In Part 1, we introduced the idea that active learning is better than passive learning, but did you know that working creatively also improves your brain health? Active learning involves both your body and mind in a way that causes the learning to “stick.” Being creative is a huge way to engage your body and mind in the learning process. How do we do this in our online courses at NorthStar Academy?

Whether we are creating landscapes with paint, shaping bread loaves with our hands, brainstorming and building a new time-saving invention, or constructing a plot diagram for a story we’re writing, there are a multitude of ways to bring creativity to learning. There are also a multitude of health benefits for people who express themselves creatively!

First, studies show that engaging in creativity improves mental health. As a painting teacher, I’ve had students tell me over and over again how much they like to work on their art assignments at home, when in need of downtime or a mental break. Some mention that it feels therapeutic to swirl paint and mix colors on their paper, as they rise above the worries of the day. But don’t just take my word for it; a fascinating study demonstrated that people’s happiness levels are actually higher in those who are creative. Read the study if you’d like to see how it happens!  Student satisfaction in our culinary arts course reflects these findings too. After completion of the course, one of my students said, “I am grateful for everything I have learned in this course, and it really has inspired me and my love for the art of cooking…it has brought out a love and talent I did not know I had with culinary work.” 

Next, studies show that creativity isn’t just a mood-lifter, but your brain physically benefits! Look at this article to see how executive functioning is improved, and you’ll also discover that people who engage in creative arts have even more brain matter and brain activity in certain areas! The study focused on people who were learning to play a musical instrument, but other studies also show similar improved brain activity in visual artists. 

Although students can easily get bogged down with a heavy courseload as they work toward graduation, let’s encourage them to choose some courses based on their passions and natural interests, especially those that involve their hands and bodies in the learning. In doing so, we are supporting mental health, happiness, and good brain health too. 

Photo Credit: Alana Crosby

This blog series is written by NSA teacher Shauna Mingus. Learn more about Shauna here!