On art and mental health

Art and mental health correlate positively - artistic activities such as sculpting, painting, or drawing are known to lower stress levels and promote mental calm. Creating art distracts us from everyday life and provides a relaxing diversion. Worries are pushed aside as you focus on the details of the art you're creating. The benefits of this mental relaxation are one reason why art therapy is used to treat PTSD and adult coloring books are a popular pastime for people of all ages!

Another benefit of art is that it stimulates creative thinking and imagination in children and adults. It also improves problem-solving skills. Since there is no wrong answer in art, people are encouraged to imagine their solution. This type of flexible thinking stimulates the brain and prepares it for complicated tasks, much like learning a new language.

Creating art boosts self-esteem and gives adults and children a sense of accomplishment. When you complete a creative project, you may feel a dopamine rush that increases your drive, improves your concentration, and just makes you feel good!

This goes for any craft or hobby - you don't have to create a masterpiece to benefit. Use your hands, create something, and have fun doing it - that's all you need to experience the positive effects of art on your mental health. The process stimulates the formation of new neural pathways in the brain that improve overall well-being, prevent depression, and even slow the aging process.

Art can improve the cognitive abilities and memory of people with severe brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Creating visual art helps improve the quality of life of patients with these disorders by providing them with a source of enjoyment, increasing connectivity, and promoting cell growth in the brain.

Forget the pain through art

Chronic illness is often accompanied by depression, pain, anxiety, and stress. Bring your loved ones suffering from chronic illnesses to beautiful works of art and help them forget their worries for a while. Museum visits and art walks are a fun, imaginative, and positive experience for adults, children, and seniors. Whether you're learning something new, rediscovering your passion, or just looking for an enjoyable change of pace, the health benefits of immersing yourself in the arts for you and your loved ones are widespread. Take a day to let your imagination run wild and improve your health!

Studies have shown that expression through art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress. Art also improves memory, thinking skills, and resilience in older people.

The best part is that art is something that everyone can participate in. It's not subject to any particular standards and is unique to each of us.

Try different art forms and use your creative mind while you're at it. Here's a list of other popular art forms you can explore:

• Scribble or doodle

• Coloring

• Writing

• Photograph

• Sculpture

• Playing an instrument

• Dancing

• Fashion

• Arts and crafts

• Jewelry making

Think of something creative that you love to do. Maybe you dance, paint, or play music. How do you feel when you make art?