{"id":9860,"date":"2024-01-20T05:14:07","date_gmt":"2024-01-19T22:14:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9860"},"modified":"2024-01-20T05:14:07","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T22:14:07","slug":"creativity-and-longevity-being-inventive-prolongs-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9860","title":{"rendered":"Creativity and Longevity: Being Inventive Prolongs Life"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">T<\/span>his past spring, I wrote an unhinged short story, in which the Lorax (from the Dr. Seuss book of the same name) falls into heady, toxic love with the Camel from the cigarette brand. The idea came to me during something of a creative renaissance (that only lasted for about two weeks) that left me feeling inspired to write\u2026 cartoon smut, obvi.<\/p>\n<p>During this short stretch, the tulips on Park Avenue were finally coming back into bloom. I was quitting my job to go back to school. The lady who smokes on my stoop was reading Jane Fonda\u2019s book on climate despair. Fodder for innovation was everywhere! I\u2019d also started <em><a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FArtists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity%2Fdp%2F1585421472%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12128-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fcreativity-and-longevity%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity\/dp\/1585421472\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity\/dp\/1585421472\/?tag=wgtrx12128-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\">The Artist\u2019s Way<\/a>,<\/em> which is a creative workbook for nurturing your \u201cinner artist.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"\">\n<hr\/>\n<div class=\"experts-in-article noskim py-[24px] px-[40px]\">\n<p>Experts In This Article<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!ml-[18px]\">\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.northwestern.edu\/people\/faculty\/core\/profiles\/dan-mroczek.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/psychology.northwestern.edu\/people\/faculty\/core\/profiles\/dan-mroczek.html\">Dan Mroczek, PhD<\/a>, director of personality and health at Northwestern University\u2019s department of psychology <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/search.asu.edu\/profile\/2694636\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/search.asu.edu\/profile\/2694636\">Danah Henriksen, PhD<\/a>, educational psychologist, associate professor at Arizona State University who researches creativity, and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FExplaining-Creativity-Science-Human-Innovation-dp-0197747531%2Fdp%2F0197747531%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12128-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fcreativity-and-longevity%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Explaining-Creativity-Science-Human-Innovation-dp-0197747531\/dp\/0197747531\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Explaining-Creativity-Science-Human-Innovation-dp-0197747531\/dp\/0197747531\/?tag=wgtrx12128-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\"><em>Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation<\/em><\/a> <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/contributors\/holly-white-phd\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/contributors\/holly-white-phd\">Holly White, PhD<\/a>, cognitive psychologist and freelance consultant specializing in attention deficits, ADHD, creative cognition, neurodiversity, and educational design <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/juliacameronlive.com\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/juliacameronlive.com\/\">Julia Cameron<\/a>, expert on creativity and author of 45 books including <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FArtists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity%2Fdp%2F1585421472%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12128-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fcreativity-and-longevity%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity\/dp\/1585421472\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity\/dp\/1585421472\/?tag=wgtrx12128-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\"><em>The Artist\u2019s Way<\/em><\/a> <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.katinabajaj.com\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.katinabajaj.com\/\">Katina Bajaj<\/a>, clinical psychology researcher and co-founder and chief well-being officer at creative-health platform <a href=\"https:\/\/daydreamers.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/daydreamers.co\/\">Daydreamers<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<hr\/><\/div>\n<p>Then, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/stop-glorifying-how-busy-you-are\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/stop-glorifying-how-busy-you-are\/\">life got busy<\/a>. I was traveling and back-to-school shopping. I put down the workbook and stopped writing for fun in the morning. The tulips became part of the wallpaper.<\/p>\n<p>When the world gets hectic, we tend to abandon our creative outlets. But maybe that\u2019s a mistake. It turns out, nurturing your sense of open-minded creativity can do more than make you feel good or increase your productivity. Research is beginning to show that creativity may help boost your longevity, too.<\/p>\n<h2>Creative wealth is long-term health<\/h2>\n<p>Studies have shown that creative exploration can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8305859\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8305859\/\"><span>lead to positive emotions like happiness<\/span><sup>1<\/sup><\/a>, less stress, and even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7965960\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7965960\/\"><span>post-traumatic growth<\/span><sup>2<\/sup><\/a>, all of which can help you lead a longer, better life, says educational psychologist <a href=\"https:\/\/search.asu.edu\/profile\/2694636\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/search.asu.edu\/profile\/2694636\">Danah Henriksen, PhD<\/a>, an associate professor at Arizona State University who researches creativity and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FExplaining-Creativity-Science-Human-Innovation-dp-0197747531%2Fdp%2F0197747531%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12128-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fcreativity-and-longevity%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Explaining-Creativity-Science-Human-Innovation-dp-0197747531\/dp\/0197747531\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Explaining-Creativity-Science-Human-Innovation-dp-0197747531\/dp\/0197747531\/?tag=wgtrx12128-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\"><em>Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation<\/em><\/a>. She encourages people to think of inventiveness as another tool in their \u201chealth toolkit,\u201d just like movement or therapy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline text-h5 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/creativity-and-longevity\/\" current-title=\"This Might Just Be the Most Fun, Least Boring Way To Add Years to Your Life\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Well-Mess_The-Most-Overlooked-Part-of-Your-Longevity-Plan_-Embracing-Your-Creativity-425x285_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-07-19\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/creativity-and-longevity\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/creativity-and-longevity\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/creativity-and-longevity\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\u201cPracticing creativity every day in small ways is good for you across the board, especially supporting mental and emotional health,\u201d says Dr. Henriksen. There\u2019s also emerging research showing that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/347687941_Creativity_And_Longevity_New_Realm_Of_Research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/347687941_Creativity_And_Longevity_New_Realm_Of_Research\"><span>being more creative is linked with greater longevity<\/span><sup>3<\/sup><\/a> because of the ways in which inventiveness helps us better adapt to our environment and to stress\u2014plus, a few of the same genetic and biological mechanisms may underscore <em>both<\/em> healthy aging and creativity.<\/p>\n<p>In this realm, experts posit that there may be brain-related benefits of creativity, due to new neuro-connections that are formed when we get out of the box and try something new, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.katinabajaj.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.katinabajaj.com\/\">Katina Bajaj<\/a>, a clinical psychology researcher and co-founder and chief well-being officer at <a href=\"https:\/\/daydreamers.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/daydreamers.co\/\">Daydreamers<\/a>, a platform for nurturing what Bajaj calls your \u201ccreative health.\u201d \u201c[When we&#8217;re being creative], we\u2019re actually increasing cognitive density, so we are literally making our brain stronger [which can help] stave off cognitive decline over the long-term,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Engaging in creative hobbies or habits can also have a similar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7395604\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7395604\/\"><span>effect to mindfulness<\/span><sup>4<\/sup><\/a>, says Dr. Henriksen. We know by now that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/meditation-for-anxiety\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/meditation-for-anxiety\/\">mindful acts like meditation<\/a>\u2014which have been shown to <a href=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/j.1749-6632.2009.04414.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/j.1749-6632.2009.04414.x\"><span>contribute to increased longevity<\/span><sup>5<\/sup><\/a>\u2014aren\u2019t just about sitting on the ground criss-cross-applesauce-style and breathing deeply. They\u2019re about being in the moment and briefly letting go of your worries about the past or future. Arts and creative pursuits can similarly bring you into the present.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re dancing to a song you love and finding new ways to act out the lyrics (hello, hand phone!), filling out a Mad Lib, making a paper plane or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WpsmrQdN0Do\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WpsmrQdN0Do\">chatterbox<\/a>, or taking a new way home from work, you\u2019re usually pretty focused on the task\u2014meaning, you probably aren\u2019t stressing over things that you can\u2019t control from the past or in the future.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cCreativity nurtures our ability to be engaged in life, to feel enjoyment, happiness, and to get into a flow state.\u201d \u2014Katina Bajaj, clinical psychology researcher and founder of creative-health platform Daydreamers<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>\u201cCreativity nurtures our ability to be engaged in life, to feel enjoyment, happiness, and to get into a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/flow-state-of-mind\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/flow-state-of-mind\/\">flow state<\/a>,\u201d says Bajaj. \u201cIt allows us to increase our energy and our excitement in ways that other well-being practices don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All of this helps reduce our stress, which, in turn, supports our health. \u201cThese creative activities can have healing and protective effects,\u201d says Dr. Henriksen. \u201cWhen we go to the doctor, they often will ask about anxiety or stress in your life\u2014it\u2019s not because they want to get to know you. It\u2019s because those <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-stress-affects-body\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-stress-affects-body\/\">stressors can have concrete effects on your body<\/a>, impacting your blood pressure, your sleep, and so much more.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to the creative realm, \u201cnurturing ourselves yields a sense of well-being,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/juliacameronlive.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/juliacameronlive.com\/\">Julia Cameron<\/a>, author of both the workbook I tried this spring and <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLiving-Artists-Way-Intuitive-Creativity%2Fdp%2F1250897580%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12128-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fcreativity-and-longevity%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Living-Artists-Way-Intuitive-Creativity\/dp\/1250897580\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Living-Artists-Way-Intuitive-Creativity\/dp\/1250897580?tag=wgtrx12128-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\"><em>Living The Artist\u2019s Way<\/em><\/a><em>. \u201c<\/em>This means that stress is lowered. When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4022128\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4022128\/\"><span>stress is lowered, longevity is frequently the result<\/span><sup>6<\/sup><\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, tapping into our inner virtuosos may help us process trauma, which has been shown to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6057153\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6057153\/\"><span>have negative effects on mortality<\/span><sup>7<\/sup><\/a>, Dr. Henriksen adds. \u201cFor those with post-traumatic stress, the research shows creativity helps institute this emotional and psychological buffer that lets people <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2013-04171-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2013-04171-001\"><span>experience post-traumatic growth<\/span><sup>8<\/sup><\/a>,\u201d she says. \u201cAny kind of regular practice in creative engagement allows people to work through stresses, difficulties, and even trauma through creative self-expression.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For example, one 2007 clinical trial looked at a group of cancer patients who got into watercolor painting while they were going through chemotherapy. Those who <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17351987\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17351987\/\"><span>participated in the art therapy experienced less fatigue and depression<\/span><sup>9<\/sup><\/a> than those who didn&#8217;t, with those who spent weeks continuing the practice reaping the most benefits.<\/p>\n<p>In these ways, being creative can help us build resilience, too, which is a \u201ccore facet of how we move forward through difficult times,\u201d says Bajaj. \u201c[When we\u2019re resilient], we\u2019re more able to adjust our plans.\u201d This kind of mental flexibility can release us from the terrifying clenches of our inner critics. On a biological level, resilience also helps us to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4224188\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4224188\/\"><span>better cope with loss<\/span><sup>10<\/sup><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6545920\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6545920\/\"><span>supports our immune system<\/span><sup>11<\/sup><\/a>, adds Bajaj, which are all reasons why greater <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3004383\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3004383\/\"><span>resilience has been shown to boost longevity<\/span><sup>12<\/sup><\/a>, too.<\/p>\n<p>By a different token, creativity can help us find a sense of purpose and fulfillment, both of which are also \u201ccore indicators of living a long and full life,\u201d says Bajaj. (Indeed, research has shown that having a <a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2734064\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2734064\"><span>stronger purpose in life is associated with decreased mortality<\/span><sup>13<\/sup><\/a>.) \u201cCreativity is a core way we make meaning,\u201d she adds. \u201cIt gives us a reason for being\u2014it\u2019s how we develop our narrative, make sense of the chaos, and plan for becoming who we want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>What it <em>actually <\/em>means to be \u201ccreative\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>You might be thinking: Hold up, creativity is <em>hard. <\/em>You\u2019re probably remembering struggling to write a paper in college or languishing over getting the wording right in an email\u2014or even stressing about how you\u2019re cutting your TikTok together, so it\u2019ll get the most views. The word \u201ccreative\u201d can bring the classic \u201ctortured artist\u201d trope to mind\u2014but it doesn\u2019t have to be this way.<\/p>\n<p>For starters, not all creativity has to be productive or lead to work. It can be a way to let out your feelings or to relax after a long day, for example by watercoloring, journaling, or learning to program a game. When we stop thinking of creativity in terms of how productive we can be with it, that\u2019s when we start reaping the most benefits. \u201cWe can see creativity as a tool for well-being and not just something we do if we\u2019re talented at a job,\u201d says Bajaj. \u201cCreativity can cause an emotional upward spiral, and research shows that it can have an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/17439760.2016.1257049\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/17439760.2016.1257049\"><span>impact on our mood for more than two days<\/span><sup>14<\/sup><\/a>, almost like an extended runner\u2019s high.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the workbook I mentioned trying, <em>The Artist\u2019s Way, <\/em>Cameron writes that, for years, she was \u201ccreative, yes, but in spurts, like blood from a severed carotid artery\u2026 I fell upon the thorns of prose. I bled.\u201d Through the creative recovery method that she developed over many years, she began seeing creativity as more of a daily practice. She recommends people start this by writing \u201cmorning pages\u201d\u2014three <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/journaling-in-morning\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/journaling-in-morning\/\">pages of journaling shortly after you wake up<\/a> every single day, about whatever pops into your head. Don&#8217;t show the pages to anyone or even re-read them yourself; it\u2019s the definition of creativity for the sake of being creative. As Cameron learned from this simple exercise: \u201cI didn\u2019t have to be in the mood. I didn\u2019t have to take my emotional temperature to see if inspiration was pending. I simply wrote.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And you can, too. Creativity is available to everyone and is \u201cinnately human,\u201d says Bajaj. \u201cAt Daydreamers, we like to define creativity as our natural capacity to ask, \u2018What if..?\u2019\u201d This is something we can all do. \u201cPeople think it\u2019s just for artists or for these \u2018special,\u2019 \u2018gifted\u2019 people, but in everyday ways, people who are thoughtful and innovative\u2014whatever their profession\u2014are creatives,\u201d adds Dr. Henriksen.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cPeople think it\u2019s just for artists or for these \u2018special,\u2019 \u2018gifted\u2019 people, but in everyday ways, people who are thoughtful and innovative\u2014whatever their profession\u2014are creatives.\u201d \u2014Danah Henriksen, PhD, educational psychologist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>That said, some people may have a greater proclivity toward creativity than others\u2014particularly those with higher levels of the personality trait openness. In 2012, psychologist <a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.northwestern.edu\/people\/faculty\/core\/profiles\/dan-mroczek.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/psychology.northwestern.edu\/people\/faculty\/core\/profiles\/dan-mroczek.html\">Dan Mroczek, PhD<\/a>, a professor at Northwestern who researches lifespan personality development, conducted a study that found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3649068\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3649068\/\"><span>having higher levels of openness meant you\u2019d live longer<\/span><sup>15<\/sup><\/a>. But the result was never replicated, and other research showed the opposite. When Dr. Mroczek set out to see, once and for all, if being more open could impact mortality risk, he found it had <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29230075\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29230075\/\"><span>only a tiny protective effect<\/span><sup>16<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOpenness certainly affects your life,\u201d says Dr. Mroczek. \u201c[It can impact] the jobs you take, where you travel, even the kinds of foods you try. But not being naturally creative, or open, isn\u2019t going to significantly harm or help your health.\u201d This just goes to show that you don\u2019t have to have any specific innate tendencies or personality traits to reap the potential benefits of creative acts. You don\u2019t even have to be talented, really; you just have to commit.<\/p>\n<p>(FWIW, the medical research on longevity and creativity is fairly new, and Dr. Mroczek is a little skeptical that either personality traits <em>or<\/em> creative actions can lead to significant health gains, though he believes there are certainly more general benefits to creativity. But other researchers believe the perks are real, and we\u2019re just scratching the surface of what\u2019s possible.)<\/p>\n<p>Putting personality aside, cognitive psychologist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/contributors\/holly-white-phd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/contributors\/holly-white-phd\">Holly White, PhD<\/a>, says that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/the-creativity-of-adhd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/the-creativity-of-adhd\/\">those with ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence have also been shown to be more creative<\/a>. \u201cPeople often talk about conditions like ADHD in relation to how it makes things like concentrating harder,\u201d says Dr. White. \u201cBut divergent thinking can be a strength. You can take an idea and expand on it in multiple directions. Thinking unconventionally can mean you\u2019re an innovator.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>How to get more creative in 2024 (and boost your longevity along the way)<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Do a creativity audit<\/h3>\n<p>On Bajaj\u2019s Daydreamers platform, the opening quiz helps you measure your creative <em>comfort<\/em>, asking, \u201cHow comfortable are you thinking\/expressing yourself creatively?\u201d From there, the platform offers tools for strengthening your creative comfort, like a muscle. \u201cEssentially, the more you build creative health into a habit, the more comfortable you become\u2014and in turn, the stronger impact it can have on your health and longevity,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>You can take her quiz, or you can simply journal and reflect with questions like: When do I make time for creativity? <em>Why <\/em>do I make time for creativity? Am I trying to reach a goal or output, or is it just for fun? How can I tap into more creative joy? And where in my schedule can I fit that in?<\/p>\n<h3>2. Seek out boredom (yes, really)<\/h3>\n<p>Bajaj recommends \u201cintentional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/positive-daydreaming\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/positive-daydreaming\/\">daydreaming<\/a>.\u201d Maybe you haven\u2019t actively noticed you were daydreaming since you were a kid in a boring math class\u2026 but it\u2019s time for a throwback. \u201cWe don&#8217;t give ourselves enough permission to let our minds wander and be bored,\u201d she says. \u201cDaydreaming allows for the activation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/neuroscience\/default-mode-network\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/neuroscience\/default-mode-network\">default mode network<\/a> [in the brain], which is the basis for creative thought and inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This brain region <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3811106\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3811106\/\"><span>fires up during passive moments<\/span><sup>17<\/sup><\/a>, when you reflect on the past or fantasize about the future\u2014and it can surface imaginative ideas when in action. For example, just take the episode of <em>Friends <\/em>in which Chandler (RIP Matthew Perry) is trapped in an ATM vestibule without power with the actress and model Jill Goodacre. He has no phone and no way out. Eventually, he and Goodacre create a game in which they sit on the ground and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xNQ1uwcRlEw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xNQ1uwcRlEw\">whip the pens that are chained to a desk around their heads<\/a>. Now<em> that\u2019s <\/em>creativity.<\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to be trapped in a small space during a blackout to inspire such ingenuity, though; you can try simply putting down your phone at times when you\u2019d normally use it. Don\u2019t automatically open your email or Wordle when you\u2019re on the subway or waiting around at the DMV. Forgo movies and WiFi on the plane for the first hour. Give your mind a chance to reap all the benefits of being bored.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Embrace small moments of innovation and novelty<\/h3>\n<p>Cameron\u2019s<em> The Artist\u2019s Way<\/em> is famous for a reason, and her \u201cmorning pages\u201d are probably the most well-known aspect. Just emptying out your brain onto a piece of paper in the morning can get the juices flowing and show you that you don\u2019t have to be in a specific headspace to get creative; you can come up with great ideas without even meaning to.<\/p>\n<p>But there are other ways beyond journaling to infuse small amounts of creativity into your life. Take a different route home than usual, pick up a book on a new topic, or deviate from your usual running path, Dr. Henriksen suggests. Look around. \u201cSavor moments of beauty,\u201d adds Bajaj. \u201cMy favorite way to do this is taking an &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/awe-walks\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/awe-walks\/\">awe walk<\/a>&#8216;\u2014a 15-minute <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/silent-walks\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/silent-walks\/\">walk without headphones or podcasts<\/a>, where I actively notice and document beauty.\u201d Studies show that <a href=\"https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/item\/why_awe_such_important_emotion%E2%80%8B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/item\/why_awe_such_important_emotion%E2%80%8B\">awe itself has benefits for well-being<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can also try something as simple as using a different hand to brush your teeth, Bajaj suggests. \u201cThe creative brain thrives on novelty,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<p>In the same realm, you can use big events to inspire you to do little bitty things differently, too. If your partner or roommate is having a birthday party, instead of buying confetti and streamers, what else can you use to decorate? Once, my roommate cut up colored construction paper into tiny pieces and showered it over me as I walked in the door the day I got a promotion. It was not only special and memorable <em>and <\/em>creative, but cheaper and easier to vacuum up than store-bought glitter.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Tap into your inner kid<\/h3>\n<p>Another way to get creative is to take lessons from little ones. \u201cChildren are, by nature, creative,\u201d says Cameron<em>.<\/em> \u201cBut as we age, we become more \u2018serious.\u2019 We are afraid to explore our inner resources, fearing that we will look foolish. This fear stymies many adults.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Part of the reason why children are such founts of creativity is because everything around them is new, and they\u2019re full of questions, says Dr. Henriksen. They\u2019re also often <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/smart-parenting-smarter-kids\/201905\/how-children-develop-empathy#:~:text=Cognitive%20components%20of%20empathy%20really,they%20notice%20someone%20in%20distress.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/smart-parenting-smarter-kids\/201905\/how-children-develop-empathy#:~:text=Cognitive%20components%20of%20empathy%20really,they%20notice%20someone%20in%20distress.\">more empathetic than adults<\/a>. \u201cEmpathy is good for creativity because we\u2019re considering alternative perspectives, and thus, seeing things a little differently than we usually do,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, I recently watched <em>Elf <\/em>with a friend\u2019s child, who dazzled me with their thoughtfulness when they said they felt bad for the kids who Will Ferrell\u2019s character pelted with snowballs. This is a perspective most people might not even register, but\u2026 honestly, it could make for a great sequel in which the kids sue the Elf<em>, <\/em>perhaps leading to the best Christmas court scene since <em>Miracle on <\/em><em>34th Street.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Kids also make time for play, which leads to creativity, whether they\u2019re making up storylines for their dolls that you might see on Bravo, or just coloring. Cameron recommends we take a page from their book to do \u201ca once-weekly, solo expedition to do something which enchants or interests us.\u201d Being playful can make a big difference, with studies showing that participating in activities like singing, visual arts, and theater can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/participating-arts-creates-paths-healthy-aging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/participating-arts-creates-paths-healthy-aging\">improve healthy aging in older adults<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Engineer ways to turn negatives into positives<\/h3>\n<p>Use daily annoyances as a chance to get innovative. \u201cIf there is a problem that is nagging at you, can you flip your mindset and turn it into a chance to exercise creativity?\u201d Dr. Henriksen asks. \u201cRather than getting stressed when everyday issues pop up, you might try seeing them almost like new levels or challenges in a game where the goal is to move forward by finding some alternatives that might make the situation better.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cIf there is a problem that is nagging at you, can you flip your mindset and turn it into a chance to exercise creativity?\u201d \u2014Dr. Henriksen<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>This is exactly what my most inventive friend did after breaking a favorite mug while doing dishes. It was shattered, unsalvageable. But instead of wallowing and throwing it out, she saved the small pieces to make a mural out of it, which she placed on her desk. You might hear about people who have old, ratty 5K sweatshirts taking up space in their drawers, who make quilts out of them. Maybe you\u2019re always losing your keys. Can you use a brightly colored bowl to store them\u2026 or even learn to make a pretty holder for them in a pottery class?<\/p>\n<h3>6. Take a class<\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Henriksen suggests trying out a new hobby, perhaps by finding a local class about a creative topic you\u2019re interested in. \u201cIf you invest a little something\u2014like signing up for a class or paying something for it\u2014you\u2019ll be more likely to stick with it,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd if you connect with other classmates, doubly so, because you\u2019ll have them as built-in accountability partners.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re not sure where to start, though, and don\u2019t want to commit to one specific kind of class from the jump, you can also find free tutorials on topics ranging from knitting to playing guitar to makeup contouring (and so much more) on YouTube. You could also try <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSLS-1140749%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.masterclass.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fcreativity-and-longevity%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.masterclass.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSLS-1140749&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterclass.com%2F\">MasterClass<\/a>, which has tons of intro classes taught by celebrities on everything from electronic music to whipping up Texas-style BBQ sauce to screenwriting. And yes, all of those things are creative. And so are you!<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-thin post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              Tan, Cher-Yi et al. \u201cBeing Creative Makes You Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being.\u201d\u00a0<i>International journal of environmental research and public health<\/i>\u00a0vol. 18,14 7244. 6 Jul. 2021, doi:10.3390\/ijerph18147244            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Zhai, Hong-Kun et al. \u201cEmotional Creativity Improves Posttraumatic Growth and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.\u201d\u00a0<i>Frontiers in psychology<\/i>\u00a0vol. 12 600798. 3 Mar. 2021, doi:10.3389\/fpsyg.2021.600798            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Spivak, Dimitri.\u00a0<i>Creativity And Longevity: New Realm Of Research<\/i>. 12 2020, pp. 81\u201388, https:\/\/doi.org10.15405\/epsbs.2020.12.03.8.            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Henriksen, Danah et al. \u201cMindfulness and creativity: Implications for thinking and learning.\u201d\u00a0<i>Thinking skills and creativity<\/i>\u00a0vol. 37 (2020): 100689. doi:10.1016\/j.tsc.2020.100689            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Epel, Elissa et al. \u201cCan meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres.\u201d\u00a0<i>Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences<\/i>\u00a0vol. 1172 (2009): 34-53. doi:10.1111\/j.1749-6632.2009.04414.x            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Epel, Elissa S, and Gordon J Lithgow. \u201cStress biology and aging mechanisms: toward understanding the deep connection between adaptation to stress and longevity.\u201d\u00a0<i>The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences<\/i>\u00a0vol. 69 Suppl 1,Suppl 1 (2014): S10-6. doi:10.1093\/gerona\/glu055            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Elliot, Ari J et al. \u201cLifetime trauma, perceived control, and all-cause mortality: Results from the Midlife in the United States Study.\u201d\u00a0<i>Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association<\/i>\u00a0vol. 37,3 (2018): 262-270. doi:10.1037\/hea0000585            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Forgeard, Marie J. C. \u2018Perceiving Benefits after Adversity: The Relationship between Self-Reported Posttraumatic Growth and Creativity\u2019.\u00a0<i>Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts<\/i>, vol. 7, no. 3, American Psychological Association (APA), Aug. 2013, pp. 245\u2013264, https:\/\/doi.org10.1037\/a0031223.            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Bar-Sela, Gil et al. \u201cArt therapy improved depression and influenced fatigue levels in cancer patients on chemotherapy.\u201d\u00a0<i>Psycho-oncology<\/i>\u00a0vol. 16,11 (2007): 980-4. doi:10.1002\/pon.1175            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Mancini, Anthony D, and George A Bonanno. \u201cPredictors and parameters of resilience to loss: toward an individual differences model.\u201d\u00a0<i>Journal of personality<\/i>\u00a0vol. 77,6 (2009): 1805-32. doi:10.1111\/j.1467-6494.2009.00601.x            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Dantzer, Robert et al. \u201cResilience and immunity.\u201d\u00a0<i>Brain, behavior, and immunity<\/i>\u00a0vol. 74 (2018): 28-42. doi:10.1016\/j.bbi.2018.08.010            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Zeng, Yi, and Ke Shen. \u201cResilience significantly contributes to exceptional longevity.\u201d\u00a0<i>Current gerontology and geriatrics research<\/i>\u00a0vol. 2010 (2010): 525693. doi:10.1155\/2010\/525693            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Alimujiang, Aliya et al. \u201cAssociation Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years.\u201d\u00a0<i>JAMA network open<\/i>\u00a0vol. 2,5 e194270. 3 May. 2019, doi:10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2019.4270            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Conner, Tamlin, et al. \u2018Everyday Creative Activity as a Path to Flourishing\u2019.\u00a0<i>The Journal of Positive Psychology<\/i>, vol. 13, 11 2016, pp. 1\u20139, https:\/\/doi.org10.1080\/17439760.2016.1257049.            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Turiano, Nicholas A et al. \u201cOpenness to experience and mortality in men: analysis of trait and facets.\u201d\u00a0<i>Journal of aging and health<\/i>\u00a0vol. 24,4 (2012): 654-72. doi:10.1177\/0898264311431303            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Graham, Eileen K et al. \u201cPersonality Predicts Mortality Risk: An Integrative Data Analysis of 15 International Longitudinal Studies.\u201d\u00a0<i>Journal of research in personality<\/i>\u00a0vol. 70 (2017): 174-186. doi:10.1016\/j.jrp.2017.07.005            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Buckner, Randy L. \u201cThe brain\u2019s default network: origins and implications for the study of psychosis.\u201d\u00a0<i>Dialogues in clinical neuroscience<\/i>\u00a0vol. 15,3 (2013): 351-8. doi:10.31887\/DCNS.2013.15.3\/rbuckner            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[0px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This past spring, I wrote an unhinged short story, in which the Lorax (from the Dr. Seuss book of the same name) falls into heady, toxic love with the Camel from the cigarette brand. The idea came to me during something of a creative renaissance (that only lasted for about two weeks) that left me &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9861,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9860"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9860\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}