Or so says a recent article from Artsy. The author goes on to to say:

A plethora of research studies have shown that expressing ourselves through art can help to ease a wide range of illnesses and afflictions, from anxiety and depression to dementia and cancer. More broadly, making art–be that sketching, writing poetry, dancing, or playing with clay–can make us feel happier and more relaxed, and can also help to improve our observation, motor, and problem-solving skills, as well as memory retention and hand-eye coordination.

Later, Lesser adds:

The lack of expectations and judgement is key. By letting your mind wander freely, or in other words, letting yourself play, you can reap the positive benefits of hobbies, like enhanced creativity and mood regulation.

And then:

Hobbies can also be crucial to gaining greater cultural awareness and appreciation. “In so many areas of our lives now, we become passive consumers,” Michele explained.  … “We’re no longer participating in culture in an active way. [ ] I would emphasize that a person who’s never painted cannot look at a painting and see what’s in [it]; a person who’s never played music doesn’t really appreciate a really phenomenal performance … 

The take away is learn to enjoy the process and play: doing helps you grow. And improve. There is intrinsic benefit to exercising your creativity.

Thanks to Artsy for permission to use articles.