Designer Valicia Evans Advocates for Everyday Creativity to Combat Stress and Improve Wellbeing

Acclaimed designer and event professional Valicia Evans is using her platform to advocate for the integration of everyday creativity into daily life as a tool for improving mental wellbeing, productivity, and emotional connection. Evans, known for her work on television productions including Family Time, Love That Girl, In the Cut, and Partners in Rhyme, emphasizes that creativity extends beyond professional skills to become an accessible life skill available to everyone.

Evans explains that creativity doesn't require special training or resources, stating that even small creative choices can significantly shift mood and perspective. "Creativity isn't something you need special training for," she says. "It's a tool that helps you think better, feel better, and enjoy life more." This perspective is supported by scientific research showing measurable benefits from creative activities.

According to findings published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who engage in small creative tasks experience higher levels of positive emotion the following day. Additional research from Stanford University found that walking—a simple form of creative stimulation—can boost creative thinking by up to 60%. Evans has observed these benefits firsthand through her work in design, television, and event creation, noting how simple changes in environment can transform both spaces and people's emotional states.

In her interview, Evans shared practical examples of how she incorporates creativity into her daily routine, including setting aside "quiet hours" without digital distractions, periodically reworking parts of her home, and using cooking as a grounding practice when feeling overwhelmed. "I'll chop vegetables until my mind slows down," she explained. "Cooking reminds me that creativity doesn't have to be big or fancy. It can be simple, calming, and grounding."

The timing of this message carries particular significance given current stress levels across the United States. 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, particularly because it requires minimal resources and can be practiced in any environment.

Evans encourages individuals, families, and workplaces to embrace everyday creativity as part of their wellness routines through specific, manageable actions. Her suggestions include rearranging one part of your space each month, trying one new recipe every week, walking without headphones for five minutes daily, keeping a notebook for ideas and observations, and building small rituals that spark joy. "You don't have to change your whole life," Evans emphasizes. "Just change one tiny thing today. Creativity grows from small steps."

This approach to creativity as wellness intervention represents a shift from viewing creative expression as a specialized skill to recognizing it as a fundamental human capacity with tangible health benefits. As stress continues to impact millions of Americans, Evans' message offers a practical framework for incorporating creative practices into daily life without requiring significant time investment or resources. Her upcoming lifestyle and cooking series, V's Vittles and Vibes, premiering in 2026, will further explore these connections between food, design, and storytelling.