Creative writing is a uniquely rewarding activity. Whoever you are, and whatever your previous writing experience, it can be a powerful tool for improving emotional well-being, cognitive flexibility and problem-solving capability.
Creating a new poem, story or fictional world can be great fun. But it can also bring other benefits.
Cognitive flexibilty
People often say that the best time to learn something is when you are a child. However, your brain remains highly adaptive throughout your life. The more you use it, the more it will be able to do.
The act of writing creatively is a little like a mental workout. It encouraging communication between the left and right sides of the brain, leading to a more integrated thinking.
Perhaps most importantly, the process of writing creatively can have a profound effect on memory and recall. This because when we write, we’re accessing information in a process called ‘active recall’. This strengthens neural pathways, effectively creating new ‘maps’ within our brains, making access to memories easier.
Strengthening connections in our neural networks and increasing neuroplasticity can help ward off cognitive decline and means that information can flow more freely helping us to better adapt to new experiences.
Writing creates new ‘maps’ within our brains, making access to memories easier.
Opening our minds to new ideas
When we involve ourselves in creative writing, we make ourselves consider new ideas and perspectives. This can help us start making connections between ideas, changing the way we think and giving ourselves permission to explore thoughts and process complex emotions.
The act of transferring our thoughts onto paper allows us to actually see them and to discover ideas that weren’t apparent. In this way, writing can help us impove our analytical and critical thinking.
If you’ve been left struggling to use a pen, there are plenty of other tools that can help you with writing.
Mental health benefits
Any hobby which involves concentration can provide a boost to your mental health. Focussing on a creative activity can develop mindfulness and give you a rest from other worries and concerns.
However, creative writing can bring particular benefits. It has been shown to reduce stress by helping us process complex feelings, giving us permission to explore thoughts and process complex emotions. While it is not a substitute for counselling or therapy, it can complement other interventions. Best of all, it’s something that can be done with no cost, as little or as often as you like.
For ideas of how to start your own writing projects, check out the activiites in our writing toolbox.
Write in the Head 