I have become deeply passionate about art and creativity over the past few years, and firmly believe that everyone needs a creative outlet. I have seen, both personally and professionally, how powerful creativity can be for mental health and wellbeing. Art is not simply about making something pretty, it’s about giving your mind a rest and your soul a way to express itself.
When we learn a new creative skill, whether that’s painting, drawing, crochet, sewing or printmaking, we are doing something wonderful for the brain. Learning stimulates neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. It keeps the mind active, flexible and engaged. As we improve, each small success releases dopamine, the brain’s ‘motivation and reward’ chemical. Unlike the quick, empty hit we get from endlessly scrolling our phones, creative learning gives us a richer and deeply satisfying sense of progress. It’s like lighting little lanterns of joy in the heart and mind.
Creating in a group adds another layer of magic. Many adults feel surprisingly isolated and lonely. We may be busy, surrounded by people, and yet still feel alone. Art classes and creative groups bring people together in a mutually supportive way. When you create together, you relate together. Conversation flows naturally when hands are busy, and there’s less pressure to ‘perform’ socially. Friendships often grow around a table covered in paint splatters, coloured pages, fabric scraps and cups of tea.
Creativity is also a wonderful mindfulness practice. Anything that engages both your hands and conscious mind anchors you in the present moment. Painting, gardening, embroidery, cooking, woodwork, pottery, all have a similar effect. Your attention is focused on what you’re doing, which leaves less room for anxiety, rumination and worry to take over. Meanwhile, in the background your subconscious mind can gently process your thoughts, emotions and past experiences. Sometimes the answer to a problem arrives while you’re painting flowers or pulling weeds, or the worrying thought simply leaves because it’s not getting the attention it’s trying to get from you.
Perhaps one of the most satisfying parts of creativity is that you have something tangible to show for your efforts. In my work, I help people every day, but the results are often invisible. With art, sewing or creating something by hand, I can stand back and say, “I made that.” There is something deeply nourishing about turning an idea into something real. It reminds us that we are capable, creative and wonderfully alive.
A couple of spaces have opened up in both the Monday 10am and Friday 6pm classes. Whether you’re new to art or simply looking for a place to create and connect, our Adventures in Mixed Media classes are the perfect way to explore your creativity, try new techniques, and be part of a supportive, fun community. Grab your spot and join us for some hands-on, heart-led art-making. Let’s see where the adventure takes us! Click here to book in, or email helen@enlightenme.co.nz for more information.
We also have other classes starting soon – Art for Beginners on Tuesday 6pm starting 21 April 2026, and Ink and Watercolour on Wednesday 10am starting 22nd April 2026.
