The nicest and most insightful thing I’ve heard right now: if you can focus once a week on a creative activity, you’re healthier.
That can also be spending time in nature, by the way.
So why is that, why are u healthier?
Let me share a story that I remember instantly when bumping into the podcast I got this from:
I remember a time when I was constantly juggling deadlines, projects, and responsibilities. It felt like I had no time for anything that wasn’t directly tied to work or survival.
I was drained. The hours were swirling like pieces of legos in muddy waters.
One weekend, after months of burnout, I decided to take a spontaneous trip to the mountains.
Woohoo! I wasn’t at all in the mood for it, as you might guess. That’s exactly why I struggled to convince myself to do it.
I packed a small bag, grabbed my camera, and just went to be in nature for a few days. I didn’t have any grand plans for the weekend, just to wander, explore, and soak in everything around me (as I kept repeating myself mindfully).
The moment that shifted something inside of me happened on the third day. I was walking through the forest, surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds, when I noticed something strange:
I had been holding my breath.
Without realizing it, I was bracing myself for the next task, the next step, the next thing I needed to accomplish.
It was as if my mind was still caught up in the hustle of life, even in the middle of this peaceful place.
Woah..
So I stopped. I found a large fallen log and sat down, letting the cool forest air settle around me. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of my body settle into the earth beneath me.
I consciously took a deep breath in, letting the air fill my lungs slowly, and then released it just as gently. It felt unnatural at first. My chest still seemed tight, my thoughts still racing. But I kept focusing on my breath – deep, steady inhales, then long exhales. With each breath, I let go of the tension, of the endless stream of to-dos, of the constant mental noise that had been keeping me on edge.
I opened my eyes and looked up, letting my gaze drift across the sky. The clouds were drifting lazily over the mountain peaks, moving so slowly that I could almost feel time itself stretching out. I noticed how quiet the world felt – nothing to rush to, no deadlines to meet, no expectations to fulfill. It was as if time had slowed down to match the pace of the clouds.
I felt a profound sense of stillness inside me. My body relaxed, my thoughts softened, and I could hear the wind gently moving through the leaves. It was like my mind had finally caught up with the peaceful surroundings.
That moment of surrender was like pressing the reset button. It made me realize that true peace comes from giving myself permission to stop, observe, and simply exist in the moment.
That trip ended up being one of the most refreshing and clarifying experiences I’ve ever had.
I wasn’t just on a nature retreat – I was participating in something deeply ingrained in our evolution.
Circling back to my podcast story – seeking for the right creative thing for you.
How do you do that if you’re not a creative person per se? Although.. I highly doubt it, since you’re reading my blog right now.
A creative activity could be anything – painting, writing, photography, or just spending time in nature like I did.
And it’s not just about escaping reality for a little while. What’s happening in your brain during that time is scientifically fascinating.
When we engage in creative activities, or take the time to appreciate beauty, our brain receives a signal that we’re safe.
It’s a sign that, for once, we’re not worried about survival or the next task that needs to be checked off our to-do list.
This pattern has been carved into our brains since the dawn of human evolution.
Back in the day, when our ancestors were constantly fighting to survive, finding beauty and time for creativity was a luxury that meant they were in a safe environment.
Now, in modern life, that same feeling is triggered when we take time for ourselves to create or just appreciate the beauty around us.
Isn’t that amazing?
It’s like our brain remembers this ancient rule and responds by letting us know we’re okay.
So, next time you stop to admire a sunset, paint a picture, or even just wander through a park, remember: it’s not just about the moment.
You’re doing something powerful for your mental health.
