Working with art tends to have a soothing effect on your brain; it relieves stress, brings out your inner creativity and calms your nerves. It increases the plasticity of your brain and blesses you with a plethora of health benefits.
There is a huge misconception that art is only restricted to sketching and painting. While painting, drawing and sketching are no doubt the most common known art, in reality, art exists in many forms. There is art that includes performance such as singing, dancing, acting, theater and playing musical instruments. Then there is literature, which is also a form of art. Handcrafts such as making mosaics, handicrafts, photography, pottery is also a form of art. In short, basically anything that helps you express your creativity and talent can be considered as art.
Do you know that admiring great artwork can feel like you are in love?
That’s right. Why you ask? It is because seeing good art work releases a chemical called dopamine in your brain and stimulates the same part of the brain that gets stimulated when a person is in love! It means looking and admiring artworks gives you similar feelings of pleasure as being in love. It can be any type of artwork, a performance, a painting, a sculpture, whichever is your favorite.
How does it reduce stress?
Having hobbies that are good for your health is always a good idea. Hobbies like painting, sculpting, drawing are rewarding because of the sense of achievement you feel. When you get a break from your usual chain of thoughts, your nerves relax and your brain gets to rest. You must have noticed while doing something artistic you get into “the zone.”
It is when you get control on your thoughts as if you are teleported to another dimension. Even if it is for a while, it pulls you away from the realities of life and fills you up with positive vibes.
A big misconception!
For people who feel art is useless and it cannot possibly have the power to change people’s lives – WRONG! Art is therapeutic – Art Therapy is literally a thing. People with mental health issues or a lot of stress often opt for these therapies to feel positive. The main motive of these therapies is to bring out the creative side of people, so they can feel accomplished and proud of themselves.
Art therapy is very soothing and gratifying. It does not always have to include painting; it can also entail sculpting, dancing, playing a piano or guitar. Anything that will sooth the soul and help you with your anxiety issues.
Did you know art improves academics?
Yes, this is true. It has been observed that kids who are good at arts in school are more likely to get better grades. A report by the Americans for the Arts states, “A student involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.” There is a logical explanation for that. Since arts improves your concentration, creative skills and keeps your mind fresh, it not only improves your memory, but also your analytical skills and critical thinking.
You must be wondering how can playing with colors, mud, tunes etc. could possibly have such an impact on our brain, but it really does.
Art and your brain – a direct connection!
Art increases brain plasticity, which means that it helps the brain make new neurons. Just like it is healthy to exercise and keep your body fit, it is important to let your mind have some exercise too. Our mind in itself is a universe of its own, it has no bounds, and when we bind it to our societal norms, stress and pressure, with time it loses its edge. It is important to keep sharpening the saw.
Art gives our brain the opportunity to be expansive; it is a task of delicacy and concentration hence it improves critical thinking and memory. Art also helps improve emotional intelligence. When you are creating any form of art, different parts of the brain are stimulated, which enables those parts to work in coordination with one another. Not just the brain even your limbs are in coordination, this is how you improve your coordination and analytical skills.
Arts effects your personality
Art makes you a better empath; it makes you a passionate human being and improves your patience. Art makes you look at life from different perspectives. It helps you expand your limited thinking. You start understanding deeper meaning of things than just what meet the eyes. It teaches patience because in order to create a masterpiece, you have to be very patient and go through different trials and errors. It clears the toxins in your brain, allowing you to think clearly about life.
Some apps to help you improve your skills
If you are convinced about the numerous benefits of art, then consider downloading some apps. Apps like Art Flow and Sketchbook allow you to have a sketchbook in your phone so you carry it with you everywhere without any problem. However, make sure you have a good internet connection first. Try Spectrum silver package for blazing –fast internet and an amazing channel lineup including HBO and Showtime. You can use this to watch impressive documentaries on ART.
Unleash the artist in you!
Therefore, you see Art has many positive benefits and can have a great impact on your life. Hope you are inspired by the benefits we mentioned and will consider giving art a chance in your life.
