Ever feel like you’re running on autopilot, stuck in a loop of work, chores, and scrolling? That flat, unmotivated feeling has a name: languishing. It’s not quite burnout, not quite depression, just that persistent sense of “meh”.

Now think back to being a kid. Life was simpler: wake up, play, eat, sleep, repeat. Your days were filled with curiosity and imagination, not deadlines and bills. Somehow, between then and now, much of that playful energy fizzled out. But here’s the good news: you can bring it back.

Research shows engaging in creative activities, no matter your skill level, can boost mood, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more energised. In fact, the benefits show up across all personality types. When you create, you spark positive emotions like excitement and enthusiasm, and these emotions can lift your overall wellbeing.

The best part? You don’t have to become an artist overnight. You just need to start. Try:

• Doodling or sketching in a notebook. No one has to see it; it’s for your eyes only.
• Paint-by-numbers kits for a low-pressure way to play with colour.
• DIY projects—anything from upcycling a chair to building a birdhouse.
• Clay or playdough to get your hands moving and your brain thinking in 3D.

As Andy Warhol put it, “Art is anything you can get away with.” Your work doesn’t have to be profound or polished. The benefits come from the act of creating itself: the flow, the focus, and the joy it can bring. And engaging regularly in creative activities has been linked to lower stress, better emotional wellbeing, and a longer lifespan.

So, make something. Be a little messy. Think like a kid again. 

You might just find that creativity is the antidote to languishing.

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