Life today can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we feel irritated, frustrated, disappointed, angry, anxious, depressed, discouraged, lonely, or powerless. For many, it feels like the world is on fire! Writer and creative coach, Amie McNee’s TEDx talk, The case for making art when the world is on fire, is a powerful reminder that “making art isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for our health and happiness”. She even calls creativity a pillar of self-development. When we act on our innate instincts to create, we are caring for ourselves, taking control, gaining focus, establishing connection, and perhaps, even changing the world.
Art Is for Everyone
I loved art class in school and have taken a few classes as an adult at my local park district, but I’m not an artist. You may be thinking you’re not an artist. But I’ll bet you’ll find you are one according to McNee’s definition. Art, or creativity, is “anything we do where we create something with the intention to connect.” You’re an artist when you paint, draw, sculpt, sing, play an instrument, dance, write, cook, garden, take photos, film videos, or doodle. And, you don’t have to be famous or a recognized artist for it to matter. The art you create in your everyday life for family and friends, at work, or just for yourself, counts!
Creating Is Self-Care
You might think of self-care as doing things like eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, or taking breaks when you feel overloaded. Creating, however, can be another component of self-care. Research has shown that only 45 minutes of a creative act can dramatically lower stress hormones. Creating also helps reduce inflammation, ease pain, and calm your body in ways similar to meditation or exercise.
Art Restores a Sense of Control
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, it often seems like there is nothing you can do to change anything. So much in life is outside of our control. That feeling of powerlessness can weigh heavily, leaving us anxious or discouraged. The creative act, whether it’s writing a poem, coloring a mandala, tweaking an old recipe, or drafting a new program, reminds us that we can shape our world, even in small ways. In your creative space, you get to decide how things unfold. That sense of agency boosts confidence and may give you the energy to face bigger challenges.
Creating Helps You Focus
Many of us spend hours each day scrolling through our phones. McNee calculated that spending three hours a day on your phone from age 15 to 79 amounts to spending about ten years of your life scrolling. That’s ten years of passive consumption! Art offers a powerful alternative. When you paint, sing, knit, or play the piano, you reclaim your attention. You’re not just passing time; you are actively engaging your mind and reclaiming your life.
Creating Connects You to Others
Though making art is deeply personal, it also strengthens relationships. Sharing a song, a story, or even a home-cooked meal is an act of generosity. Creating a journal passed on to your children, a garden that neighbors enjoy, or a poem written for a loved one are all simple acts of creativity that become part of your legacy. You can also create with others. Singing in a church or community chorus, acting in the school play, or participating in a friends’ art group give you all the benefits of the creative act and the bonus of connecting directly with others. What a great remedy for loneliness!
Why We Need to Create
McNee’s closing message was simple yet powerful: we need your art. Not because it has to change the world, but because it changes you. Art reduces stress, restores balance, sharpens focus, and brings joy. It helps you feel more alive and more connected.
So don’t wait until you’re “good enough” or have more free time. Start small. Try singing in the shower, try a new recipe, sketch while you sip your coffee. Creativity matters. It can be a vital part of living a full, healthy, and meaningful life.
To learn more about self-care or to speak with a professional counselor about any mental health concerns, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 167th St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477, offering in-person and telehealth appointments. We are here to be of service to you.
Molly V.
Graduate Intern, 2025
Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.
Reference
TEDx Talks. (2025, April 25). The case for making art when the world is on fire | Amie McNee | TEDxManchester. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XZ9z6OewR0
CounselingMatters.live 
Leave a comment