Art and Our Mental Health

Art and Our Mental Health

What are the mental health benefits of art?

This is a topic that’s been increasingly researched in the mental health field. It’s amazing how much of an impact art can have on us! Art can have a positive impact on children and adults of all ages. There are many therapists who hold an extra certification in art therapy. I highly recommend checking one out!

Here are some potential benefits of using art:

Boosts confidence

Group classes decrease loneliness

Improves resilience

Brings joy

Decreases stress

Cultivates curiosity

Decreases sadness

Improves well-being

Improves focus

Improves self-esteem

Improves personal growth

Encourages self-expression

Allows for emotional expression

Improves emotion regulation

Improves feelings of happiness, love, gratitude, peace, inspiration, joy, calm, motivation, serenity, hope, confident, creativity

What are some benefits of art you’ve already experienced?

Art Activities for Mental Health

Draw an outline of the human body and color in the areas of your body that are impacted when you’re sad, mad, or stressed.

Choose an art medium and create something that makes you happy. How does the process of art impact your mood? The final product doesn’t matter as much as how creating art impacts your mood.

Using clay, create something of your choosing. How does this tactile experience impact your mood?

If you could paint your feelings as colors, what colors would they be? Example: many people use the color red to portray anger or love. Green is often used to portray envy.

Try a new art medium. How is it different than art mediums you’re used to? How is it the same? How does it impact your mood?

Draw or color what your anger looks like. What colors will you use? Shapes? Lines? Will you add texture? Remember, there is no right or wrong answer! Notice your thoughts and feelings during this exercise. (Do this same activity for feelings of sadness, worry, etc.)

Here are a few art mediums you could try.

I encourage you to be open to trying something new!

watercolor
paint
printmaking
charcoal
oil paint
colored pencil
clay
graphite
chalk
acrylic paint
pastel
wood ink
collage

What surprised you the most about the mental health benefits of art? How can you use art to improve your mental health and ability to manage stress? How can art improve the mental health of your children?