When was the last time sat down to draw?

When was the last time you painted a picture?

When was the last time you wrote a story?

One of the downsides of adulthood is that unless you’re paid to be creative, activities like painting, drawing, and writing quickly take a backseat for a couple of reasons.

First, they are considered children’s or childlike activities, and second, they require time, so they get deprioritized because you have more ‘important’ tasks on your to-do list.

But these activities that are thought to be only for children are fulfilling and also satisfying for adults. Studies have repeatedly shown the benefits of creativity towards the physical and mental well-being of adults.

Tapping into your childlike creativity is one sure way to open your mind to new ideas. It allows you to explore beyond your everyday routines.

Often, an obstacle to adults being creative is they harken back to their childhood where they judged their creativity against the work of their peers and felt their work didn’t meet a certain standard. And while these feelings might be legitimate, there’s no reason to feel that way as an adult. As an adult, you do not need to publish or show your work to anyone unless you want to.

One of the benefits of being an adult is that hopefully, you have or can find a space to be creative in private. You’re no longer under the watchful eye of a teacher and worried about what grade you’ll receive. And perhaps even more important, there are no peers to judge yourself against. It’s just you and your creative outlet. Of your course, you can share your work if you choose to, but you’re not required to do so.

I hope that you knowing you need not publish your work allows you to explore the natural creativity you once had as a child. And you begin to enjoy and reap the physical and mental benefits that creativity can bring to your life.

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, please share it with one person you love.