Creative individuals are not automatically happier than non-creatives.

Yet research suggests a positive relationship between creativity and well-being.

Participation in creative activities can influence our overall happiness.

Imagine spending some time every day doing something just because it’s enjoyable. It may be crafting a poem, sketching a grandchild, taking wildlife photos, trying a new recipe, arranging your garden, or playing a musical instrument. You’re certainly not an expert in any of these pursuits; you’re doing them simply because they bring you a measure of enjoyment. As such, the simple act of creating something is a valuable part of your life.

Interestingly, a decided body of research is examining a fascinating connection. That is, creative activities aren’t merely an expression of happiness but may actually be one of the pathways that helps us experience more of it. Let’s take a look.

What the Research Says About Creativity and Happiness

A compelling study in 2018 followed 658 young adults for thirteen days, asking them each day about their creative activities, positive and negative emotions, and flourishing. The researchers discovered that subjects experienced greater positive effect and greater flourishing on days following days when they engaged in more creative activities than usual.

Equally important, the researchers did not find the reverse relationship; that is, being happier did not predict greater creativity the following day. The overall conclusion was that creativity may not merely be something we do when we’re feeling good; engaging in creative activities may actually help us feel better.

In a 2021 study, researchers conducted two linked projects. In the first, they examined 256 university students and 291 working adults. They noted a positive relationship between creativity and subjective well-being even after........

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