“Get Creative, Get Outdoors” – What Do We Think As A Company? Part 1

In the spirit of Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2022, Artswork’s Publicity Assistant, Sophie, asked our staff five questions to find out what the weeks theme of “Get Creative, Get Outdoors” meant to them. Keep reading to find out the answers.

This is the first of a series of blogs sharing how we view creativity, and how it effects personal wellbeing. We hope it will inspire you to get creative and get outdoors!

“The theme for Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2022 is “Get Creative, Get Outdoors” What does this mean to you?”

The importance of nature to clearly stood out in the responses to this question. Artswork staff said that nature provides a break from staring at screens, and can help to heal and inspire in times of struggle.

Comments also highlighted the range of creative activities that can be enjoyed outside , including gardening, photography, yoga, and taking a walk while listening to your favourite music. Answers showed that even on a day with miserable weather, the outdoors can still inspire creativity– why not pick up a pencil or paintbrush and let the colours, shapes and smells experienced outdoors have their own influence on what you create?

“What do you do on a day-to-day basis for your personal wellbeing?”

Small things included staying hydrated and making your bed in the morning so you start your day with an achievement – even if you don’t get anything else done that day, making your bed means you’ll be able switch off your brain as soon as your head touches the pillow at night.

Another small idea is to do something refreshing for your body such as a skincare routine or facemask – wellbeing isn’t just about what’s happening on the inside, the body you’re in needs taking care of too!

If it’s a particularly hard day, taking the time to sit or lie down somewhere quiet and do nothing but breathe, even just for 10-20 minutes, can help your mind to wander and work through any frustrations that may have pent up through the day.

Other activities our staff do on a daily basis for their own wellbeing include: 

• taking a sunset walk
• song writing
• adult colouring books
• kayaking
• listening to their favourite music
• playing a musical instrument
• writing poetry by the river
• preparing a tasty meal to enjoy with family or friends

The one thing I find important to do every day for my wellbeing is keeping in touch with friends and family as it helps to ease that feeling of loneliness and isolation from the world, which has become a larger problem across the world since the pandemic.

Creativity and Wellbeing Week started as a small celebration of arts and health activity in London but has since grown into the biggest creative wellbeing festival that spans across the whole of the UK. I’m excited to raise awareness and proud to have involved all of the Artswork staff through my survey on this important topic. Keep an eye out for part two of their answers!  

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