The Unmaking of Ourselves

Creativity is central to what makes us human: traditionally, culturally, and neurologically. Since our earliest ancestors, we have been shaping the world around us with tools, art, stories and technology, helping us to adapt and survive. But you don’t have to be an artist or musician to be creative. It shows up in everyday moments too, from gardening to journaling to fashion.

Neuroscience now shows that when we stop creating, we don’t just lose a sense of purpose and connection; our brain health takes a hit too. In a world flooded with consumption, distraction, and endless scrolling, finding a moment to be creative is a small act of self-preservation.

The Neuroscience of Creativity

Creativity isn’t just an art; it’s a science. It lights up powerful networks across the brain, supporting mental health, adaptability, and overall wellbeing. Neuroscience shows that being creative in any way literally helps the brain grow, connect, and thrive.

There are three core networks in the brain that drive our creativity

• Default Mode Network (DMN) - This is where ideas come from. When the mind is at rest or bored, it seeds our ideas.

• Executive Control Network - Involved in focus, planning and problem solving.

• Salience Network - Think of it as your brain’s project manager, keeping an eye on changes and pulling focus back to what matters.

When we create, these networks talk to each other and spark neuroplasticity, this is the brains ability to form new connections, adapt to challenges, and recover from stress. Over time, regular creativity builds resilience, strengthens these pathways and keeps the brain agile as we age.

Being creative is a lot more than self-expression; it’s like a workout for your brain.

Creativity and Mental Wellbeing

Creativity doesn’t just shape the brain; it impacts our wellbeing and shapes how we feel. When we create, we activate reward centres, releasing dopamine and boosting our mood and motivation. Art, music and other forms of self-expression are also linked to lower anxiety and stress.

And it goes even further; research shows that engaging in creative expression can even buffer against cognitive decline and contribute to lifelong mental fitness.

The Dangers of Unmaking: Creativity Deficits

From doomscrolling to binging Netflix and now outsourcing ideas to AI, we’re slowly losing our drive to create. And it’s hitting our brain health and wellbeing more than we realise.

Brain health suffers

A lack of creative outlets is linked to higher stress and greater risk of depression and anxiety. We also lose resilience, making it harder to bounce back from everyday stressors. Without ways to express ourselves, it’s easy to get stuck in loops of overthinking and worry.

Wellbeing declines

A lack of creativity is linked to higher stress levels and may increase the risk of depression and anxiety. We can also become less resilient, making it harder to cope and bounce back from stressors. Without creative outlets, it’s easier to fall into patterns of overthinking and worry, fuelling anxiety.

Longevity

Over time, skipping creativity raises the risk of cognitive decline. Making things - whether small or big - gives us agency and meaning. When that fades, so can our sense of purpose. On the flip side, studies show that people who engage in creative work regularly report higher life satisfaction, optimism, and connection.

In short, skipping out on creativity affects much more than talent or skill. It chips away at your brain, your mood, and the sense of meaning that makes life feel full.

The Neuroscience of Boredom: Why Idle Minds Are Creative Minds

Modern tech fills every spare moment — leaving almost no space for our minds to wander. But that constant stimulation comes at a cost. Neuroscientists have shown that boredom is a trigger for the brain’s default mode network, the part that sparks new ideas, random connections, and creative insights.

When we lean into boredom instead of instantly reaching for a screen, we give the brain space to imagine, invent, and reflect.

Put it this way: if Newton had been staring at his phone under that tree, he never would’ve noticed the apple drop.

So maybe the answer is simple — put the phone down, switch off Netflix, and give your brain the breathing room it needs to get creative.

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Sources

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