomplishment. Take pride in everything that you have created

Incorporating creativity into daily life doesn’t require hours of time or professional skills.

Even brief moments of creative work can provide an emotional release, helping you develop a positive routine that supports mental health.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR CREATIVITY – THE ROLE OF PERSONALIZATION

Personalizing creative projects can make the experience even more meaningful.

For example, creating custom stickers with symbols, initials, or designs of yourself, your family, or favourite anime characters can be a fun way to express your identity.

These customization projects are creative ways that reinforce self-expression, individuality and are unique expressions of your personality.

Personalized projects can also serve as symbols of personal growth or specific milestones.

When you have just achieved a goal, or have just experienced a significant event like a graduation ceremony, you can design something to commemorate that milestone.

These small projects are often enjoyable, and they provide tangible keepsakes of your efforts and progress.

HOW CREATIVITY ENHANCES SELF-ESTEEM

Creativity encourages you to take risks, express yourself, and try new things – all of which build confidence over time – while you remain in a safe and familiar place.

When you create something, you gain a sense of accomplishment, and with each completed project, self-worth grows.

People often discover strengths and talents they weren’t aware of when they embark in creative work.

For example, someone who starts painting as a hobby might realize they have a natural talent for color combinations.

A person who takes up crafting may find satisfaction in designing intricate patterns, or creating items like placemats or jewelry that they can use every day.  

These discoveries foster a positive self-image and pride, and can lead to new passions and skills.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY, NOT JUST THE RESULT

Creativity is about the process as much as the end-result.

The act of creating – whether it is in culinary skills, authoring a book, or robotics – is an opportunity to explore new thoughts, express emotions, and find to peace.

While the finished product may be rewarding, it’s the journey of getting there that offers the most profound mental health benefits.

It doesn’t matter if you’re experienced or a complete beginner; creativity is for everyone.

When you explore your interests and try new things, you will find that the benefits extend beyond just personal enjoyment.

Creativity becomes a tool for self-care, self-discovery, and resilience, enhancing not only your mental well-being but also your connection to yourself.

While it’s true that creativity need not depend on self-confidence (many fabulous artists are reportedly insecure), science has made a connection between how you feel about yourself and creative flow and inspiration.

You might be a scientific researcher, writer, student, engineer, artist, or corporate executive struggling to generate ideas and hate being in a creative rut.

We all know that creativity is vital for success, and creative people must overcome frustration and not get demotivated by potential blocks to our career and scholastic achievements.

4 WAYS TO BUILD CREATIVE CONFIDENCE THROUGH COURAGEOUS BEHAVIORS

Courageous behaviors pursue progress over perfection.

Practitioners are willing to use whatever they can find to forge their way forward and they have the resilience to continue trying if things are not progressing according to plan.  

They turn failure into learning what things did not succeed, and see challenges as opportunities.

  1. START SMALL. Often, the hardest thing about overcoming our work challenges is getting started. We might have a tendency to focus on details before we look at the bigger picture and figure out if the outcomes and processes are desirable. Starting small is a wonderful way to reduce the risk of failure and learn faster. Start making something or doing something that gives you ideas of how to achieve the outcomes and processes, and you are taking a big step toward success just by getting started
  2. GET REAL: MAKE SOMETHING, AND START NOW. Stop thinking, stop wondering, stop fearing. Start making. Allow your ideas to come to life by building something after you have come up with a concept plan. The process of building will help funnel your thoughts into being able to make a the finished product that will add to your ambitions and achievements.
  3. DO SOMETHING NEW. Do something you’ve never done before, because this will refresh your perspectives and give you new encouragement and thoughts that can counter the creative blocks that you are facing. The act of doing it will immediately push you somewhere new.
  4. TAKE A CLASS. Taking a class or asking someone to teach you is such a practical thing to do. It will bring fresh viewpoints to your current challenges and is a great way to get feedback from other experienced specialists who are also interested in learning and growing.

Courageous behaviors are crucial for creative confidence – the essential self-assurance that you can move forward and bring new innovations into fruition.

Like any venture, creative confidence won’t come overnight.

But if you start doing and bravely keep trying, you’ll learn and your confidence will grow.

14 FUN WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY

Creativity is the ability to come up with or recognize ideas to solve problems, communicate with others, or to entertain.

Anyone from all walks of life can develop and enhance it, and creativity is not a skill that is restricted to only poets, sculptors, musicians, artists or “right-brained” thinkers.

Innovation and creativity are about finding new and better ways to solve complex problems, and can open doors to new experiences and opportunities.

When you feel that your creative ideas are not flowing freely, the following ways are effective ways to sharpen and reignite your innovative spark:

  1. BE COMMITTED TO CREATIVITY. Being intentional and focused on wanting to develop your creativity is important. Do not procrastinate or try to find reasons why you cannot be more creative. Set goals, and put aside time each day to develop your skills. For example, if you want to write a science fiction novel, schedule time to regularly learn and practice how to imagine about galaxies and storylines
  2. BECOME AN EXPERT. One of the best ways to develop creativity is to aim for expert knowledge in the area that you want to be creative in. By having a thorough understanding of the topic, you will be better able to think of novel or innovative solutions to problems. A good way to develop your expertise in a specialty area is to read extensively about a topic. Engaging in discussions and collaborative projects with others in your chosen field or subject area can enhance your understanding and lead to new ideas.
  3. BE CURIOUS. One common roadblock to developing creativity is the sense that curiosity is an indulgence. Rather than reprimanding yourself for following an internet rabbit hole, reward yourself when you are curious about something. Give yourself the opportunity and the time to explore new topics.
  4. TAKE RISKS AFTER ASSESSING POTENTIAL RISKS. Your efforts may not lead to success every time. You will however be boosting your creative talents and building skills that are useful in the future. These experiences can positively influence creative performance and nurture enthusiasm and fortitude
  5. BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE. Maintaining your composure and self-trust in the area that you are working in can increase creativity. Conversely, insecurity in your capacity to be innovative can suppress creativity. Acknowledge your own progress, praise yourself for the effort that you had contributed, and find ways – big or small – to reward yourself for your creativity
  6. SCHEDULE REGULAR TIMES TO DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVITY. Put aside time every week to focus on some type of creative project. Let go of projects and ideas that are not bringing you a sense of achievement or enjoyment. Make time for your creative pursuits, and a side benefit from this is that you will feel less stress
  7. DEVELOP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Research has shown that positive moods are strongly associated with cognitive flexibility in coming up with innovative solutions and methods. Reduce or eliminate self-criticisms because they are self-limiting and will prevent you from having stronger creative skills. Focus on eliminating negative thoughts or self-criticisms that may impair your ability to develop strong creative skills. Recognize these as roadblocks and work to overcome them
  8. RESIST THE FEAR OF FAILURE. This fear will paralyze your advancement. Each time you feel that your confidence is being eroded, remind yourself that mistakes and challenges are simply part of the process toward success. Even if you sometimes stumble, you know that you will soon reach your goals
  9. BRAINSTORM NEW IDEAS. You can brainstorm with colleagues, friends, relatives, or with yourself. Brainstorming is a powerful tool for enhancing creativity. It is based on the principle that by producing many ideas, one – or more – can be very useful to the problems you are now trying to solve. Choose a time of the day or night when you know that you are typically more creative, relaxed, and less distracted. Begin by removing or delaying your judgement and self-criticism. When the ideas start flowing, write them – and their related concepts and potential solutions – down. The objective at this stage is to generate as many ideas as possible within a short span of time. The next stage is to sift through your list to shortlist, to arrive at the best possible and refined choices
  10. EXAMINE MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS. The first idea that comes to mind might not be the best fit to solve your problem. Keep thinking continuously for other possible ways to approach the situation. Let your subconscious mind mull through the issues, and it might surprise you with some of the best ideas you have ever thought about
  11. KEEP A CREATIVITY DIARY. By tracking your creative ideas in a diary, you can reflect back on what you have accomplished creatively, and this might spark other possible solutions. This journal can be a repository of ideas that you can tap on for future inspiration
  12. CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES. Seek out more advanced approaches to solving problems, try out new things, tackle a new and unfamiliar project, use new mental and/physical tools to enhance creativity, and avoid going back to the same solutions that you had been using in the past.
  13. BE INSPIRED. Inspiration doesn’t always just happen. You need to look for new sources of inspiration that drive your creativity. Read books that are related or unrelated to your career or studies, listen to genres of music that you love or have never tried before, explore a new neighbourhood. Use the best strategy or technique that best suits your personality and needs.
  14. ASK YOURSELF: WHAT IF, HOW CAN, SHOULD IT. Answer these questions with information that involve different outcomes and causes for those results had you taken different specific approaches to arrive at those conclusions