Stitching Winter Away: Creativity and Mental Health

Creativity isn’t about being “artistic” or producing something impressive, it’s about expression

There is a noticeable, even predictable shift in mood when winter arrives. Days get shorter, routines become more confined, and many people experience lower energy, motivation, or a sense of emotional flatness.

While winter can be a season of rest, it can also quietly limit expression and connection if we’re not intentional.

One of the most effective—and often overlooked—tools for supporting mental health during winter is creativity.

Creativity isn’t about being “artistic” or producing something impressive. It’s about expression, flexibility, and giving your inner world somewhere to go when the outer world feels smaller.

Here’s why creativity is especially important in winter, along with five accessible ways it supports mental well-being.

1. Creativity Regulates Mood When Light and Energy Are Low

Reduced sunlight can impact serotonin levels and circadian rhythms, contributing to seasonal depression or low mood. Creative activities stimulate the brain in a different way than passive activities like scrolling or watching TV. They promote engagement, curiosity, and a sense of momentum.

Example: Drawing, knitting, or writing for even 10–15 minutes can gently lift mood by activating focus and pleasure without requiring high energy. This is particularly helpful on days when motivation feels scarce.

2. It Provides Emotional Expression When Feelings Are Hard to Name

Winter often brings complex emotions—grief, loneliness, irritability, or a sense of being “stuck.” Many people struggle to verbalize these feelings, especially when they don’t have a clear cause.

Example: Journaling, collage-making, or even choosing music that matches your mood can help externalize emotions. Creativity gives feelings a form, which often makes them easier to understand and regulate.

3. Creativity Restores a Sense of Control and Agency

Winter can feel restrictive: fewer outdoor options, canceled plans, and less spontaneity. This loss of autonomy can subtly affect mental health.

Example: Cooking a new recipe, rearranging a room, or starting a small DIY project can restore a sense of choice and agency. Creating something—no matter how small—reminds the nervous system that you still have influence over your environment.

4. It Encourages Mindfulness and Presence

Anxiety often increases in winter, especially when routines are disrupted or social contact decreases. Creative activities naturally pull attention into the present moment, which helps calm the nervous system.

Example: Watercolor painting, hand lettering, or playing an instrument requires focus on texture, sound, or movement. This kind of absorbed attention functions similarly to mindfulness and can reduce rumination.

5. Creativity Fosters Connection—Even in Isolation

Winter isolation doesn’t always mean being physically alone; it can also mean feeling emotionally disconnected. Creativity can be a bridge back to others.

Example: Sharing writing in a group, crafting gifts, doing art with a child, or participating in an online creative challenge can create meaningful connection without the pressure of traditional socializing.

You don’t need to be productive, talented, or consistent for creativity to benefit your mental health.

In fact, letting go of perfection is often where the therapeutic value lies. Creativity in winter isn’t about adding another task—it’s about making space for expression, warmth, and movement when life naturally slows down.

If winter feels heavy this year, consider asking yourself not “What should I be doing?” but instead, “What wants to be expressed?”