As a practising artist, I’ve intuitively known for a long time art is good for my mental health, to help me relax, switch off and has also improved my problem solving skills I take into everyday activities. But recent research has backed this up scientifically so if you’re looking for a mood booster, or something new to try in 2023, maybe it’s time to make time for a creative hobby? Creativity exists in hundreds, probably thousands of different ways to express yourself, so this is open to everyone. It’s not just painting or playing an instrument, you can do everything from flower arranging, model making, even colouring in as a beneficial creative activity.
Albert Einstein
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."
One of the best rewards of being a painter for me is getting into a flow state, when your mind is totally focused on the painting process hours can pass by. The sensation feels effortless, it’s almost like the artwork paints itself. Being able to switch off the constant dialogue of my brain (yes I’m an over-thinker), is a welcome break. It’s accompanied by physiological changes, too. In a 2010 Swedish study on classical pianists, the musicians who entered flow exhibited deepened breathing and slowed heart rates. Even the facial muscles that enable us to smile were activated.
The good news is you don’t have to be a professional artist to experience this natural high, it happens when you’re engrossed in a creative activity that you enjoy.
We are more likely to access the flow state when engaged in tasks we’ve already practised. Think of a musician in an orchestra, or a sportsperson. The level of difficulty should also be just right – not so easy that you find yourself bored, but not so hard that you get stressed.
The flow state leaves you with a feeling of achievement, elation, and motivation. But don’t panic, if this feels like reaching for the stars too soon, and if you’re a beginner stick with me. To get on the road to a flow state we can start off with small steps by becoming more mindful. This trains our brain to be in the moment, relax and free of distractions.
It’s super challenging in contemporary life to focus on one thing for an extended period, we live in a 24-7 society with no ‘off switch’ and technology has become all-consuming, a pitiful 8 seconds - less than a goldfish - is the average human’s attention span. And let’s be honest this stat is not surprising with the non-stop information barrage from our phones, laptops, TVs. There’s no escape to the velocity of anxiety provoking information designed to sell more stuff we don’t really need and induce us into a state of panic to manipulate our emotions.
I think it’s essential we give ourselves tools to escape this fast-paced overloading of information for our own mental health. One way we can do this is through practising mindfulness. Personally, I meditate every morning before I get out of bed to train my mind to focus and relax. I know a lot of people find this really challenging due to mental chatter or a restless body. Creative practices can really help create mindfulness and give your mind and body just enough to focus on to stop your thoughts running away with you.
Some suggestions for creative mindfulness activities:
- Knitting
- Cross stitch
- Colouring in
- Dancing
- DJing
- Painting by numbers
- Doodling
- Origami
- Lettering, calligraphy
- Scrapbooking
- Gardening
- Baking
- Crochet
- Model kits
- Jewellery making
I could go on, I recommend having a look on Pinterest for more inspiration if you’re looking to kick off a new creative hobby. And give it a go just for the fun of it, make some time to switch off and remember it’s fun and good for your brain.
In 2015, psychologist and art therapist Dr. Cathy Malchiodi cited multiple studies confirming that being creative can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and even improve immune system functioning. The average person has 60,000 thoughts a day, and a healthy distraction like knitting or gardening soothes the brain and gives you a pleasant activity to reduce anxiety.
Some experiences and emotions can be too difficult or complex to put down in words or discuss. Art forms can help express this in a healthy channel, whether it’s journalling to scribble down thoughts or even doodling, it’s essential to find some way to express these otherwise they can take the form of unhealthy habits or even addictions.
It’s also been proven that cognitive ability, particularly problem-solving, are improved in people that have a creative practice. Exercising your creative spark improves neural pathways between the left and right s of the brain meaning you can strengthen logical reasoning and inject creative thinking when problem-solving.
As you master your craft you’ll get a great sense of satisfaction and achievement. For me it’s a real confidence booster, spending time on something I love just for me. And it’s surprising the more time you spend on something how quickly you can improve.
You can start improving your mental health today with as little as some colouring pens and a book, it’s accessible and has amazing benefits for us. There are loads of creative activities you can try, enjoy finding something that's right for you and give it a go just for the fun of it!
I believe art should bring joy and wonder into your life.
Ruth Egon leads an online art membership, The Art Hub Community! We are an inspirational, nurturing and fun art community.
We gather creative souls who are curious about developing their interest in art, through live workshops, forums and inspiring content.
Together we build confidence, express joy and create art that’s authentic to us.
At Art Hub we create art in live group workshops, engage in lively and informative chat forums, share inspiration and grow skills through group challenges. We offer a welcoming, supportive and fun membership, so that we can become an authentic, confident, vibrant, purposeful and connected group of artists.
You don't need any experience to join us, all you need is an interest in art and a willingness to give it a go. Designed to be fun, and engaging and to build your creative confidence, these are the perfect sessions to get you started.
Sign up here: https://ruthegon.com/pages/art-hub-community
