The cognitive benefits of creative expression are numerous. They help to protect against a variety of mental health conditions, manage the effects of poor mental health as well as support and stimulate recovery. To understand how and why specific artistic practices such as painting by numbers benefit mental health, it is first necessary to learn about the therapeutic benefits of art more generally.
Art as Medicine
Regular artistic practice can act as a type of medicine, one that will benefit a wide range of different mental and cognitive illnesses. For example, it is commonly noted that artistic expression is still similar in dementia patients who have lost all ability to talk. Furthermore, a recent study found that artist practice was responsible for a 71% decrease in feelings of anxiety and a 73% drop in feelings of depression, with 76% of the participants believing that their mental wellbeing was increased. For those unfamiliar with the relationship between art and mental health, these figures might seem rather startling, only becoming more understandable when one learns more about the ways art can have this level of impact.
Artist Expression Promotes Self-Discovery
Creative expression has been found to bring significant benefits to individuals who have experienced trauma. This is due to the unique ability art has to promote a distanced form of self-expression. As Gretchen Miller writes for the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children: ‘art expression is a powerful way to safely contain and create separation from the terrifying experience of trauma… art safely gives a voice to and makes a survivor’s experience of emotions, thoughts, and memories visible when words are insufficient.’
Art as a Stress Relief
Consistently high-stress levels can have devastating effects on both one’s mental and physical health. Art is one of the best ways of combating increased stress levels. Researchers have found that 75% of participants’ cortisol (the stress hormone) levels were lowered during the 45 minutes they spent making art. For those new to the making art, one of the best ways of using a technique to reduce stress is to use Just Paint By Numbers kits as they provide the stress-relieving effects without the pressure of creating a whole image completely from imagination.
It Increases Self Esteem
Artist expression helps to boost an individual’s self-esteem both through the pleasurable practice, and the final product. Studies have found the practice of creating art actually stimulates the release of dopamine, the so-called feel-good neurotransmitter, found to bring particular benefits to those battling anxiety or depression. However, not only is the process beneficial, but so is the final product. Having a tangible result is likely to bring the artist an increased sense of accomplishment, which can have really positive effects on levels of self-confidence and appreciation.
Artistic expression is a precious resource, helping to promote self-esteem, self-expression, and increase the feelings of control over an environment. It benefits individuals who are suffering from severe mental health conditions and for individuals who are looking for a way to channel the stresses of a hectic lifestyle.
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