One particularly stressful afternoon, I stumbled upon my child’s neglected pottery wheel. It had remained untouched because I was usually occupied helping tiny hands mold clay and little feet pedal away. But on this day, I was all alone—no kids, no partner, and no one to judge my creative impulses.
With a hint of mischief, I retrieved the gray lump of clay, ripped off a chunk, and perched myself at the pint-sized table. My thumbs made an imprint on the unrefined mass, and with a little water, I set the pedal in motion. The clay began to spin, and I found myself sculpting with fervor.
For the next half-hour, I lost myself in the clay. I may not be a potter, but that didn’t matter. I added clay where it was too thin, and thinned out the thick parts. Armed with some flimsy plastic tools, I smoothed and shaped until, to my surprise, I had created a real pot. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a tangible achievement, maybe something a first-grader would present to a parent on Mother’s Day. Still, I felt a swell of pride and a burst of happiness that was undeniably uplifting.
This experience isn’t unique. Research supports that engaging in artistic activities is beneficial for your well-being. According to Business Insider, a study published in Art Therapy revealed that just 45 minutes of creative expression can significantly lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in participants—regardless of their artistic background. Whether your artwork is a masterpiece or a mess, the simple act of creating is what counts.
Furthermore, the Huffington Post reported on studies focusing on individuals with chronic illnesses, including cancer, which showed that making art can distract from illness-related thoughts, enhance emotional well-being, and decrease negative feelings. Who wouldn’t want such benefits in their life? And these effects have nothing to do with your talent or training; they arise from the joy of creating.
Art also has a way of boosting self-esteem. When you display your child’s artwork on the fridge, you may find a similar sense of pride in your own creations. I know I feel a little thrill when I glance at my quirky pot. This could be due to the fact that creating art increases dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Dopamine enhances focus and encourages the growth of new neurons, making our brains more receptive to learning—regardless of the quality of the art.
The importance of creating art amplifies when illness is involved. A study in The Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found that writing as a form of therapy for HIV patients led to improvements in their immune systems as indicated by rises in CD4+ lymphocyte counts. It’s astounding how the act of writing can affect our biology.
Artistic endeavors also foster communication among brain cells, which may help in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s. By enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving skills, art encourages holistic brain activity, engaging both hemispheres. This cognitive integration is crucial for complex tasks like learning languages and playing instruments.
Even adult coloring books have gained recognition. CNN highlighted that experts from Johns Hopkins University and Yoga Journal endorse coloring as an alternative to meditation. This therapeutic coloring can alleviate anxiety, enhance focus, and promote mindfulness, particularly for those hesitant to engage in other forms of art. With less pressure to create something “perfect,” individuals can lose themselves in the activity.
Ultimately, it seems our inner five-year-olds were onto something: creating art is beneficial for your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress and depression while improving overall wellness. So, whether you dust off that pottery wheel, pick up a paintbrush, or grab a coloring book, remember that the process of creation is what truly matters. You might just find yourself as proud of your quirky creations as I am of my lopsided pot.
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In summary, making art is not just for the talented; it provides numerous mental and physical health benefits, regardless of skill level. So, unleash your creativity and enjoy the process!