MGH campus transformation
MGH’s campus transformation continues with major renovation work. Patients and visitors can expect to experience noise, hallway closures and detours around the hospital. Learn more about our campus transformation.
MGH’s campus transformation continues with major renovation work. Patients and visitors can expect to experience noise, hallway closures and detours around the hospital. Learn more about our campus transformation.
Creativity is good for distraction, it helps generate new ways of thinking and it leads to innovative solutions. But did you also know that creativity is good for our mental health?Creativity is a tool that helps us adapt to change. It moves us into our right-brain, which is where curiosity, flexibility and playfulness live.
Creative people have a high tolerance for uncertainty. This is because they are comfortable with the unknown that comes with the creative process. They are also open to adapting their thinking in non-linear ways.
Creativity as a coping tool
In my counselling practice, I’ve seen the value of creativity.
It can be used to release strong emotions, to connect with others, to decrease individual and collective stress, to build confidence or to generate new ways of thinking about personal problems.
It helps us get ‘unstuck’.
And right now, creativity can be a tool for coping with the changes that have been forced upon us during this health care crisis.
Creativity as opportunity
Let’s consider creativity as a tool for adapting to change. Instead of fearing it, what happens when we look for the opportunities that come with change? A little creativity can help us thrive through almost any situation.
Here are eight ways to help foster creativity and get those creative juices flowing:
Remember – adapting to change is key to moving forward and staying mentally well. Let creativity help you get there!
Lois Didyk, MSW, RSW, is a social worker with Michael Garron Hospital Mental Health Services. She has worked for the past 30 years with Community Outreach Services and more recently, with the Mental Health SCOPE Program.