Kindle your creativity

Increase your sense of connection and support your self-expression, urges Caroline Butterwick

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Sitting on the sofa, notebook resting on my lap as my cat curls up beside me, I feel content as I scribble down ideas. From painting to poetry, cookery to crafting, creativity is something that so many of us value.

But we may also wish we could make more time for it, or feel unsure about where to start. Whether you already have an artistic job or hobby, or describe yourself as 'just not creative', creativity is something we all have and can nurture.

'Being creative can increase our sense of connection, both with the world around us and with ourselves,' explains writing for wellbeing expert Kate McBarron. 'If we share our creativity with others in some way - for example, as part of a group or with loved ones - there's the social aspect, too. We can feel included, seen and valued. We're suddenly part of something bigger.' I think of the joy I experience when I go to poetry open mic nights; I feel part of a creative community, and a sense of belonging and closeness that comes with hearing other people's words and sharing my own.