Wellbeing and the role of creativity
In March 2013, Lifewide Education CIC launched a simple survey on individual perceptions of wellbeing, the means by which we pursue wellbeing, and factors which support or are detrimental to our sense of wellbeing. Most questions were open ended, but one asked respondents to rate 12 issues on the scale 1 = very little, to 10 = very great importance. The figure below shows responses at this interim stage.
It is clear that the issues of greatest significance to respondents are feeling valued by loved ones; having a close relationship with a partner; and having good relationships in general. This perhaps explains why some of the creative respondents to this linked-in discussion lack a sense of wellbeing.
Turning to creativity, 9 of our respondents identify themselves as being highly creative. When we look at their scores for the same 12 questions, they are vastly different. This suggests that creative people may have a much more positive outlook and greater sense of wellbeing. An interesting basis for further research.
Av for creatives; Av for all
1 Connecting with and having good relationships with people I come into contact with everyday 9.3 4
2 Being healthy and fit....physically active - walking, sport, dancing etc 8.1 4.1
3 Being involved in the world - being curious and aware of the world – looking/ finding new opportunities 9.0 6.7
4 Feeling creative - doing things that give me a chance to be creative, inventive or resourceful 9.0 4.8
5 Continually learning and developing myself 8.8 6.3
6 Doing new things that interest me 8.6 5
7 Making progress in the things I am doing 8.8 5
8 Doing things with and for other people 8.9 5
9 Having a close relationship with someone I trust and can discuss anything with
9.6 3.8
10 Feeling that I am valued by the people that matter to me 9.1 3.5
11 Being able to do the things I want or need to do 9.1 5.3
12 Achieving something that I think is worthwhile 8.8 4.9
Here are some of the ways in which respondents enhance their wellbeing:
Trying to keep an appropriate work/ life balance; making time for exercise, relaxation, sleep plus friends and family; create pleasant home; cultivate relationships; reading; writing and other forms of creativity; being honest and ethical; being involved in my family’s lives; intellectual work; playing in a band; eating well; managing my finances; walking the dog; playing music; dancing; Tai chi; looking after my cat; walking; doing puzzles; helping people; praying; spending time in the countryside; trying out/learning new things; satisfaction from achievements at work; taking break from work; fulfilling hobbies; thinking time; theatre, concerts; collecting documentaries; sport; working with homeless people; organising a national student conference; don’t do unhealthy things e.g. smoking; moved school to get better grades; knowing that I’ve had a good day; looking forward to the next day.