“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” – Dorothea Lange
Art has been used for centuries as a form of self-expression. However, it’s only recently that we have begun to understand how this creative outlet can improve our mental health.
Making art can reduce stress and anxiety, help us express ourselves in new ways, heal from traumas, create connections with others, and so much more. In this courtesy blog post hosted by artist and designer Sandy Breckenridge, we’ll talk about the lasting mental health benefits of creating art.
Making Art Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Making art is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety levels. It allows us to step away from daily life and focus on the creative process instead. The mindful act of creating something will help you clear your mind and become centered.
Whether you’re painting, drawing, or taking photographs, engaging in a creative activity is an effective way to relax your mind and body without resorting to any medications or therapies.
Learning To Express Yourself Through A New Medium Can Be Liberating
When you’re able to express yourself through a new medium such as painting or photography, it can be liberating. Art gives us the opportunity to explore our thoughts and feelings in ways that words alone cannot convey.
Learning how to use color or texture can help us better understand ourselves by providing a visual representation of our emotions that are often difficult to put into words.
Making Art Can Help You Heal From Trauma
Art therapy has long been used as a way of helping individuals recover from traumatic experiences or stressful life events such as death or divorce. Studies have found that engaging in visual arts activities such as painting can reduce symptoms associated with PTSD including depression, stress, anxiety, and nightmares.
Drawing or painting also provides an avenue for those who may struggle with verbal communication when trying to process their trauma experience(s).
Being Creative Can Help You Make New Connections With Other People
While art is often seen as a solitary practice, it also provides opportunities for connection with others who share similar interests. Connecting with others who are passionate about their craft allows individuals to build meaningful relationships, which promotes positive mental health outcomes such as feeling supported.
Additionally, attending workshops/art classes run by certified professionals provides additional guidance when trying new techniques/technologies. These connections not only provide support but may also open one up to potential career paths related thematically to their passions.
Online Tools Make Getting Creative Easier
If you’re feeling stuck on how to begin a creative pursuit, there are several online tools available that can help. Adobe Express, for instance, allows you to manipulate photos and videos to create a variety of projects, and it’s a much more affordable resource than Photoshop.
This means that you can experiment with intuitive tools and take your time finding your creative voice without worrying about the cost adding up.
Here are just a few examples of what you can do with Adobe Express:
- Make a fun photo collage using your favorite photographs. Adobe offers a wide range of fonts, stickers, and other icons that you can use to create an eye-catching project. This is perfect for beginners.
- Create a stunning online portfolio. This is a great way to highlight your best work, and you never have to worry about running out of room. Get creative with the process and show off your personality.
- Make a beautiful photo card to announce an upcoming creative event such as a book launch or art show. Adobe’s tools make the process super quick and easy.
- Create a beautiful photo calendar that uses a different image for each day of the month. This makes a great gift, or you can use it to promote your work. Adobe’s templates make the process easy; the hardest part is deciding which photos to use.
Making art offers many mental health benefits that make it worth exploring for everyone.
Whether you want to explore a new medium or relieve stress, there are lots of options when it comes to getting creative, from sewing textiles to taking photos. And with such a large variety of online tools to choose from, you’re not limited to any one type of project.
If you have a question for Sandy Breckenridge, click here > Get in Touch Today.
Thank you for sharing this Sandy. When I’m photographing and really focused nothing else exists. I become one with what I’m looking at. Nothing else matters. Creating a composition. Seeing what is possible. See how I want it to feel and look. It’s a wonderful way to express yourself. It is the art I am connected to. It feels good. Even if things don’t turn out the way I’d hoped. At least I tried.
You are so welcome! I know exactly what you mean. When I need to change my state nothing works better than creating something, anything. A favorite way is to grab a camera and go for a walk in nature and get lost in the sensory experience. When I come back inside I feel so much better! Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate you stopping by.