June 2019: Creative play can boost academic performance

Yes, it's true!  A few days before an exam, one of the best things hard-working students can do is spend an hour or so away from studying.  During this break time they can have fun playing at something creative that they enjoy.  It may seem counterintuitive, but recent research shows that when we take breaks, our brains are actually busy processing memories and helping us process our experiences.  When immersed in creative play, we can experience an almost meditative state in which we are very focussed and as a result worries and stress fade into the background temporarily.  In addition, creative states cause our brains to release the neurotransmitter, dopamine, a natural anti-depressant.  Engaging in creative playtime can result in improved problem solving skills and creativity later on when it is actually time to write that exam.  Any type of creative play is helpful, from painting, to gardening, to playing an instrument or any favourite activity.  So consider encouraging a stressed out student in your life to take a break and do something creative for an hour.  Chances are it will boost their performance on those exams!  I just wish they'd told me that when I was in school ​