SCIENCE AND BENEFITS

Creativity is our superpower, the life blood of civilization, commerce, and culture. Human beings have harnessed its power for transforming ideas into reality since the dawn of existence. Artists tap into it to bring the imagined to life for others to experience, for activating the openness of “flow states”. It’s who we are whether we realize it or not.

A report circulated by the Journal of Business Research (2018) states that an openness to aesthetics and artistic expression resulted in overall inspiration and enhanced problem solving in research subjects. In work environments, this resulted in improved product design, branding, and problem solving. Individual wellness impacts collective wellness. 

“This program has introduced a sense of calm at our shelter, which serves opioid recovery patients who also suffer from mental illness and high levels of anxiety. It’s reflecting in our data.”

Kent Belgrave, program director at Acacia Network

In 2010, the American Journal of Public Health reported that visual art making, expressive writing, and combined activities contributed to positive emotions, psychological wellbeing, and social functioning, as well as drops in physical and emotional stress and depression rates. I’ve witnessed this across all the programs I’ve designed and taught.

The same report demonstrated that creative self-expression resulted in reduced stress and anxiety for individuals, while also improving focus on their positive life experiences, self-worth, and social identity. This enhanced sense of positivity can impact productivity.

“Charlie’s sessions help me to focus and find calm despite the daily stresses of a recent life-threatening medical challenge as well as from teaching and being a single mom.”

Janet Rivera, academic professional

Other studies have established a connection between middle-aged and elderly subjects who engaged in arts and crafts practices and the positive impact it had on delaying mental decline. The benefits that creativity and wellness can contribute toward your health are just beginning to be acknowledged. Age-old wisdom never expires.

“I’ve noticed a correlation between the recovery patients who participate in these workshops and reduced instances of relapse.”

John Cruz, counselor at Acacia Network