Making art is popularly viewed as either a hobby or a profession, but art can be a tool for anyone to express themselves and portray their experiences. A lot of research in the medical field has even shown that making art can be beneficial for mental health; being creative is great exercise for the brain and can even stretch its capabilities. Here are some of the ways in which creative expression can benefit mental health:
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1. Exposure to art relieves stress
When a person is involved in creative activities, they can focus their mind on the task at hand and temporarily ignore their worries or even alleviate them fully. Activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting require a lot of concentration. This kind of mental focus can act as a meditative session. In particular, coloring books are a highly popular method of stress relief for adults. Adult coloring books have even been used to introduce art therapy to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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2. Boosts creative thinking
Art can engage the senses in new ways that can be used to exercise the brain, stimulating the growth of new neurons. The problem-solving skills that are learned while making art can also train an individual to be more creative in other fields. Moreover, it has been found that the loss of communication between brain cells is the main cause of mental health decline. Being creative on a regular basis can strengthen these connections and help preserve mental health.
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3. Boosts self-esteem
Making art produces the neurotransmitter dopamine, which improves focus and concentration to prepare the brain for learning. It also helps stimulate the creation of new neurons and protects the brain from aging. What’s more, the feel-good effect that this molecule has on the brain can reduce feelings of depression.
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4. Builds brain health
New connections between brain cells are made when the brain engages in a new and complex activity. The brain’s ability to grow new connections is called neuroplasticity. Enhanced neuroplasticity helps improve emotional and psychological resilience and increases resistance to stress.
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5. Increases feelings of empathy
A study has shown that students who visited museums and art galleries experienced a change in the way they thought and felt, tending to become more empathetic towards other people and more tolerant towards people from diverse cultures and various communities. Brain scans also show that looking at works of art triggers the production of dopamine in the area of the brain that is responsible for feelings of love and affection.
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6. Therapy for dementia patients
Making art can help strengthen memory and enhance cognitive abilities in people suffering from dementia. It can also improve their social behavior and prevent them from becoming agitated and having aggressive outbursts.
