Creativity isn’t reserved for artists or musicians. It’s something every human mind is capable of, and needs. Studies from the American Psychological Association show that creative activities improve mood, reduce stress, and boost confidence. In South Asian cultures, however, creativity often takes a backseat to routine, responsibilities, and expectations.
But what if creativity could make your everyday life smoother, your emotions calmer, and your relationships healthier?
Let’s look at what cultivating creativity really means, and how you can start.
What Does It Mean to Cultivate Creativity?
To “cultivate” means to care for and grow something. Just like you water a plant, you can grow your creativity with attention, time, and patience.
Cultivating creativity means:
Making time for creative expression
Letting your thoughts flow freely
Challenging the fear of judgment
Looking at problems in new ways
In everyday life, it could be as simple as:
Writing your feelings in a notebook
Cooking a meal in a new way
Imagining how you’d design your dream home
Creativity is not about talent. It’s about habit.
In South Asian families, where people are often told to “stay practical,” creative activities are sometimes seen as distractions. But that’s a myth. Creativity can help solve problems, improve communication, and even support mental health, especially during stressful times.
Why Creativity Matters for Mental Health and Daily Life
Research by Dr. James Kaufman (University of Connecticut) shows that people who engage in small creative tasks are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. It gives a person a sense of purpose, identity, and relief.
Here’s how creativity helps:
Reduces stress hormones
Improves self-expression
Strengthens brain flexibility
A woman in Multan started painting on old clay pots after her children went to school. It started as a hobby, but she found that her mood and sleep improved. Her family noticed the change, too. Now she sells her hand-painted pots on Instagram.
That’s the power of creativity, it quietly heals.
Common Blocks to Creativity in South Asian Culture
Creativity often fades in environments where routine and conformity are praised. In many homes across Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, children are taught to “follow the rules,” not “ask too many questions.”
Here are some common blocks:
| Creative Block | Real Example |
|---|---|
| Fear of judgment | A college boy hides his poetry from his family |
| Belief that creativity is only for artists | A teacher doesn’t try music even though she loves it |
| No time | A working mother says, “I’m too busy for such things” |
| Family pressure to stay practical | A student drops her dream of fashion design to pursue medicine |
These blocks aren’t impossible to move past. They just need awareness, and small, consistent actions.
The 7 C’s of Creativity: A Psychology-Based Approach
Psychologists often refer to “The 7 C’s of Creativity” to help people reconnect with their creative energy.
Let’s break it down:
Curiosity – Ask questions. Look at things differently.
→ “Why do I always do it this way?”Courage – Try something new even if you might fail.
→ “I’ll write this poem, even if it’s silly.”Connection – Link different ideas together.
→ “What if I used music to teach my child math?”Commitment – Practice consistently.
→ “10 minutes of drawing every night.”Collaboration – Work with others.
→ “Join a WhatsApp group for photography.”Clarity – Understand your emotions and needs.
→ “I feel stuck because I don’t express myself.”Compassion – Be kind to yourself.
→ “It’s okay if I’m not perfect.”
These are not rules. They are reminders that creativity lives inside every one of us.
Real-Life Habits That Cultivate Creativity
You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a bit of time, intention, and space.
Here are some doable habits:
Start a 2-minute journal
Write one thought, one dream, and one idea before bed.Doodle during chai time
Let your pen move without rules.Change one small thing weekly
Try a new walking route, new music, or new recipe.Create a “No Judgment Notebook”
A private space where you write or draw without worrying if it’s “good.”Turn off your screen for 20 minutes a day
Let your mind roam freely.
A boy in Lahore used to draw on the back of his school notebooks. Years later, those small doodles became the starting point of his graphic design career.
How to Stay Creative in a Busy, Stressful Life
Let’s be honest, South Asian life can be overwhelming. Housework, jobs, family pressures, it’s hard to find space.
But creativity doesn’t need hours. It needs pockets of attention.
Here’s how to make time:
Use waiting time – Write notes while commuting.
Creative breaks – Swap Instagram with an idea jar.
One creative ritual – Like lighting a candle and writing a verse each evening.
Let children join – Paint or write with your kids.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing differently.
How Creativity Boosts Self-Confidence and Emotional Resilience
Doing something creative gives you ownership. You make something that didn’t exist before, and that changes how you see yourself.
This is especially powerful for:
Teens struggling with identity
Mothers who feel emotionally exhausted
Students who feel unseen or unheard
When you write a personal story, decorate a corner of your room, or compose a voice note with your feelings, you’re saying, “I matter.”
And that’s how self-confidence begins.
Encouraging Creativity in Children and Family Life
Creativity doesn’t just help individuals. It helps families connect, laugh, and heal together.
Here’s how parents can help:
Say “yes” to ideas even if they’re messy or unusual.
Avoid shaming language like “this drawing looks weird.”
Have a shared creativity time (e.g., family collage night).
In South Asian homes where elders often focus on discipline, adding “creative freedom” to the environment can build stronger, more expressive children.
Tip: Place an “idea box” in the living room where everyone puts one creative idea per week.
You Don’t Have to Be an Artist to Be Creative
Creativity is a way of thinking, living, and feeling.
You don’t need awards, skills, or perfect timing.
You just need:
A little courage
A little space
A little silence
A little fun
Start with what you already have.
Because the most creative act is choosing to live as yourself.
TL;DR
Creativity isn’t only for artists, it’s for anyone who wants to think clearly, feel better, and grow. By building small daily habits like journaling or asking new questions, we can train our minds to become more curious, expressive, and emotionally strong. South Asians often face cultural blocks, but even 5 minutes of creative activity can spark joy, reduce stress, and help families connect. You don’t need talent to be creative, just the willingness to start.
Imran Shahzad, M.Sc. Psychology (BZU, 2012), shares real-world mental health tips and emotional guidance in simple English for everyday South Asian readers.