7 surpising benifits of Creativity

Creativity is recognised by many as one of the worlds most in-demand skills and it’s value continues to rise.
Education experts around Australia regard creativity as a core competency required across all disciplines, including STEM. Teaching creativity is now critical for ensuring future success for students (and yes you read correctly, creativity can be taught! It's not just a gift for the few, but it's a skill that can be learnt by all)!

Not only is it benifital for future skills, being creative have some surprising benefits!

Being Creative Improves cognitive function

When we are creative we are thinking outside the box - which means we are activating different parts of our brain from the pathways we use day to day.

Research shows that participating in creative activities such as playing an instrument, colouring, or doing puzzles, improves cognitive function, and also delays cognitive impairments for older people.

Image credit: Unsplash - ALAN DE LA CRUZ 

Creativity makes us happier & Improves Wellbeing 

Spending time doing a creative tasks and seeing them completed releases dopamine in your brain! Dopamine is the chemical that makes you feel good!

A study found that doing something creative once a day leads to an overall more positive outlook, with the research showing greater levels in happiness by those who spent time being creative!

Research also found that when engaging in creative activities, the brain acts in similar ways to when it is engaging with mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. 

Image credit: Unsplash - Jason Leung 

REDUCES STRESS and Anxiety

In a recent study, students participated in a range of creative activities (such as drawing, painting, collaging, and clay modelling) before taking their school exams. The results showed a large decrease in stress & anxiety after being creative.

Image credit: Unsplash - Alejandro Piñero Amerio 

Creativity boosts selF-esteem 

Researchers found that spending just 45mins of doing something creative resulted in an improvement in a person's overall confidence (recorded a 73% increase). 

Image credit: Unsplash - Katya Ross 

MAKES YOU MORE SOCIAL

Being creative can lead to participating in creative group activities such as cooking classes, art workshops, bands, or classes - which increases social interaction with others!

Image credit: Unsplash - Vonecia Carswell 

Creativity builds resilience

Being creative is all about problem-solving and innovation - so this mindset reflects research findings that a person with higher levels of creativity is more resilient and prepared to achieve success in completing challenges.

Image credit: Unsplash - Delfino Barboza 

Kids who are creative PeRform better in school

Given all the benefits listed above, it makes sense that it would lead to a better overall performance in all aspects of life, including school.
Research found a positive relation between creative thinking and academic performance. Revealing that creative thinking influences academic performance through students’ self-esteem and resilience.

Image credit: Unsplash -Towfiqu Barbhuiya 

Intrested in learning more about creativity?

Written in collaboration with The University of South Australia. 
​This manual is designed as a foundational look at creativity and provides expert knowledge on how to understand & teach creativity effectively and with confidence. The manual also includes additional printable teacher & student self reports.

Download our free Creativity Manual!