You don't have to be good at art for art to be good for you. Being creative is good for us: it lowers our stress hormones, calms our nervous system and can get us into a flow state. Our innate creativity is part of being human, but it's easy to forget, especially since many of us have been told that we are 'no good' at art. At a time when mental health challenges are on the rise and support systems are stretched, Creative First Aid is your practical guide to taking matters into your own hands, literally. It's about the proven positive effects of making something – a garden, a story, a meal, a drawing – and the powerful interaction this process can have on your mental, emotional and physical state. It's about being curious, playful, creative and full of self-compassion – even more so when life gets messy. Based on scientific evidence and a program shown to improve mental wellbeing for first responders and traumatized communities, this inspiring book empowers you with awareness and simpl