The Neuroscience of Creativity: How Art Heals and Makes Us Human

Creativity is a word that has an almost magical connotation because it’s often assumed that it’s an attribute of only a select and chosen few. Many people believe that you have to be an amazing visual artist to be creative. Some also believe that creativity cannot truly be defined, because of its utter uniqueness. But the good news is that all humans are creative! Our earliest ancestors had to be creative to survive, and it’s still hardwired into our brains. 

Creativity is necessary for the survival of humanity

You may be thinking, though, “But, I’m not creative!” However, the truth is just about everyone is capable of engaging in fulfilling creative processes and making their life their creative masterpiece – everyday creativity. 

However, we need to practice accessing our innate creative knowledge. This is why art, music, and movement – creative expression – are all incredibly important. They are not just an extravagant luxury, they are imperative to humans! 

The frontal cortex is the newest part of the brain and is what makes us human. It is responsible for higher mental functions such as sustained focus, complex reasoning, abstract thought, language, humor, self-awareness, imagination, and empathy. It needs connection, creativity, and contribution. Imagination, insight, and creativity require the integration of the left and right hemispheres as well as being able to spend more and more time with our frontal cortex fully online.

Accessing our artistic spirit can heal us

Scientists have also discovered that the very act of creating – integrating the brain both vertically and horizontally – reduces anxiety, depression, and pain, decreases blood pressure, strengthens immune functioning, and improves attention and concentration.  

The Arts (in all their forms) encourage the externalization of very inner experiences and give them shape and form outside the body and mind. Creativity, therefore, gives expression to that which cannot, because of the structure of the brain, be spoken. This, in turn, provides the opportunity to reimagine concepts of self and identity. 

Creativity is both the healing balm and the lost treasure found. It can help in the rewriting not just of our individual stories but of our collective ones and supports us in discovering that which we forgot was missing. With it, we can see anew. 

Dayna Wood is the founder of Integrative Counsel; at Integrative Counsel, we offer an eclectic style of treatment that integrates the mind, body, and transpersonal. Our “special sauce” combines creative, out-of-the-box thinking with solid scientific research so our clients get the best of both worlds. Our team of experienced counselors has specialized knowledge in relationships, trauma, OCD, and other expansive therapies – aiding people in uncovering deep-rooted emotions and beliefs that remain the cause of present-day symptoms so they can experience more persistent breakthroughs. We understand that mental health is more than just its symptoms!