vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative
Subscribe
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Creativity: Good for your health, and your bottom line

in News
Megan Paulsonby Megan Paulson
April 3, 2015

By Jackie Rainford Corcoran
Explore Big Sky Health Columnist

In addition to being a holistic health coach I’m also an artist and art teacher. Lately, I’ve been hosting art parties – “Canvas and Cocktail” type events – and after witnessing hundreds of people light up as they explore their canvas with brush strokes, I’ve been giving a lot of consideration to the real value of creativity.

Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image.
ADVERTISEMENT

A study titled “Openness to Experience and Mortality of Men” was discussed in the August 2012 edition of “Scientific American.” The study’s author, Nicholas Turiano, stated that, “Individuals high in creativity maintain the integrity of their neural networks even into old age.” He added that stress, which can be harmful to our cardiovascular, immune and cognitive systems, is reduced in creative thinkers.

When we’re in our creative groove, time seems to stand still and self-consciousness falls away. It’s very similar to how meditation focuses the mind. This is evident at certain moments during art parties when a room full of 30 people becomes Zen-like in its in quiet purposefulness. Since meditation and creativity can bring us to a similar place, perhaps their health benefits overlap for similar reasons.

But beyond health, honing your creative skills is good for you bottom line.

While introducing the iPad 2 to the world in 2011, Apple’s then CEO Steve Jobs said, “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”

Richard Florida, an American economist and author of “The Rise of the Creative Class. And How It’s Transforming Work, Leisure and Everyday Life,” writes that “…human creativity is the ultimate economic resource.” According to Florida and other economists, we are in the “post-industrial age,” and the workforce now relies heavily on creative thinkers.

So how do we get into this creative zone if our jobs and education don’t require it? First, discover what truly motivates you. Is it playing an instrument, wood working or writing poetry? If you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to pursue it, take risks and stick with it.

Second, cultivate personality traits such as curiosity, persistence and humbleness. They allow you to have the necessary openness that creative thinking requires.

Third, and perhaps most important, check-in with your inner critic. If you have a vicious voice that tells you to hang it up before you even begin, this is a great opportunity for self-exploration, self-love and self-acceptance.

That critic is your ego trying to protect you from failing or looking foolish. Or perhaps it’s not even your own voice but judgment passed on from someone else in your life like a family member or friend. Let it go and grow. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

Jackie Rainford Corcoran is an IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, a public speaker and health activist. Contact her at jackie@thetahealth.com, or find more at thetahealth.org.

Yellowstone National Park Lodge Yellowstone National Park Lodge
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Outlaw Beat Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Oct 19
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Community Hike Big Sky

Oct 20
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 20
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

Al-Anon Support Group

Oct 21
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

American Legion Bingo

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

For the first time, Montana officially celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day 
News

For the first time, Montana officially celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day 

October 14, 2025
Daniel Caesar plays surprise pop-up show in Bozeman
News

Daniel Caesar plays surprise pop-up show in Bozeman

October 3, 2025
Bozeman is getting a Chick-fil-A (probably)
Bozeman News

A new ballot initiative promises to solve both water and housing in Bozeman. Would it?

September 30, 2025
Big Horns battle Lockwood Lions 
News

Big Horns battle Lockwood Lions 

September 29, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bozeman News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube