A personâs mental health is a totally unique thing. We all have our own internal world where we experience a huge range of emotions, sometimes daily, and it can feel challenging to navigate that. Especially in a world that is moving faster every day. When the world feels like chaos around you, or your mind feels like too much to deal with, itâs important to have something that grounds you, that connects you to the present moment, something that distracts you even just for a little while. Art â whether itâs painting, drawing, crocheting, sculpting â offers huge mental health benefits. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and support in healing.
The mind is an incredible thing, but when it feels like itâs working against you, it can feel like your worst enemy. This is why art is so important. It offers a non-verbal language for emotions when youâre struggling to articulate how you feel. Every emotion can be expressed through art. When itâs hard to put things into words, art allows you to get your feelings out of your head and into a physical medium in front of you which can help your mind feel clearer or can help you make sense of what it is that youâre feeling. Some feelings that can feel difficult to show outwardly, such as anger, grief or deep sadness, can flow freely onto a canvas. Rather than suppressing emotions and bottling them up, you can explore and externalise them through an artistic medium.
There may be times, though, that you just want a break from your head, a distraction. Art brings you into the present moment, it forces you to focus on what youâre doing, to notice the colours, the textures, the feeling of the paintbrush or crochet hook in your hand. Being present in the ânowâ reduces overthinking and rumination, which may be experienced during times of anxiety or depression. When we create art, we enter a flow state- a meditative focus that can calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels. It allows you to switch off from daily pressures and quieten the mind.
There is such a huge sense of accomplishment that comes from completing an art project, regardless of your skill level. When youâre struggling with your self-esteem or your self-worth, you can look at a piece of art and know that youâve created something unique that wasnât in the world before. This can provide you with a sense of purpose and boost your confidence during moments you feel low.
Art may be a fun activity, but itâs also a lifeline for a lot of people. It keeps people going during their most difficult moments. You donât need to be a professional to benefit from it, just the process of creating something can provide psychological, emotional, and even social benefits.
The next time youâre feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected, try reaching for a pencil, or a crochet hook, donât overthink it, and see where it takes you. Your mind may thank you for it.
