Self-Care September gives us plenty of time to prioritize our own health. But not everyone indulges themselves in this simple, necessary endeavor. In our hustle bustle world, self-care is a wonderful tool to release the many constant demands and stresses we face.
Through self-care each of us can take steps to promote and prioritize our own physical, mental and spiritual health.
One often overlooked self-care strategy is creativity. When we allow ourselves to create, we enhance our mental health. Our focus changes from outside or internal stressors to a mindful purpose. And using our hands benefits our psyche.
Self-expression helps us enter into a concentrated process to learn a new creative skill, or specific steps toward completion of a chosen project. The cares of the world drop away and a finished product motivates us.
Dopamine: Neurotransmitter/Hormone
Learning a new skill or completion of a project produces feelings of accomplishment which in turn releases dopamine into the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that adds to our feelings of well-being and pleasure.
When dopamine is released, our brains are happier. Our mood improves and we feel motivated and focused.
When we finish a creative project we get a release of those feel good hormones. Our brains seek more dopamine which in turn motivates us to continue activities that give us pleasure.
Creativity
Creativity helps in the self-care process toward emotional and spiritual health.
A recent knee injury meant my normal self-care strategy of exercising was interupted. But creativity helped with those feel good hormones. I finished a quilt that I started several years ago, but for some reason put it away. And while there are plenty of flaws, I learned some new skills. All of which added to my feelings of accomplishment and a release of dopamine. 😊 I think I’ll do that again. Ha, ha.
My next project includes turning trash to treasures for an upcoming craft show. Tin cans to be exact. I am looking forward to the finished products to sell. And in the meantime my mind I’ll get some feel-good hormones for my reward.
Youtube features plenty of DIY videos for creative instruction. So what’s your next project?
© 2024 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
Another great self-care activity is a daily gratitude list. My Gratitude Journal has pictures and scriptures to help with a grateful heart.
My next project is a lapghan (afghan for the lap) for a friend’s Christmas. I do my crochet while watching football games and yelling at the refs.
That’s great! I love it.