Why the Arts are Important: How Creativity Can Improve Mental Health

If you’re an artist than you probably already know the personal benefits of engaging in artistic endeavors but did you know about the positive health effects? The arts have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, and for good reason. Engaging in artistic activities, such as painting, music, or theater, can have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. From reducing stress and anxiety to promoting creativity and self-expression, the arts offer a wide range of benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds. Better mental health and wellness is just one more reason why the arts are important for everyone.

The Arts and Mental Health: An Overview.

The arts have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health in a variety of ways. For example, engaging in creative activities can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. Additionally, the arts can provide a sense of community and connection, which can be particularly important for individuals who may feel isolated or lonely.

As creative, we know the serotonin-like effects of getting into a flow state when working on a piece. Creating a little bit every day and increase our overall happiness. I️ recommend bringing in unstructured creative time without the intention to sell. Why? Because this allows us to enjoy the creation process versus getting frustrated when things aren’t perfect. When we focus too hard on making money all the time, art can lose it’s healing effects and instead becomes a stressful activity.

The Benefits of Engaging in Creative Activities.

Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, writing, or playing music, can have numerous benefits for your mental health. These activities can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a healthy outlet for emotions and allowing you to focus on the present moment. It forces us to take a step away from our phones, notifications, social media and other everyday stressors.

Additionally, creative activities can improve mood and increase feelings of self-esteem and self-worth by providing a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. Who doesn’t love the feeling of creating and completing a beautiful piece of work. That pride and surprise when you accomplish something you hadn’t before is a wonderful mood booster.

Finally, participating in creative activities can provide a sense of community and connection if done with other creatives. I️ love participating in art classes or even open studios to make art a less isolating activity.

How the Arts Can Help with Stress and Anxiety.

Artistic activities provide a healthy outlet for emotions and allow you to focus on the present moment, which can help calm your mind and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Additionally, the act of creating something can be a meditative and relaxing experience, which can further reduce stress and anxiety. So, the next time you're feeling stressed or anxious, consider picking up a paintbrush or a pen and see how it can help improve your mental state.

The Role of Art Therapy in Mental Health Treatment.

Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses creative expression as a means of improving mental health. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or who struggle with traditional talk therapy. Art therapy can take many forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage. The act of creating art can help individuals process and express their emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve self-esteem. Art therapy is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment. I️ am no expert on therapy, but I️ have seen how much better I️ feel when I️ create, so I️ completely believe in the effects it can cause.

Incorporating the Arts into Your Self-Care Routine.

Adding the arts to your self-care routine can be a powerful way to improve your mental health. I️ love having a creative self care Sunday. I️ might do a little traditional self-care like a face mask, then I️ might blast some music and create something new with materials I️ have never used.

Whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or knitting engaging in creative activities can help you process your emotions and reduce stress. You don’t have to be an expert to benefit from the arts – simply allowing yourself to experiment and play can be therapeutic. Consider joining a local art class or workshop, or simply set aside time each week to engage in a creative activity that brings you joy. Your mental health will definitely thank you!

How will you incorporate the arts into your healthcare routine?

To learn more about how art has benefitted other creatives, tune into the podcast where I️ interview different artists each week! Episodes come out every Tuesday!