You don't have to be an artist to reap the benefits of creating art. Not only is art fun, but it's an incredible remedy to combat mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and addiction. Whether it's drawing at home, painting with friends, or joining a pottery class, having an outlet to express yourself can be a transformative experience and promote your overall well-being. Here are a few ways picking up an artistic hobby can elevate your mood and lead to a happier, healthier life.
Relieves Stress
One of the best things about art is that it relieves stress. It offers an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Studies have shown that activities like sculpting, drawing, painting, and even coloring drastically lower stress levels and promote an overall calmness in both body and mind. Having an outlet to channel your creativity lowers your cortisol levels and provides a healthy distraction from any stress and anxiety you may experience throughout the day.
Encourages Creativity
If you work in an office where you are answering emails, crunching numbers, and performing other business tasks, you rarely get the opportunity to be creative. Art, however, challenges you to think in a new way. Hobbies like painting encourage you to take a step out of your analytical brain and look at life from a new perspective. The best part is there is no such thing as a wrong answer. Art gives you the freedom to let down your walls and think outside the box. Creative thinking stimulates the mind and can help improve brain function!
Teaches Mindfulness
It is easy to get caught up in all the stresses of the daily grind. We spend most of our time reliving the past or worrying about the future. Embarking on an artistic endeavor teaches you to enjoy the present moment and live in the now. Getting lost in art has the same effect on our brain as meditation and yoga. Instead of worrying about what bills you have to pay or what you will cook for dinner, you can lose yourself in your canvas and just enjoy creating. Studies have shown that just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can relieve anxiety and enhance intuition and problem-solving abilities.
Boost Self Esteem
Creating art not only relieves stress and anxiety but produces a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. When you finally finish a painting or a sculpture, your sense of accomplishment triggers your brain to release dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria that can last throughout your day.