This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and honestly… I don’t think we talk enough about the connection between creativity and mental health.

Not because we all need to become professional artists. And not because we need another hobby we feel pressure to be “good” at. But because life can feel very loud sometimes.

Stress. Worry. Pressure. Overthinking. Responsibilities. Constant noise in our heads.

And creativity gives us somewhere for all of that to go.

Creativity Gives Your Mind Somewhere to Rest

Years ago, when I first picked up coloured pencils again, I wasn’t trying to become an artist.

I was stressed, overwhelmed and completely stuck in my own head. I just needed something that helped me escape the noise for a little while.

And honestly… I had no idea how much it would change my life.

Slowly, creativity helped me come back to myself again. It gave me space. It built my confidence. It reminded me that I mattered too.

That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging people to create – because I’ve seen first hand what creativity can do. Not just for drawings… but for people 💛

Creativity Doesn’t Have to Mean Drawing

One of the biggest misconceptions about creativity is that it has to look artistic or impressive.

It really doesn’t. Creativity can be:

• Knitting
• Baking
• Gardening
• Crochet
• Writing
• Music
• Cooking
• Painting
• Drawing

Anything that keeps your hands busy enough for your mind to soften a little.

Because when our hands are occupied… our minds often finally get chance to rest.

And in a world where we’re constantly switched on, constantly scrolling and constantly thinking about what needs doing next… that matters more than ever.

The Mental Health Benefits of Creativity

There’s a reason so many people feel calmer after spending time creating. Creativity can help:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve focus
• Encourage mindfulness
• Build confidence
• Create feelings of calm
• Provide emotional release
• Help people reconnect with themselves

And perhaps most importantly? Creativity gives us permission to slow down.

A Few Gentle Creative Habits That Really Help Me

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, here are a few little things that help me when I sit down to create:

✨ Put your phone away while you create
✨ Focus on the process, not the outcome
✨ Let yourself make messy, imperfect things
✨ Create because it feels good — not because it’s productive
✨ Build tiny creative rituals you enjoy

Even 10 minutes counts.

You do not need hours of free time or fancy supplies to benefit from creativity.

Sometimes the smallest moments end up making the biggest difference.

Ready to Make a Little Space for Creativity Again?

That’s exactly why I created Coloured Pencil Week 2026 💛

A full week of drawing together, step by step, where we’ll slow down, get creative and bring three beautiful African animal drawings to life together.

Because sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is simply pause… pick up our pencils… and give our minds somewhere peaceful to go.

And honestly?

There’s no better time to start than now.

Join Coloured Pencil Week