People enjoy the process of being creative and being “in the zone”— a state researchers call “flow.” Creativity and flow are linked to better job satisfaction, higher-quality leisure time, more positive emotions, and greater overall well-being and happiness.
The good news is, everyone is creative—and everyone can nurture their creative side.
Positive emotions and creativity make us feel interested in the world around us. The ability to be fascinated and allow ourselves to explore and discover makes us feel open and alive. It’s also what draws us to learn new skills, perspectives, and ideas—resources that we can draw on to solve life’s problems. This boosts our resilience and our satisfaction with life—both part of the equation for overall happiness.
From the PBS series “This Emotional Life”
Sources:
“Positivity” by Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.
“The 6 Myths of Creativity,” Psychology Today