I don't know about you, but when someone tells me there's a way to help my brain stay younger that involves paint, paper, glue, and creativity, I'm listening. Especially after losing my sister 10 years ago to CJD at age 65. Although there is no cure for this fatal disease, I was told by Dr. Brian Appleby MD, a neuropsychiatrist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center who treats and researches cognitive disorders, that living a brain healthy life was the best thing to do.
Dr. Appleby is an associate professor of neurology, psychiatry, and pathology at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center Director, and Medical Director of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) Foundation. He is also chair of the Cleveland Chapter Alzheimer's Association Professional Advisory Board.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that people who regularly participate in creative activities have brains that appear approximately 4–7 years younger than people who don't engage in creative pursuits.
That's pretty amazing.
Researchers looked at brain activity from more than 1,400 participants and discovered something many of us creatives have suspected all along: creativity isn't just fun—it may actually help protect our brains as we age.
Here are five ways art and crafts may help keep your brain younger.
1. Creativity Builds New Brain Connections
Every time you learn a new technique, try a different art supply, or experiment with a project, your brain creates and strengthens neural pathways.
Whether you're learning junk journaling, acrylic painting, mixed media, or card making, your brain is constantly solving little problems and making new connections.
Think of it as a workout for your mind.
The more you challenge your brain in enjoyable ways, the more adaptable and resilient it becomes.
My complete art kits help you get started by removing the "what to buy anxiety".
2. Art Engages Multiple Parts of the Brain at Once
When you're creating, you're not using just one area of your brain.
You're using:
- Fine motor skills
- Visual processing
- Memory
- Planning
- Decision making
- Creativity
- Emotional processing
That's a lot happening while you're simply enjoying an afternoon with your favorite supplies.
The study found that creative activities seem to improve communication between different brain regions, especially areas that are vulnerable to age-related decline.
If acrylic art is not your thing- too messy- try one of my complete memory journal kits, just print, cut and glue.
3. Creativity Helps Reduce Stress
Let's be honest.
Life can feel heavy sometimes.
One of the reasons I love painting and paper crafting is that they help quiet the noise in my head.
Research has consistently shown that creative activities can lower stress levels. Lower stress means less wear and tear on both the body and the brain.
When we're focused on creating, we're often fully present in the moment. That mental break may be one of the reasons creative people show signs of healthier brain aging.
4. Creative Hobbies Encourage Lifelong Learning
Your brain loves novelty.
Trying a new paint color combination, learning a new journal technique, experimenting with collage, or taking a class all encourage your brain to stay active.
The researchers even found benefits from people who were relatively new to creative activities.
You don't need to be a professional artist.
You don't need to sell your work.
You don't need to be "good."
Your brain benefits simply from participating.
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5. Creativity Gives You Joy and Purpose
This one might be my favorite.
Creative hobbies give us something to look forward to.
They provide a sense of accomplishment, self-expression, and personal satisfaction.
Many people find that creating helps them feel calmer, happier, and more connected to themselves.
Those positive emotions matter.
Researchers increasingly believe that emotional well-being plays an important role in maintaining long-term brain health.
The Best News? You Don't Need Hours Every Day.
You don't have to become a full-time artist to benefit.
A few creative moments each week can make a difference.
A painted bookmark.
A journal page.
A handmade card.
A simple sketch.
A few minutes with a glue stick and some pretty paper.
Small creative moments count.
So the next time you sit down to paint, journal, craft, or create, remember:
You're not wasting time.
You're investing in your brain.
And according to science, you just might be helping it stay years younger.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some art supplies calling my name.
-teresa XO
The blog is based on findings from the 2025 Nature Communications study "Creative experiences and brain clocks," which found that creative engagement was associated with delayed brain aging and younger brain-age measures across multiple creative disciplines.
