Creative First Aid

The Science and Joy of Creativity for Mental Health.

Being creative is good for you: it lowers stress hormones, calms the nervous system and can get you into a flow state. Innate creativity is part of being human, but it's easy to forget, especially since many of us have been told that we are 'no good' at art.

Mental health challenges are on the rise and support systems are stretched, Creative First Aid is your practical guide to taking matters into your own hands, literally. It's about the proven positive effects of making something – a garden, a story, a meal, a drawing – and the powerful interaction this process can have on your mental, emotional and physical state. It's about being curious, creative and self-compassionate – even more so when life gets messy.

Based on scientific evidence and a program shown to improve mental wellbeing for first responders and traumatised communities, this inspiring book empowers you with awareness and simple creative tools that can open a door to experiencing delight, awe and joy each and every day. It includes stories from those who have found their way through trauma, anxiety, grief and chronic illness, as well as 50 creative prescriptions you can try, with some taking just a couple of minutes.