The Power of Art to Heal The Mind - how being creative can reduce stress and help you reconnect

Something magical happens when you put pen to paper (or brush to canvas etc.). That action wakes up the right side of the brain and kicks your creative centre into action. Logic and jobs list get put aside and your synapses start firing up the imagination.

Jill Whitehouse, hypnotherapist, explains that ‘When we do things that are good for us or the people we care about beneficial neurotransmitters are released into our bodies and they make us feel happy, brave and motivated to do more.  You may have heard of some like serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine.  When we find these activities through positive actions and positive interactions with others we can write them down and create something special … a way of reminding ourselves that they happened so that we can relive those wonderful moments as positive thoughts whenever we want to. 

Grab a notebook and give it a try.  Ask yourself, “What’s been good?”’

These happy activities can be as small as making yourself a nice cup of coffee or doodling for 5 minutes. A lot of scientific studies show that engagement in the arts can release these transmitters too.

‘Participating in the arts can enable people to deal with a wide range of mental ill-health conditions and psychological distress.’ MentalHealth.org

They also go on to discuss how group activities in the arts can combat issues with isolation, a fact that I observe in action while running the Creating Confidence programme for East End Women. Creating together provides the perfect environment for connection. You are not only sharing a common task but seeing different approaches to the same starting point, which enables you to learn deeply about each other without even saying a word. This is incredibly powerful - especially for people who find it difficult to open up. Also, the act of buying your eyes and hands gives the opportunity for people to talk without worrying about eye contact. For those of us who have experienced trauma or need to talk through complex issues, eye contact can feel confrontational and artwork provides somewhere for eyes to rest while during conversation. This was something I learned from the amazing people at James’ Place in Newcastle - a place where they hang art in therapy rooms to give clients something to look at while they have their sessions.

The mere fact that art is used as a form of therapy is proof of the greater impact that making marks on a surface can have on the brain. ‘Not only do individuals benefit from the creative process of making art, but they may also gain further insight through reflection that can help them move forward in their lives.’ (Husson University Online)

Even without realising, what we draw, paint and sculpt can tell us a lot about how we feel and what we need. Reflecting on our artwork after it is completed is an opportunity to better understand ourselves.

‘Numerous studies have demonstrated that doing something creative for at least 20 minutes, such as doodling, colouring, and drawing, will lower stress levels. The best part is that none of these activities require any artistic experience. ‘ Health in Mind

It’s not about mastering the art or producing one particular thing but instead enjoying the process - creativity for creativity’s sake. I found returning to my art practise extremely therapeutic after a period of post natal depression. It gave me an outlet for my creativity but also my emotions. It allow me to feel productive and to make beauty but most importantly it gave me something that was just for me again. Refilling my cup with these little bursts of joy felt like a selfish thing to do at first but it made me a happier mum which was good for everyone in my house. It has also served as inspiration for my daughter as she has grown and has provided many opportunities for us to bond.

The World Health Organisation also discovered that simply being in the presence of art can lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation so hanging art in your home and visiting galleries is actually good for your health.

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