By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Maya Angelou was an American poet, writer, and civil rights activist. She is famous for over 50 publications including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She was part of the inauguration of President Bill Clinton on January 20, 1983 when she recited her poem "On the Pulse of the Morning."

Her works continue to be inspirational including a quote on creativity. She stated, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” According to Oxford Languages by Google, the definition of creativity is “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” 

Why the discussion of creativity and what does it have to do with our health?

The impact of stress on our health including mental health is very well documented. The question becomes what can we do to improve our mental health and relieve stress.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) tracks timely issues related to mental health with surveys issued to a representative sample of US adults throughout the year. A survey released from June 15 to June 18 reported the poll results of 2,202 respondents about ways they reduce stress and anxiety. 

The survey found that those who reported their mental health as very good or excellent were more likely to engage in creative activities. These data were compared to respondents who indicated their mental health was fair or poor. The poll showed these individuals were less likely to engage in creative activities. 

The survey found 77% listen to music to relieve stress and anxiety while another 39% like to solve puzzles. Twenty-five percent sing or dance while 24% prefer to draw, paint or sculpt. Nineteen percent used crafting as a way to improve their mental health. The lowest number was 16% who endorsed creative writing as a means to reduce stress.  

Sixty-five percent of those polled engaged in creativity during their free time. Others use this technique during work or times of crisis. Thirty-seven percent become creative when they are bored. 

President of the APA, Dr. Petros Levounis, explained that creative activities are not just for fun, but they can help us step back from our daily mindset and have our brains think differently. It is a good way to allow your brain to relax. 

There are several published studies which support the use of creativity for improving health conditions. 

A study of rural women in Western US was published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing. The women all had chronic illnesses and the project was designed to implement creative arts to help improve physical, emotional, and psychosocial outcomes. The age of the participants was 56 years. The creative arts included crochet, knitting, quilting, sewing, writing, hobbies, and painting. One-third of the women reported an improved ability to cope with pain. Additional benefits included relaxation and improvement in quality of life. 

A study by Harvard Medical School’s Mind and Body Institute evaluated knitting and its impact on the body. The study demonstrated a lower heart rate and blood pressure in those who knit. This is scientifically known as the relaxation response. The relaxation response was similar to activities such as yoga or jogging. 

Knitting allowed connections to others and improved social isolation or loneliness as shown in three studies published in 2012 and 2013. Another study evaluated the benefits of knitting in patients who are in addiction recovery. The study showed a lower relapse rate in those who knitted. 

In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service used the Harvard data to start a program called Knit for Peace. The program evaluated 1,000 of its members and showed a slower onset of dementia and less depression. 

Harvard Medical School in conjunction with Massachusetts General Hospital produced a documentary in 2017 titled I Remember Better When I Paint. The film shows how painting and drawing can stimulate the memories of patients with dementia and allow them to reconnect with people. 

The Journal of Public Health reviewed published studies evaluating patient wellbeing with the art of quilting. The health benefit was similar to the other creative arts mentioned. The article discusses the importance of the social interaction associated with quilting. The authors report the benefits of friendship, support, sharing, and improved confidence. 

Other studies show jigsaw puzzles can create a relaxed state and have similar benefits. Some individuals actually belong to jigsaw puzzle groups and several formed as virtual groups during the pandemic. 

Find some creative passion. Look for local groups to join. Many will teach you how if you are a beginner. I learned to knit from the Ohio Knit Wits Knitting Guild and joined their group. I learned to quilt from my local Soroptimist International of Kenton/Hardin County quilting group. The social aspect and the friendships created can not be underestimated. 

Maya Angelou was right when she said, “the more you use, the more you have.” The more you have in health benefits too!

ONU HealthWise is offering bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Please call the pharmacy for more information. 

ONU HealthWise Pharmacy
419-772-3784