Creative activities offer those in stress a new focus. Whether you’re under a great deal of work pressure or struggling with chronic pain, engaging in a creative activity can activate parts of the brain that can help you focus away from the pressures of your life.
Benefits of Having a Creative Outlet
If stress levels are high, having a creative outlet gives you both visual pleasure and a modicum of control when life has you running ragged. Creative outlet also allow you to tackle problems and overcome obstacles, addressing the issues from many different directions.
For example, you may have a drafty window on the north side of your house. Replacing windows can be quite costly. Making a quilt from scrap materials and hanging it over the window might be an option; you can treat it like a tapestry in a castle.
When making your quilt from scraps, you can stretch your creativity and solve many problems. You may
- choose to use up old garments that are no longer worn
- create fun new patterns from small pieces of fabric
- use an old blanket to back your wall quilt, freeing up space in your linen cabinet
Creative activities don’t have to break your budget. In fact, finding the bargains can actually be part of the creative fun! Rather than looking for a new project at the craft store, you can study an old problem in your home and correct it with a new, creative project.
Best Type of Creative Outlets for Chronic Pain Sufferers
The key is to engage in an outlet that is accessible to you. If you have always loved to sew but struggle to handle large pieces of fabric for sizable products, you can still enjoy using machine embroidery to create new and fun designs. If you used to be the person that created a quilt for family members but can’t manage the weight or heft of top and batting, you can still create themed garments, custom pillowcases, and other items to give as gifts.
Now might also be the time to have a friend show you their favorite craft. If you have a friend who is terrific at crocheting, invite them over for coffee. Ask them to help you start a small project, such as a lap quilt or a baby blanket. As possible, shop with them so they can help you pick a good quality yarn.
Once you have your crocheting project started, practice. If you set it down for a few days, you may forget the steps. Use a timer so you don’t sit still for too long, especially if you have back or neck problems. Put on some relaxing music or a book on tape so you can get into a rhythm with your hook and yarn.
How Do These Outlets Reduce Stress and Decrease Pain
One of the most wonderful features of creative activities is that it can pull from different parts of the brain. For example, counted cross-stitch requires you to choose colors for your design and use mathematics to create the pattern. Pulling this information together can actually engage the brain on a very deep level. Those who struggle with chronic nerve pain often benefit from these synthesizing creative activities.
Chronic pain can also leave you feeling irritable, especially at the end of the day. Once you find a creative outlet that soothes and distracts you, block out time to enjoy it. If your pain makes it hard to tidy up the kitchen after dinner, promise yourself a 30 minute reward at the end of your working day. Settle into a comfortable chair with your project. Light a scented candle or turn on some music and set a creative mood.
Don’t Try to Build a Side Hustle
There’s a tendency in today’s culture to turn every hobby into a business or a side hustle. Give yourself the freedom to create for fun. Don’t limit yourself to crafts you think you can sell. Be a student in the process of creating and allow yourself to play.
Creativity can be as simple as coloring or as complex as building furniture. No matter what you choose to do, make it fun and rewarding!
Authored by Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
