Creativity and Wellness: Why Creativity Feels So Restorative
How Creative Practice Supports Wellness, Clarity, and Emotional Balance
Creativity has a quiet, powerful way of supporting our well-being — no matter what season of life we’re in.
When we paint, draw, write, dance, photograph, or make something with our hands, we give ourselves permission to slow down. Creative expression creates space to release stress, shift our focus, and reconnect with what feels meaningful. Often, we feel the benefits before we even realize they’re happening.
Research continues to show that creative activities can ease anxiety, lift mood, and promote emotional balance. Creativity isn’t about producing something “perfect.” It’s about allowing yourself time to be present, curious, and open.
Creativity and the Healing Power of Nature
Recently, my husband and I stepped away from our usual routines and spent time exploring Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, and the nearby Wasatch Mountains. The stillness of these landscapes offered exactly what I needed as I prepared for the new year — calm, clarity, and renewed inspiration.
Being immersed in nature creates a natural rhythm for reflection. Paired with creativity, it becomes deeply restorative.
Create Something — Just Because
You don’t need a plan. You don’t need an outcome. You just need space.
- Create something, just because
- Let inspiration come — and dance with it
- Invite quiet moments in
- Use your hands and your mind
- Step outside and explore
- Hold time for reflection
- Breathe
Clarity often emerges in the calm we allow ourselves to create — and share with others.
Watch the Finished Painting
You can see completed paintings from this recent experience in a 3.5-minute video on YouTube.
“Art is not about thinking something up, it’s about letting something come through you.”
— Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way“When people create, they often experience improved mood, increased clarity, and a greater sense of well-being.”
— Kim Nguyen, Clinician, Diversus Health
Learning Through Creative Practice
I’m now in my 7th year of creating online programs, with over 800 hours of lessons designed to support artists at every stage.
Online Programs include:
- All About Watercolors
- Mentoring
- Creative Watercolor Portraits
- Watercolor Mixing for Beginners
- Paint Tuscany
- Quick Sketch Watercolors
- Watercolors-by-the-Sea
- New Beginners Program coming soon
Workshops & Artful Travel Experiences
I’m grateful to also share creativity through in-person workshops and hosted events, including:
Hosted Online Workshops
- Smithsonian Art Studios
- Terracotta.art World of Watercolor Event
- University of Utah
Plein Air & Studio Workshops
- Florida – Forgotten Coast (March) – Waitlist
- European Christmas Markets Cruise (December 15–22)
With Theresa Goesling
- Scotland (July 15–22, 2026) – Waitlist
- Provence (September 2026) – Waitlist
- Sicily (September 19–26, 2026) – Waitlist
- California (October 12–16, 2026) – Madeline Island School of the Arts, West Coast – Open
- Montelparo, Italy (April 30–May 7, 2027) – Open
A Gentle Start to the Year
The beginning of the year often arrives full of momentum — inboxes overflowing, schedules restarting. I chose to pause, reflect, and consider what I wanted to share most: a wish for peace, creativity, and well-being in your life.
Thank you for taking time to read and share this journey.
Wishing you a year of good health and happiness,
– Cindy Briggs Battles
P.S. If you have creative friends who would enjoy this experience, please feel free to share this post.
P.S.S. Questions are always welcome at CindyBriggsArt@gmail.com
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