Neuronal arousal. You may be unfamiliar with the term, but you probably know the feeling. I experienced it the moment I stepped into Cruces Creatives, a maker space where the whir and sparkle of possibilities made me feel like a kid turned loose in a toy store.
The anticipation of the projects I could make, the skills I could hone, and the new people I could connect with had the neurons in the reward circuit of my brain screaming, “Release the dopamine!” (One of happy brain chemicals that makes us feel good and motivates us to come back for more).
The 12,000-foot space organized into 11 different work areas is more than a place where you can go and create or build—it’s a place to rewire the brain and nourish human connection. It’s the place where I see the research on the benefits of community and creativity I’ve encountered as a neuroscientist proven to be absolutely true.
I enjoyed a tour of the workspaces at Cruces Creatives led by volunteer-turned-employee, Brenin, a kindred maker. Though a menacing height, his 6-ft-plus frame was topped with a crocheted mushroom cap that, along with his helpful and friendly demeanor, gave my knowledgeable guide the vibe of Super Mario world’s loyal attendant, Toad.
We all need social connection, emphasis on need. Loneliness is a health risk; some experts call it the new smoking. Cruces Creatives has flexible avenues for connection.
Explore the spaces with a gentle giant, sit around doing needle work with the young and old (in the Cruces Creatives Crochet Club), problem-solve with like-minded hobbyists, participate in robot expositions, serve the community making blankets or hats, or restoring bikes—wherever you are on the social spectrum (introvert to extrovert), Cruces Creatives has a place for you to feed the human need for belonging. Release the oxytocin! (That’s the brain chemical involved in bonding). These connections can strengthen immune responses, buffer against depression and anxiety, and reduce stress responses (like high blood pressure).
I’ll probably start my project by looking at the Cruces Creatives events page on its website, https://crucescreatives.org/. I’m eyeing the courses on using the woodshop tools, a requirement for open access to the shop. But the 3D printing class and stained-glass art workshops are also beckoning. Or I might drop in and use the shaping tools to make some jewelry.
The wealth of high-quality research indicates that it doesn’t matter what form of creativity we express, whether it be in textiles, technology, or traditional book binding, the psychological and intellectual benefits are similar. We see improvements in memory, attention, and executive function, and also slowing of the decline of mental function due to disease or aging. Mood also improves, as does self-confidence, bring a sense of calm. And of course, there’s just the fun of creating and the joy of taking home a finished product.
Cruces Creatives, a non-profit entity, probably doesn’t need a neuroscientist, but it does count on the expertise of volunteers, many of whom trade their time and know-how for a Cruces Creatives membership. It also appreciates donations of materials and sponsorships.
I’ll be taking my friends and family there for quality time. They won’t just be walking into a room filled with tools, machines, and people tinkering, they are also stepping into a space that supports cognitive resilience, emotional well-being, and community belonging.
Paula Johnson, Ph.D., who is a lover of creative spaces, is an assistant professor of neuroscience in the Department of Medical Education at Texas Tech Health’s El Paso campus.
