Rewire Your Brain for Happiness: Why Creative Play Is Key for Better Mental Health

Why Creativity is a Game-Changer for Mental Health

This isn’t the first time I’ve talked about the power of creativity. Creativity has been transformative in my own healing journey, and I believe it can do the same for you. Whether you’re an artist, a creative professional, or someone who doesn’t consider themselves “creative” at all, finding a expressive outlet outside of work can bring more inspiration, fulfillment, and joy into your life.

Engaging in creative play helps process emotions, overcome mental blocks, and reduce stress. If you’re ready to tap into the mental health benefits of creativity, here’s why it works—and how you can get started.

Creativity Boosts Brain Function

Science confirms that working analog (with our hands) has profound effects on brain health and emotional well-being. Research shows that hands-on activities stimulate brain chemicals that regulate emotions and reduce stress.

In today’s digital world, we spend less time using our hands creatively, and more time passively consuming content. Actively engaging in a hands-on creative process—whether it’s collage, painting, knitting, or sculpting—stimulates brain pathways that digital activities don’t, promoting mental clarity and relaxation.

If you’re struggling with unplugging from life and getting good, effective rest, a creative, analog activity can be a much more fulfilling way to relax. Better rest and relaxation can have a huge ripple effect throughout your life, meaning better sleep patterns, less burnout, and better stress management.

Creativity Fuels More Creativity

Ever feel like inspiration is running dry? The best way to get unstuck is to use creativity to fuel creativity.

Even if your main creative outlet is writing, music, or design, exploring other creative activities outside your usual practice keeps your inspiration flowing. Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” And she was right—creativity multiplies when you engage with it consistently.

The more you play, the more your brain learns to think outside the box and generate fresh ideas in every area of your life.

Creativity as a Natural Antidote to Anxiety and Depression

Engaging in creative activities has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research also shows that creative thinking and practice positively affect our overall well-being and happiness. But not all creative outlets are equally effective—those that result in a tangible finished product provide the biggest mental health boost.

Why? Because completing a creative project provides a sense of accomplishment, which builds self-confidence and enhances emotional resilience. Plus, studies show that creative expression is linked to higher levels of happiness and well-being.

Why Collage is One of the Best Creative Outlets for Mental Health

Collage-making is one of my favorite creativity-boosting activities because it’s accessible, hands-on, and meditative—with zero pressure or perfectionism required.

Here’s why collage is especially powerful for mental health:

• It’s relaxing – The repetitive motion of cutting and pasting is calming for the nervous system.

• It gets you into flow – Arranging and assembling images encourages mindfulness and presence.

• It sparks inspiration – Unlike drawing or painting (where you start with a blank page), collage uses found imagery, making it easy to begin.

• It’s accessible to everyone – You don’t need artistic skills to create something meaningful.

• It’s inexpensive – All you need is scissors, glue, and found materials like magazines or paper scraps.

Ready to Get Creative?

If you’re ready to explore collage-making as a fun and restorative creative outlet, I’ve put together a free guide:

✨Tap Into Creative Play:
a step-by-step Collage-Making Guide ✨

This resource walks you through the process of creating hand-cut collage art and offers simple techniques to help you feel more confident and inspired in your creative pursuit.

Inside, You'll Discover:
✂️ Creative techniques to help you let go of perfectionism and embrace play
🖌️ A list of must-have materials
📜 A glimpse into collage history & how it can fuel your imagination

Download your free guide here

It's time to make space for creativity.

Whether it's collage, painting, or any form of artistic play, give yourself permission to create. Your mind will feel lighter, your heart more open, and your inspiration limitless. ✨