Creative Health Session One (Culture Shift)

“Creativity is not an additional extra, it is essential for being well and staying well.”

Mah Rana, Co-Director, Lived Experience Network, Leadership and Strategy Roundtable

Working in collaboration with Lewes based arts charity Culture Shift, we’re developing two half-day pilot workshops on Creative Journaling. Each of the sessions will be an opportunity for programme partners to explore and evaluate the use of creative journaling as a positive health intervention for both the individual and for the wider workforce.

The connection between Creativity and Health.

Studies have shown that engagement and participation in artistic and creative pursuits can provide real benefits to our mental, emotional, and physical health. Incorporating creative activities like music, writing, or painting into daily life supports relaxation, brain function, and contributes to a healthier and happier life.

Having just two hours a week creative time can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and boost our mood. It can strengthen problem-solving skills, memory, and adaptability, build self-esteem, foster connections with others, and encourage self-expression. Taking time to enjoy our creative side can lower stress-related health risks, boost immunity, and improve motor skills.

What is Creative Journaling.

Creative journaling is a highly personalised, self-expressive practice that combines traditional journaling with artistic elements such as drawing, painting, collage, and poetry. It provides individuals a private space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a visually and creatively engaging way. Unlike standard journaling, which focuses primarily on writing, creative journaling embraces mixed media to enhance self-expression.

For the individual, the varied health benefits of regular creative journaling are considerable. It can reduce anxiety and stress, boost mood and psychological well-being, and promote mindfulness and present-moment awareness. It can also support the cultivation of gratitude and optimism, and foster self-discovery and personal growth. In the workplace, creative journaling can spark innovation and lateral thinking, encourage exploration of different perspectives, and help in planning and exploring new projects. Regular journaling contributes to personal and professional development, improved communication and teamwork, and can be incorporated into team-building activities to improve communication and trust.

How can you get involved?

Creative journaling is a great way to explore our imagination and discover our own sense of creativity. You don’t need any experience, and it’s not about being ‘good at it’ or striving to be ‘perfect’. It’s about your journey, and what you create for you.

Our pilot sessions are open to all staff members employed by workplaces registered with the Wellbeing at Work programme. We’ll provide you with an open and non-judgemental space, and all the guidance, inspiration and materials you need to start your own creative journey.

All we ask is that after the session you complete the online evaluation form, and then join us for one of our online discussion sessions later in the spring.

Want to find out more?

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the pilot sessions, please contact us by email at healthyworkplace@eastsussex.gov.uk.

If you would like to know more about how creativity plays a role in health and wellbeing, you can visit the Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance webpage, the Creative Health & Wellbeing page of the Arts Council England website, or read the Creative Health Review produced by the National Centre for Creative Health.