23 Jun Make Art for Your Mental Health!
by Kara Ferreira
Many of us stopped making time for art and creative pursuits when art stopped being a class we had to take in school. The truth is that art and drama can be an important tool for both learning and stress reduction for all of us!
Art for kids
Michigan State University points out that art activities (painting, drawing, coloring) are important for children’s development. More than making a pretty picture or being a simple activity for kids to do, young children from the age of 18 months and up can improve their fine motor skills, learn skills like cause and effect and pattern recognition, obtain math skills related to concepts such as size and shape and improve their language skills – all through the practice of art!
Art for adults
Art continues to provide benefits for us grown ups too. Creating art:
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Improves creative thinking
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Boost self esteem
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Increase cognitive performance
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Reduces symptoms like pain, anxiety and stress
Some studies even show that creating something (like a painting) and enjoying the process can counter the effects of stress-related diseases and even reduce cognitive decline as we age!
Making more time for art
If you have little ones, make time to do art together. Stock up on paper, washable markers, colored pencils and sit down together. Draw and color along with your kids! To reap the full benefits, talk to your kid(s) about what they’re making and the colors they’re choosing.
If you don’t have a little one in the house (or if you do but want to make art part of ‘you’ time), that doesn’t mean you can’t make art on your own! There are plenty of art courses available online on websites like Skillshare. You can also inquire about group classes at your local studio or art store.
More support for your mental health
If you’d like to explore working with a therapist, contact us at (734) 323-4897 or info@galvingrowthgroup.com for more information. Our practice, based in Novi, Michigan, is home to a team of psychologists with a wide range of expertise. We also offer teletherapy and can see anyone in the state of Michigan.
Kara is a G3 Contributing Writer.
Sources
Michigan State University, The art of creating: Why art is important for early childhood development
National Library of Medicine, The neurological basis of occupation
Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups, The mental benefits of art
