Art and Its Impact on Mental Health
It seems like a no-brainer that being creative is good for us, but the volume of benefits are far beyond what we imagined. Flexing our creative muscles can increase positive emotions, reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression, and can even improve the overall function of our immune systems.
According to The Journal of Positive Psychology, “spending time on creative goals during the day is associated with higher activated positive affect.” This means improving positive moods like joy, optimism and happiness.
Participating in creative and artistic activities doesn’t just impact our positive emotions, either. It’s also proven to lessen shame, anger, and depression after experiencing a traumatic event.
Clinician Kim Nguyen offers an art therapy referral program for individuals with PTSD. “Using our creativity, we can also practice releasing and letting go of what could potentially become toxic to our mind, heart, soul and body,” says Nguyen. “Whether it’s through written words, physical or artistic movements such as interpretive dance along with our favorite melodies, splattered watercolor paints, pour acrylic paints... all of these techniques help us to access the powerful tool of our mind – the imagination to heal ourselves.”
Another organization, The Foundation for Art and Healing, fosters programming, a film series, and healing for individuals and communities. They created the UnLonely Project, recognizing the power and importance of the arts in connecting us. They believe that “the simple act of making, sharing, or receiving something creative benefits both mental and physical health.”
There’s an increasing amount of scientific evidence suggesting that creative arts expression is a powerful tool in reducing emotional isolation. Besides coloring our pieces on the Pntrly app, you can head over to the UnLonely Project and download their Creativity Jumpstarter, which, like Pntrly, helps put the power of the arts directly in your hands.
If you feel like the world is more stressful than ever, you’re not alone. In these especially trying times of isolation, fear, and cultural divide, we all need art. Art making, art appreciating, art sharing. We already know the arts are essential to our well being, and now the science is helping us understand why and how we can harness this data to better our collective mental health.
Why not achieve those goals through the simple and calming act of coloring?
