Creativity in Quarantine

Coronavirus cases in the US aren’t the only trend that’s increasing: with more demand to use devices for schools and work and opportunities of going out becoming limited, screen time has increased. Excessive screen time isn’t just bad for the eyes—blue light from screens affect your sleep schedule and excessive phone usage has been associated with increased depression, anxiety, and less satisfaction with life, according to a 2020 University of British Columbia study. The feeling of constant repetition in routine and cycling sluggishly through the same handful of apps is a common experience in not only the pandemic, but life at large.

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So how can we start living more creative lives? How can we start to really practice mindfulness? The key is to take action.

How many times have you heard people say they aren’t creative?

Maybe you were the one saying this. Creativity is hard to define, and many people believe it is a talent. However, it’s a skill that can be improved over time, and engaging in creative activities are a great way to de-stress, get centered, and overall boost your mood and motivation. It is also good for bonding with friends and roommates. By doing new things that put your brain into a state of flow, you can practice mindfulness, becoming more in tune with your surroundings, and emerging with an end product that you can be proud of. 

Being creative isn’t just painting; it can be crafting, repairing items, doodling, sewing, rearranging a room, cooking, and more! You don’t need to be good at a craft to reap the immense benefits that come from doing these. No one is immediately an expert, and lots of consistency with these will *actually* yield satisfaction.

Here are some ideas, in no particular order:

  • Cooking new foods

  • Baking and decoration

  • Origami and paper crafts

  • Diamond Painting- kits can be found online and at craft stores

  • Paint by number and following along to Bob Ross’s iconic painting tutorials

  • Creating D.I.Y. room decor out of household items

  • Scrapbooking

  • Inventing new variants on sports 

  • Filling pages with doodling 

  • Collecting flowers from walks

  • Solving puzzles 

  • Creating flower crowns or bouquets from flowers

  • Bending jewelry wire to make rings

  • Drawing on windows with crystallizing window markers

  • Coming up with new coffee and drink ideas 

  • Arranging charcuterie boards

  • Bedazzling clothing

  • Sewing and making over thrift store clothing

  • Reading books

  • Taking care of plants

  • Writing stories and plays

  • Trying out new makeup looks

  • Cosplay

  • Taking and editing pictures (makeshift photoshoots are the best!)

  • Drawing digitally 

  • Rearranging your room 

  • Refurbishing old furniture 

  • Painting a mural on your wall

  • Putting together mosaics 

Remember: you don’t need to be perfect at doing something for the first time (or second, or third). What matters is how you feel during it + the benefits of sparking your imagination. 

Written by Shaiza Gudda and Haley Noble, Photography by Flora Patteson, Design by Julia Vasilyev, Media by Myranda Cumpian

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