Making art, whether it be pottery, poetry or dance, doesn’t often rank highly on most people’s daily list of to-dos. Carving out time for creativity can feel frivolous in an already busy day — but it’s critical, experts say, especially in times like these.
In stressful moments and when the headlines won’t stop coming, picking up a pen or brush can give creators a sense of control, says Amie McNee, artist and author of “We Need Your Art: Stop F---ing Around and Make Something.”
“As an author, when I write my novels I become like a God of my own little realm,” she says.
According to the Mayo Clinic, creative arts can bring joy and help distract from pain and anxiety. The act of creating can also have an incredibly positive effect on the person doing it.
“When you see destruction, it’s a horrible thing, but it reminds you, you know what? I can counter that,” says Louis Henry Mitchell, creative director of character design at the Sesame Workshop. “I can counter that by being creative.”
