3 Ways Creativity Heals (Even If You’re Not an Artist)

Creativity isn’t just for “artsy” people. You don’t need to be painting sunsets or sculpting masterpieces to tap into the magic of making something. Creativity is about connection… connecting ideas, feelings, and sometimes just connecting the dots on a doodle.

Creativity is a healing superpower.

Whether you’re dealing with burnout, stress, or just the chaos of life, creating something (anything!) can help you process emotions, find calm, and rediscover joy.

Why Creativity Is a Game-Changer for Growth

1. It Gives Your Brain a Break

Your brain wasn’t designed to be in constant problem-solving mode. But that’s exactly how most of us operate—running from one meeting to the next, checking emails in between, and tackling life’s never-ending to-do list.

Creativity is the reset button you didn’t know you needed. It lets your mind shift gears, get out of overdrive, and into flow mode. Think of it as a mini-vacation for your brain—no deadlines, no responsibilities, just doing for the sake of doing.

(And before you ask—no, scrolling social media doesn’t count. That’s just feeding your brain more input.)

2. It Helps You Process Emotions

If you’ve ever word-vomited into a journal and immediately felt lighter, you already know this one. Creating something (even if it’s messy) helps you process emotions without needing to dissect them like a crime scene.

It’s why people bake when they’re stressed. Or crochet (guilty 🙋‍♀️). Or paint random strokes on a canvas. Creativity gives your brain an outlet for what words can’t always express.

You don’t have to overanalyze it. Just make something and let it be whatever it is.

3. It Reminds You That Messy Is Beautiful

Most ambitious people struggle with perfectionism. (Hi, it’s me, I’m “most ambitious people.”) But perfectionism is the enemy of creativity.

Creativity teaches you that progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up.

• The final result isn’t the point.

• The act of creating is where the magic happens.

• It’s not about how good your “art” looks. It’s about letting yourself create without pressure.

How to Tap Into Creativity (No Paintbrush Required)

1. Doodle Like Nobody’s Watching

Grab a pen and some paper. Don’t overthink it—just let your hand move. Circles, squiggles, whatever. There’s no wrong way to doodle.

✅ Quick Action:

Spend 5 minutes doodling while you drink your coffee. Then frame it. Or toss it in the trash. Your call.

2. Make Ugly Art (Or, You Know… Decorate a Cookie)

A little secret… I don’t belong in the kitchen. I can make things that are just edible enough for my family, but I’m not the person you call when you need a picture-perfect homemade cake. Ask one of my best friends about my baking skills—she’ll happily tell you about the time I somehow burned brownies on the outside while leaving the middle straight-up goop.

So, when my aunt (who’s an actual art teacher) signed me up for a cookie decorating class as a belated birthday gift, I was skeptical.

Two hours. A cozy home kitchen. Ten women—strangers, but somehow not. All of us elbow-deep in icing, creating something adorable.

And it was magic.

Not because I suddenly became the Picasso of sugar cookies (I did not). But because I was fully present. No phone. No running to the next task. Just using my hands, making a mess, and having fun.

Creativity doesn’t have to look like fine art. It can be decorating a cookie, arranging flowers, scribbling in a notebook, or trying something just for the joy of it.

✅ Quick Action:

Do something today that involves making something with your hands. No screens, no pressure—just play.

3. Write It Out

Creativity isn’t just visual. Write down whatever comes to mind. It can be a random story, a bad poem, or a list of things that make you smile. Or, if you’re like Clint Kelly, take everyday moments and turn them into rhyming song lyrics just for fun.

✅ Quick Action:

Set a timer for 3 minutes and write nonstop. Don’t edit or censor yourself. Just let it flow.

Creativity Isn’t About Talent. It’s About Freedom

The cookie decorating class taught me something I wasn’t expecting: creativity has nothing to do with skill and everything to do with giving yourself permission to play.

It’s a way to reconnect with yourself, process life’s chaos, and grow into your best, most joyful self.

That class was actually one of the key inspirations for me starting Break & Joy 😉

So grab some crayons, some frosting, or just your thoughts, and start creating—no perfection required.

Break first. Bloom later. Create freely.

🌿 Kris