Creative projects have an endless amount of therapeutic benefits. Creating something with our own two hands leads us to sentiments of accomplishment and pride, these feelings are present in us even from the age of two when we draw our first circle or when we colour in our first picture. As we grow, our projects may increase in complexity but the feeling of achievement remains. Taking nothing and molding it into something allows us to gain confidence. We begin to value our self-worth and individuality the more we create, the more we put our ideas out there, the more we grow creatively.

Creativity can help to foster:

• Self-esteem
• Imagination
• Determination
• Assertiveness
• Courageousness

Perhaps some of us are scared by the word creativity because it is often associated with artistic abilities, however, creativity and artistic ability are not necessarily a complementary pair. One can be extremely creative in something and yet have no idea how to hold a paintbrush. We can be creative in our finances, in sports, in problem solving, in writing and even in gardening.

We should all strive to try and increase our creative potential, because generally creative people are known to be more autonomous, independent, self-sufficient, emotionally sensitive, self-accepting, assertive, courageous, resourceful, risk-taking and adventurous.

So how do I become more creative?

Here are some great tips to help increase your creative potential:

• When faced with a problem always try to come up with two different solutions, even if one solution is somewhat unrealistic (this will help you begin to think outside of the box)
• Make a scrapbook or your life goals, be sure to even include those goals you think are improbable. Sometimes just getting the pictures out there helps us to visualize them.
• Make a dream book. Cut out pictures from magazines of images you like, designs you adore, and clothes you want, anything and everything. Once your book starts to grow with ideas, so will your mind.
• Take risks. Often we need to take risks in our creative quests; sometimes those ideas that seem the most intimidating often end up being the most creative!
• Set realistic goals for your creativity time. Creativity like many things needs practice to flourish and grow. Put aside time each day, week or even month (depending on your schedule) for your creative projects.
• Brainstorming. Remember those little thought webs we use to have to draw in school? Those are actually one of the greatest ways to generate multiple ideas for one topic, sometimes they are referred to as Mind maps. Start with your main idea in the middle of the page and just see where your web leads you.
• Find your inner child. Think of something you loved to do as a child, skipping down the street, hopscotch, colouring books? Whatever it may be, treat yourself to an afternoon with your inner child.

So go on, get out there and try something creative! Don’t be scared, we all have it in us and we should all embrace it!