As a child, I quickly concluded that I wasn’t creative, a belief solidified during my piano lessons.
While I enjoyed music, my playing was far from melodic. Art classes weren’t much better, and my writing felt workmanlike at best. However, when it came to numbers and logic, I thrived—math, chemistry, and physics came easily, earning me high marks and recognition.
For years, I assumed that while I could appreciate beauty, I wasn’t capable of creating anything myself. But now, I’ve realized that creativity is within me, and I’m determined to unlock and enjoy it. How about you? If you’ve ever felt like you aren’t creative, know that it’s never too late to tap into that part of yourself. In fact, exploring your creativity later in life has profound mental and physical health benefits.
Why Creativity Matters at Any Age
Creativity is not limited to the arts or childhood—it’s something we all possess, and it plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress, improve mood, and even sharpen cognitive abilities. Research shows that creativity can foster both mental and physical health, which becomes especially important as we age.
In her article “7 Ways Creativity Boosts Your Mental and Physical Health,” Alexa Ferrante, in conversation with Dr. Catherine Gritchen, discusses the many ways creativity enhances our lives. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Mental Benefits: Creativity sharpens your mind, improves your mood, relieves anxiety and stress, and combats depression.
- Physical Benefits: Engaging in creative activities gets you moving, boosts your immune system, and improves motor skills.
With so many benefits, the next logical question is: How do you tap into your creativity?
How to Discover Your Inner Creativity
Finding your creative side often requires a bit of self-reflection and exploration. At a recent retreat I co-facilitated with artist and coach Heather Kerr, called Awaken Your Inner Joy, participants learned to unlock their creative energy by focusing on both mind and body. Here are some of the key strategies we explored.
Releasing Your Sacral Chakra
In the yoga tradition, chakras are energy centers within the body that control both physical organs and emotional expression. When it comes to creativity, the sacral chakra, located below the belly button and above the pubic bone, governs your creative energy, sensuality, and sexuality.
Unfortunately, in many Western cultures, this energy center often gets suppressed. Perhaps you remember the embarrassment of a childhood artistic attempt being ridiculed, or the feeling of shame for expressing yourself openly. Unlocking the sacral chakra can help release your creativity, and it’s something anyone can do with some simple practices.
Unlocking Creativity Through the Body
- Yoga Poses: Certain yoga poses like Goddess Pose and Bridge Pose are excellent for releasing energy in the sacral chakra. These poses help you open up the pelvic area, where your creative energy flows.
- Movement: Dancing, especially movements that engage the hips, can naturally stimulate the sacral chakra and allow creativity to flow more freely. Even just swaying to music in your living room can help you tap into this energy. Check out come of Lifeshiift’s Body resources for inspiration.
Unlocking Creativity Through the Mind
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Activities like meditation, mindfulness, and walking in nature can do wonders for releasing your creative energy. Observing the natural world, with its infinite creativity, can inspire you to rediscover your own.
- Rediscover Childlike Wonder: Think back to when you were a child and found joy in creating without judgment. Whether it was finger-painting or building sandcastles, that sense of playful exploration is still within you.
Rediscover the Joy of Creating—Without Judgment
It’s important to release any fear of judgment when exploring your creative side. After all, creativity is personal and doesn’t have to be perfect. The joy comes from the process, not the product. Start small—pick up a paintbrush, write a poem, or cook a meal with an artistic flair. Over time, you’ll notice how these activities bring not only enjoyment but also mental clarity and physical vitality.
Practical Ways to Get Started
- Artistic Expression: Try painting, drawing, or writing. The goal isn’t to produce a masterpiece but to enjoy the act of creating.
- Travel: Exploring new places can stimulate your imagination and open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. Travel also introduces you to different forms of art, cuisine, and culture that may spark your own creativity.
- Cooking: Experiment with cooking as a creative outlet. Try new recipes, present your dishes in colorful ways, and enjoy the meditative aspect of preparing a meal.
- Photography: Take pictures, even if it’s just with your phone. Notice how the world looks different through a camera lens, and capture those small, beautiful moments that you may otherwise overlook.
Find Your Tribe
Creativity thrives in community. Join a class, attend a workshop, or look for local Meetups where you can connect with other like-minded individuals. Whether it’s a choir, an art class, or a photography group, being around others who are expressing themselves creatively can help you unlock your own potential.
Don’t wait—start your creative journey today! Remember, it’s not about being “good” at something; it’s about enjoying the process. Dance like no one’s watching, paint like no one’s judging, and most importantly, have fun!
