In today’s digital age, it’s hard to avoid being involved in technology in some way. While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with this, sometimes it’s important to take a step back from the frequent influx of Facebook notifications, text messages and reminders in order to benefit your health and well being.
Here are three reasons why you should consider slowing down and finding a creative outlet:
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Improved brain health
Engaging in slow creative activities, such as arts and crafts, has been proven to benefit the brain by working both hemispheres. Being absorbed by a slow moving activity evokes similar feelings that are experienced when meditating. You’re so involved in the task that nothing else matters in that very moment. These tasks also result in your brain releasing a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is a natural anti-depressant.
It’s important that we undertake tasks like these that strengthen both hemispheres of the brain. Not only do they engage with logic and problem solving, but it also allows us to tap into the creative and imaginative sides of our minds.
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Decreased levels of stress
Finding a hobby that allows you to sit down for a few hours and block out any distractions that might be present can work wonders on your mental health. As mentioned previously, it can act as an anti-depressant, but it can also be used to reduce your level of stress.
Distancing yourself from the worries of upcoming deadlines lowers cortisol levels, which is usually released during times of stress. Furthermore, engaging in relaxing and enjoyable activities provides for an increase in oxytocin and serotonin levels in the brain, which both promote pleasure-seeking behaviour.
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You’ll perform better at work
Believe it or not, taking time out of your day to slow down can also benefit your professional life. For instance, children who are encouraged to learn a musical instrument, or receive visual arts education during their formative years grow into more well-rounded adults.
The same theory can also be applied to those within a working environment. Having a calming hobby that can be focused on for a few hours at a time helps to develop the ability to think creatively, and it can also energise you for other tasks. There are many hobbies that you could take up, but I’ve found success through sculptural basketry.
Too often have I seen very successful people close their minds and hearts to the concept of slowing down, and they burn themselves out.
I use sculptural basketry art as my ‘slow-down’ method to break away from our modern fast-paced life, but there are many other means that you could consider. Go camping. Hike to the peak of a mountain. Start meditating. Learn a musical instrument. Create a garden and grow nutritious slow foods. Or simply stop and look out the window and have gratitude that you can.
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