Life is so fast-paced these days. Our lives are filled with high-speed internet, constant and instant communication, the expectations of society, and the ever-increasing demands of work. All of this can be quite overwhelming, which is why it’s no surprise how many of us struggle with stress and anxiety. A great way to cope with all of this is through art. Whether you’re a professional artist, a hobbyist, or have never done any kind of art at all, using it as a creative outlet has immense health benefits.
Love + Courage Black and White. 30 x 40 Digital Collagraph printed on archival ink jet paper by Joanie Landau
Art can function as a temporary distraction from the stresses and anxieties of daily life. Research has shown that creating art has therapeutic effects similar to meditation. When you direct your focus towards whatever you are creating, all your other worries fade into the background and you will feel a sense of calm. Because you are so immersed in what you are making, your brain doesn’t have room for all of your worries as well. Some call this state “flow” or as being “in the zone.”
Art also provides a creative outlet where you can express yourself. If you have trouble expressing yourself in words, art can offer an alternative way for you to communicate how you are feeling. Holding all of your emotions inside without expressing them can be distressing. By letting out how you are feeling through art, you can feel a sense of relief.
If you are unable to express yourself creatively in your job or at school, art can offer you the chance to do so. If you feel limited or held back by societal expectations and biases, engaging in some kind of art practice can provide a sense of freedom for you. With art, you can be unapologetically yourself. You can choose to create entirely for yourself and reject what society says you should do.
Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, PhD, American Suffragist. 2020 acrylic on board 11"x14" by Mary Dwyer
You can also create art intended for an audience if there is a certain message you want to get across. Sometimes there might be something you want to tell the world about and are not sure how. It might be about a social cause or issue you care about/identify with. There are endless ways you can creatively convey your message to people and bring awareness to it. Being able to share what you care about in this way can help you feel a greater sense of fulfillment in your life.
The more art you make, the more you will discover about yourself, what you like, and how art can help you live a happier, more authentic, and more fulfilling life.