Designer Valicia Evans Advocates for Everyday Creativity as Mental Wellness Tool

Acclaimed designer and event professional Valicia Evans is emphasizing the importance of everyday creativity as a practical tool for improving mental wellbeing, productivity, and emotional connection. In a recent interview, Evans argued that creativity should not be viewed as a specialized skill but rather as an accessible life skill that anyone can incorporate into daily routines.

Evans, known for her work on television productions including Family Time and Love That Girl, pointed to research supporting the benefits of creative engagement. According to the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who engage in small creative tasks experience higher levels of positive emotion the following day. A Stanford study found that walking—a simple form of creative stimulation—boosts creative thinking by up to 60%.

"Creativity isn't something you need special training for," Evans explained. "It's a tool that helps you think better, feel better, and enjoy life more. Even small creative choices can shift your mood." She described observing these effects through her work in design, television, and event creation, noting how simple changes in environment can transform both spaces and people's emotional states.

The timing of this message is particularly relevant given current stress levels. The American Psychological Association reports that 76% of adults experienced health impacts from stress last year, including anxiety, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Evans sees creativity as an accessible starting point for addressing these challenges, especially when people feel overwhelmed by the prospect of major lifestyle changes.

"People think they need a big plan to feel better," Evans said. "But you can start with something small. Change your space. Try something new. Follow one curious idea. Those little sparks make a bigger difference than people realize." She shared her own daily practices, including setting aside "quiet hours" without digital distractions, periodically reworking parts of her home, and using cooking as a grounding activity when feeling overwhelmed.

Evans encourages individuals, families, and workplaces to incorporate simple creative practices into their wellness routines. Her suggestions include rearranging one part of your space monthly, trying one new recipe weekly, walking without headphones for five minutes daily, keeping a notebook for ideas and observations, and building small rituals that spark joy. Her upcoming lifestyle and cooking series, V's Vittles and Vibes, premieres in 2026 and will blend food, design, and storytelling.

"You don't have to change your whole life," Evans concluded. "Just change one tiny thing today. Creativity grows from small steps." This perspective positions creativity not as an artistic pursuit requiring special talent or resources, but as a series of manageable choices available to anyone seeking to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.