The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons. Scientists estimate that billions of neurons are activated when doing everyday tasks such as singing, speaking, or taking photos. Research published in Nature Communications showed that the effect of doing creative arts such as music, visual art, dance, and even playing video games is associated with better brain health and delayed brain ageing. The 2025 study, which included researchers from Trinity College Dublin, examined brain data from over 1,400 participants across 13 countries and found that creative activities were consistently associated with younger brain profiles. With over a dozen creative and arts societies at Trinity, the University Times spoke to members of some of these circles about what motivates them to keep doing what they enjoy.
Wilbur Xuan, events officer for the Trinity College Comedy Society, said that doing comedy gives him “power to control the stage for seven minutes, talking to people [he] doesn’t know. [He has] the power to speak the truth [about his opinions], and to challenge social norms.”
Wilbur has been doing comedy for the last two years, and he said that standing up on the stage allows him to feel confident and gives him a sense of responsibility regarding what to say and how to say it. Though naturally introverted, Wilbur said that comedy is about being edgy. “You need to be comfortable and bold,” he said, and that being a comedian helps him deal with the realities of studying his sociology and social policy degree, ie. how difficult and taxing it can be. He also spoke of how every member in the comedy society will have a variety of differences in how they use comedy with their degree, be it a means of destressing from the daily college struggles, or a means of complementing their respective studies.
Anna O’Connor is in her final year of European Studies and is the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the TCD Chapel Choir. She said that when she started her studies, she “wanted [to join] a choir that was a bit more challenging. The great thing about the choir is that we do new music every week, so it means that it’s a bit of a challenge in that learning new music gets your sight reading very good and you get better every week.”
She said that the stimulation the choir gives to her is a big reason why she’s in this society. Singing is her passion, and the social aspect the choir offers is also a huge plus. Anna also said that in her experience, many members of the choir are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students.
“It has always been a theme that STEM students in the choir have said that they needed something quite drastically different to their studies,” she said.
Pablo Rodrigues, a PhD student in History, is the Master of the Robes in the TCD Chapel Choir, and he said that his music background and homelife inspired him to try something music-related when he arrived in Ireland two years ago. He said that in Spain, he used to go to the conservatoire and play the piano and that for some reason, when he was at Freshers’ Fair at Trinity College, he decided to choose TCD Chapel Choir.
Mirroring Wibur’s reasons above, Pablo said that “you need something else going on whilst on campus. Its [extracurricular activities are] very good for mental health.”
“I need to focus on something else after six hours of studying. At the end of the day, I can go home and say that I talked to more than two people,” he said.
Agnel Jimmy is the PRO of the TCD Knitting Society (KnitSoc), and she said that crocheting “gives you a vessel of thought. [Crocheting is] inherently mathematical, especially when you create round objects. There is a logical aspect to it … and it does something to your mind to block out overthinking.”
Chairperson of KnitSoc, Alice Carey, spoke of how the society allowed her to integrate into college, particularly in relation to her degree in History and Irish minors. Her interest in the crafting and textile industry paired with the degree allowed her to “think about a lot of things,” and she believes that the society is a great place for people of all skills and talents to come together.
“There is no competition amongst us, and that is what keeps [the environment] peaceful,” she said.
Another peaceful environment that breaks the cycle of college stress is a radio studio. Ultan Gill is a member of Trinity FM, and he said that he joined the society because it wasn’t related to his degree at all. He said that his weekly radio show “forces [him] to listen and connect to music in a way that [he] cannot usually do.”
“There’s a certain amount of control you, as the host, can have whilst also making sure that you stay within the boundaries of what the audience wants too,” Ultan said.
“Music is one of the most successful ways to connect with another culture, regardless of language barriers. It gives me satisfaction because I can actively take part in the feedback loop of broadcasting it, unlike passively listening to it,” he added.
Whether it’s singing, crocheting, hosting an evening radio show, or making comedy, all of these artistic activities provide a safe space for people to express their interests and show their personalities.
Using the creative side of your brain provides a creative dimension to life, especially in college. Some people relate their passions to their degree; others use their activities as an escape. The result? More stimulus for the brain, better brain health, and delayed aging.
