Be Artsier: The Health Benefits of Creativity

Art can be extremely beneficial for the overall health of the people. Art can help foster creativity. It can also help in catharsis; people are able to express themselves. It, therefore, acts as an outlet for anxiety. Therefore, psychologists recommend “artsy” activities.

The focus required in creating art also helps soothe the body and promotes a sense of well-being. It also helps people in healing themselves. However, you don’t have to be an artist to benefit from the power of making art. Anyone and everyone can do it.

Helps relieve stress:

Whether it be drawing, or painting, sculpting or writing, any form of art can have soothing effects. It helps channel all the energy and concentration into making the art. It, therefore, distracts one from the stressful thoughts that consume the person.

The lowered stress levels hence regulate heart rate and blood pressure. It also saves people from ailments like cardiovascular diseases, weight gain etc. that stem from stress. Furthermore, creating things causes people to be less anxious, more relaxed and happier.

Promotes creativity:

Creativity causes the brain to function better. The mental decline occurs due to a lack of communication between brain cells. When people think creatively, they stimulate the brain to develop neurons. This, in turn, increases communication between different regions of the brain and hence improves cognition.

The regular exercise of the brain that occurs due to creative thinking helps it function better and remain fit. Creativity also helps in healing, as helps people in finding strength and reducing their stress levels.

Helps with dementia:

Art has a positive impact on people suffering from dementia. Patients of dementia have declining cognitive functioning. They can produce art even after losing speech. It hence aides them in managing their stress levels even when they can’t express their anxieties. Also, it is still able to improve their memory. The patients of dementia are often very agitated; therefore art can help relax them.

Improves self-esteem:

The sense of accomplishment that comes from creating art has great benefits. It causes the release of the hormone dopamine—causing people to feel better and happier about themselves. Furthermore, it promotes the process of learning. It disciplines people by warding off impulsiveness. All these then give people better opinion of themselves and successfully repels self-deprecating thoughts.

Boosts brain function:

Creating art helps the brain form new connections and therefore boosts brain function. It is especially useful for growing children as the benefits last them a lifetime. Even creating art in the form of music helps increase blood flow to the brain.

As a result, the IQ, attention, and creativity of children is improved. These are beneficial not just for creating art, but performance in other spheres like mathematics, reading etc. is also improved. Furthermore, the art of writing can help with learning and memorization. Art hence improves the overall cognitive functioning.

Cope with chronic diseases:

Those suffering from diseases like cancer find art very useful. It helps people get distracted from the pain and they can channel their thoughts into something other than thinking about their diseases.

The dopamine released also helps them relax and cope better with the pain. Research has shown that expressive writing has boosted immune support in people suffering from HIV. It also acts as a good hobby to pass the long hours in the hospital. Making art also reduced negative thoughts and therefore makes the patients more optimistic.

There are numerous benefits of creating art—it not only positively influences mental health but also improves physical health. Utilizing art as a tool for a healthier life is a great avenue that you can explore together with an expert. Book an appointment with top psychologists in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your concerns.