6 Reasons Why 2026 Should Be the Year You Embrace More Creativity
- sarahanneswoffer
- Jan 1
- 6 min read
Creativity is not just for artists - it is for every human being.
As an art teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity enriches lives - not just artistically, but emotionally, socially, and even physically. For years I have noticed how being creative impacts people. It is not just me - scientific research shows that expanding your creativity isn't just enjoyable - it is deeply beneficial to your wellbeing, purpose, community, innovation and more. In 2026, I believe more people should lean into their creative potential not just as a hobby, but as a path to a richer and healthier life.
Here are 6 research-backed reasons why expanding your creativity this year will help you thrive:
1. Creativity Promotes Flow State
You know that feeling when you lose yourself in a project and time slips away?
That’s called flow, and scientists say it’s not just delightful — it’s beneficial. Flow and creative engagement states reduce stress, improve focus, and promote emotional regulation. Immersing ourselves in a creative activity is one of the simplest pathways into that flow state.
Research highlights creativity’s role in regulating stress hormones and supporting cognitive flexibility, meaning that creative practice can help you adapt emotionally to life’s challenges. (ScienceDirect)
Put simply: when you create, you calm the mind — and science backs that up.
2. Creativity Strengthens Mental Health and Well-Being
Creative engagement isn’t just enjoyable — it has measurable mental health benefits. I first felt this impact as a child who would escape life pressures through colored pencils and paint. Later I saw the impacts that dance had on children's mental well-being. But you do not need to take my word for it: the research is building up to support this claim. One recent large survey of nearly 2,000 people found that engaging in creative activities significantly improved well-being:
63% reported increased confidence,
61% said it reduced stress or anxiety,
57% said it improved overall mental health.
Why does this matter? Because stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation negatively impact all communities. Creative expression gives people a safe, accessible, and meaningful way to manage emotions, process experiences, and build emotional resilience. Scientific reviews also show that creative expression supports emotional regulation and social connectedness across the lifespan. (ScienceDirect, PubMed)
Whether you’re painting, writing, dancing, or crafting, these activities help your brain regulate emotions and strengthen networks tied to joy, purpose, and calm. It’s not just a “nice extra” — it’s a tool for wellbeing.
3. Creativity Improves Quality of Life Across All Ages
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
- Pablo Picasso
We often associate creativity as a luxury item reserved for children. But creative engagement isn’t just for children — it benefits people of all ages and backgrounds. When I started offering art in our backyard during COVID, it was a direct reaction to the mental well-being of the students I was seeing online. What I quickly realized was that adults needed the creative interactions even more than the children did. It is my own observation that adults who reconnect with their creative side demonstrate more curiosity, creativity and joy (just like the children do). Again, you do not need to take my word for it:
A study published in Environmental Research and Public Health found that creativity is positively associated with the subjective well-being of adults, even when controlling for stress levels. (MDPI)
A systematic review of 75 studies examined creative arts interventions with older adults and found significant benefits including improved self-concept, emotional expression, cognitive stimulation and increased social connection. (PubMed)
A recent UK randomized trial with university students demonstrated those who participated in a structured arts program not only improved mental health and quality of life but also saw increases in creative expression over time. (SpringerNature)
The takeaway? Creativity helps boost life satisfaction and emotional resilience at every stage of life. It’s not just for kids - adults benefit too.
4. Creativity Strengthens Brain Health and May Slow Cognitive Aging
Speaking of creativity for all ages - connections have been drawn between creativity and slowing cognitive aging.
Creative engagement works your brain much like a physical workout does your body. Studies suggest that activities like music, dance, art, and strategy games are linked with slower brain aging and preserved cognitive function. Scientists say creative activities stimulate multi-sensory integration, emotional engagement, and social interaction — all of which support neural networks associated with memory and attention. (EarthAttractions)
Art doesn’t just apply to children — older adults benefit from creative engagement to help maintain cognitive vitality over time.
5. Creativity Enhances Problem-Solving and Innovation
Creativity isn’t only about mood - it builds cognitive strength and flexibility.
Creative thinking goes hand-in-hand with innovative problem-solving. In our children's classes, we combine art and science for this very tangible reason: both art and science encourage curiosity and looking at our world from a variety of angles. While this makes for fun filled classes, our approach is not just for the smiles. When we navigate challenges with creativity, we are generating flexible, original solutions rather than defaulting to habitual responses.
We should find it as no surprise that studies link creative thinking to better learning outcomes and cognitive adaptability. For example, the students in this study who engage in creative learning modules demonstrate increased competence and achievement. (SpringerNature)
Creative challenges promote cognitive flexibility on a personal level. As we create, our ability to shift perspectives and approach problems with openness rather than rigidity improves. This means creativity isn’t just good for well-being — it is excellent for your thinking processes. When you commit to creative thinking, you’re strengthening your ability to tackle real-world problems in smart, flexible ways.
6. Creativity Builds Confidence, Self-Belief, and Purpose
In a world that attempts to change who we are, art encourages us to be entirely ourselves.
Participating in creative expression improves how we see ourselves. There is a strong link between creativity and higher levels of confidence and competence. Fostering creative self-efficacy — the confidence that you can be creative — predicts not only well-being but also a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
One peer-reviewed study examining adults found that creative self-beliefs are positively related to life meaning and psychological richness. It connects higher creative self-efficacy to people feelings more capable and confident in their lives. (PubMed)
A study of higher-education students found that creative self-concept and creative confidence beliefs were positively associated with student engagement and personal development. When students see themselves as creative, their confidence and participation increases with broader impacts beyond the classroom. (ScienceDirect)
Think of it this way: when you make space to create, you’re telling your brain: I matter. My ideas matter. My voice matters.
BONUS: Creativity Builds Connection and Community
Humans are social beings, and creative activities often bring us together. Whether it’s a community art night, a music jam session, or a collaborative mural, creative engagement fosters connection.
Participatory arts programs have been shown to enhance social connection alongside mental health and creativity.
Creativity gives people something shared to talk about, explore, and celebrate. It’s a bridge between individuals and a foundation for community cohesion.
Your Creative Invitation for 2026
The science is clear: creativity improves health, thought, connection, and purpose. But even more powerful than the studies is this truth — your creativity is unique, and the world needs it.
This year: make time for creativity this year — paint, write, dance, build, sing, craft, imagine — and watch how it enriches every part of your life.
Sources
4MDPI: Being Creative Makes Your Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being
Nami.org: New Research from Adobe Foundation and NAMI shows the benefits of Creative Activities on Mental Health, Especially for Young People, LGBTQ+ Community
ScienceDirect: How does stress shape creativity? The mediating effect of stress hormones and cognitive flexibility
Science Direct: Student engagement and creative confidence beliefs in higher education - ScienceDirect
Thank you so much for this post, it deeply resonated with me. Carving out the time for creativity is one of my goals this year. Thank you so much for inspiring me!
I love it! I will be here cheering you on
Yes!! Such a good reminder that I NEED to make time for creative outlets in 2026. What a fun resolution 😊
Wow! You put a lot of time and research into this. Nice work!
I will absolutely make more time for creativity. I use to be really creative, but have sort of stopped using that part of my brain. And there is a missing. Can’t wait to start painting again, playing w clay, sewing, etc. I’ve got some fun plans! Thanks for the inspiration!