It might be time to invest in a new adult coloring book.
Research published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that working on “creative goals,” such as painting or writing, can increase your well-being.
The researchers, led by Tamlin Conner of the University of Otago in New Zealand, asked 658 university students to keep a journal for 13 days, recording their activities and emotions.
The research team studied the journals and discovered a pattern: Students experienced positive emotions after they did something creative, such as writing, sketching or knitting.
“Engaging in creative behavior leads to increases in well-being the next day, and this increased well-being is likely to facilitate creative activity on the same day,” Conner told The Times of India.
Try setting aside some time for creativity, be it through cooking or carpentry, watercolors or arranging flowers. Pursuing a project you enjoy just might boost your well-being.