Embracing Creativity: Art as a Daily Habit for Wellbeing

The second Friday in January is often referred to as “Quitter’s Day,” marking the point when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. A new wave of literature suggests a shift in approach: rather than denying ourselves pleasures, we might find greater success by embracing them. By incorporating creativity into our daily routines, alongside essential activities like eating vegetables and exercising, we can nourish our minds and souls.

Daisy Fancourt, a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London, highlights in her book, Art Cure, a wealth of research demonstrating that engaging with the arts significantly enhances our quality of life. Studies show that individuals who regularly participate in artistic activities have a 31% lower risk of dying compared to those who do not, even when taking into account various socioeconomic, demographic, and health factors. Additionally, research indicates that attending cultural events such as live music or visiting museums can lead to physiological benefits, making people feel younger and reducing depression rates by nearly half with just a monthly engagement.

Fancourt argues that if a medication offered such profound benefits, governments would likely invest heavily in it. Yet, in the UK, funding for the arts has been drastically reduced, and arts education has deteriorated. This has prompted various authors to encourage individuals to be proactive about their creativity.

In her latest release, Julia Cameron offers a daily companion to her influential book, The Artist’s Way. Similarly, Katy Hessel presents How to Live An Artful Life, which features 366 uplifting quotes and prompts designed to inspire creativity. Other works, such as Ben Luke’s What is Art For? and Lydia Figes’ Survival Notes, compile insights from renowned contemporary artists including Anish Kapoor, Tracey Emin, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Dayanita Singh. These books emphasize the importance of connecting with oneself through art, rather than focusing solely on self-optimization or productivity.

While the idea of promoting art as a means to enhance wellbeing raises important questions—such as whether all forms of art are equally beneficial or if it should inherently make us happy—there are significant challenges to consider. Not everyone facing health issues, depression, or financial difficulties will find solace in suggestions to take up activities like ballet or pottery. Although many UK museums and galleries offer free entry, they can still feel intimidating or unwelcoming to some.

Art history is filled with brilliant but troubled figures, reminding us that creativity does not always equate to health or happiness. Nonetheless, evidence increasingly supports the notion that participating in artistic pursuits can enhance our wellbeing. Creative activities can foster a sense of control, build community, and encourage mindfulness—qualities that are essential in today’s fast-paced world.

As Charles Darwin reflected in his autobiography, “If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.” Making a commitment to engage with art and creativity could not only enrich our lives but also provide a pathway to improved mental health and happiness.

As the conversation around creativity and its benefits continues to evolve, it is clear that integrating art into our daily lives is a valuable pursuit. Engaging with creativity, whether through writing, painting, or any other artistic endeavor, allows us to experience joy and beauty while enhancing our overall wellbeing.