Rediscovering Your Creativity: Why Play, Imagination & Creativity Heal the Soul

Many of us were taught early on that creativity is for “artistic people”—musicians, painters, dancers, and writers. That imagination is the stuff of childhood and we’re to leave all that behind when we become adults. But the fact is, creativity belongs to all of us. And it isn’t just about making art—it’s about how we express ourselves, solve problems, explore new ideas, and bring joy into our everyday lives. I like to think of creativity as one of the purest forms of being human.

Lately, I’ve been reminded of this through my two granddaughters. During our many craft projects together, I’ve watched their imaginations come alive in the most beautiful ways. We’ve been working on building a fairy garden together. Tiny fairy homes, little pathways, flowers, treasures, and magical details fill the garden with wonder, but what I love most is watching their imaginations take over as they play. 

To them, the fairy garden is real. It becomes a world full of stories, adventure, and possibility. And honestly, being with them has awakened that playful, creative side in me, too. All too often we stifle our creative impulses because we think they require perfection, or hours of solitude. Just a few minutes with my granddaughters reminds me that what creativity really needs is space to breathe.

Science supports this. Research has shown that creative activities are deeply beneficial for our mental health and overall well-being. Crafting, gardening, journaling, cooking, sewing, painting, and music help calm the nervous system and quiet the busy mind. 

In many ways, creativity mirrors meditation by reducing stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. It allows us to become fully present. Creative activities also release dopamine, the feel-good chemical connected to pleasure, motivation, and happiness. No wonder we feel lighter after spending time doing something we enjoy.

Creativity has a beautiful way of expanding us when we allow it in.  So, if you’re wondering how to reconnect with your own creative side, here are a few gentle ways to begin:

Remember to Play

Play isn’t just for children—it’s medicine for the soul. Board games, puzzles, dancing in the kitchen, building fairy gardens, crafting, or spending time with kids can instantly reconnect us with joy. Children are wonderful teachers when it comes to play because they fully immerse themselves in the moment.

Capture Memories Creatively

Take photos. Make scrapbooks. Create little memory boxes. Looking back on meaningful moments strengthens our sense of identity, connection, and gratitude. Creativity often begins with simply noticing the beauty of everyday life.

Take a Creative Class

Sometimes we need a little structure to unlock our imagination. Try a photography class, painting workshop, writing course, pottery class, or dance lesson. You may uncover talents and passions you didn’t even know were waiting inside of you and having the opportunity to gather with like-minded people will encourage your creativity to flow freely. 

Move Your Body

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and helps us think more creatively. A walk outside, yoga, hiking, or dancing can shift stagnant energy and open the door to fresh inspiration.

Make Space for Humor & Lightness

Laughter sparks creativity. Funny movies, silly videos, playful conversations—these moments relax the brain and help us think more freely. Remember, creativity isn’t about being the best painter, writer, gardener, or cook. Sometimes inspiration arrives the moment we stop taking life so seriously and allow ourselves to explore life with curiosity instead of judgment.

Your creativity does not need permission to exist.  So, paint that picture. Plant those flowers. Write the story you’ve had in the back of your mind for months now. Bake the messy recipe. Build the fairy garden. Sing loudly in the car. Let yourself create simply because it makes your soul feel alive.  Because when we nurture our creativity, we nurture ourselves.