“Get Creative, Get Outdoors” – What Do We Think As A Company? Part 2

The theme of Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2022 is “Get Creative, Get Outdoors”. Sophie Jones, Artswork’s Publicity Assistant, surveyed Artswork staff to find out a little more about how they view creativity and how it effects their personal wellbeing in hopes to inspire others. 

This is the second of a two-part series. Read part one now here!

How many hours a week do you spend doing things beneficial for your own mental health and wellbeing?

I was pleasantly surprised with the results. The majority of Artswork staff spend over 4 hours a week doing activities or small things they enjoy to support their wellbeing and mental health. That’s equivalent to over 7 whole days a year !

Do you combine creativity with wellbeing? If yes, how?

A large majority of staff members see creativity and wellbeing as things that go hand in hand, and here are some of the great responses I received: 

• Creating something can be a meditative experience, where you could escape reality for a bit, or channel the good and bad moments of life into something far more beautiful than a conversation. Creativity is essential for transcending reality and holding a mirror up to it at the same time; creativity makes creates optimism.   
• Writing blogs or poetry can be a form of meditation, as an alignment of inner wellbeing and the world around you.  
• Taking photos that relate to how I’m feeling. 
• Reading, journaling and gardening are creative activities I do that enhance wellbeing. 
• Creativity can be anything from baking and nail art, to dancing and doodling, and all of these can support wellbeing. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with thoughts like there’s 1,000 bees buzzing around your brain and picking up a paintbrush to channel those thoughts into colour can help ground you and work through those thoughts.

What tips do you have for others when it comes to creativity and wellbeing?

From reading the results, there was a common theme of just getting up to try something until it becomes a natural habit.  

By being open to all forms of art and creativity, you are more mindful of the beauty and awe of nature and everything else that surrounds you. Whatever you choose to do, it doesn’t have to be extravagant as long as you’re having fun. You can find ways to express your creativity in a whole range of everyday activities such as cooking, gardening and DIY.  

Everyone can be creative and creativity means something different to everyone so don’t be dictated to by others – do what feels right for you. Remove the pressures – being creative doesn’t mean you have to be perfect/actually create something amazing, often just going through the process is the most rewarding part. 

It’s been really fun and interesting to hear about and share the things my colleagues do for Creativity and Wellbeing. This week is to help raise the importance of creativity and wellbeing, but they remain just as relevant throughout every other week of the year. A whole range of creativity and wellbeing events are taking place this week, both online and in person, which you can get involved in and learn more from here: All Events – Creativity and Wellbeing Week. 

I hope I’ve helped inspire you to ‘Get Creative and Get Outdoors’! If you’ve got any tips, comments, or thoughts then tag us on social media – I’d love to hear.  

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