Making Art is Good For You

I could write a long post on all the scientific data available on how creativity benefits your physical and mental well-being, but that may be boring for many. I find it fascinating, but I'm a nerd at heart. If I could do my life over again, I would still be an artist but also be working in neuroscience. However, I guess you could say that I do to some extent, as I bring much of that knowledge into my coaching practice.

Back to making art being good for you…

We live in (I wouldn't say I like this next word, but I'm going to use it) unprecedented times when it comes to our daily activities, stress levels and disconnection from community, family and ourselves. Then there are the environmental toxins in the air we breathe, the fast fashion we wear and the mass-produced food we eat. The toll on our physical and mental health is obvious.

Next time you're participating in an activity you thoroughly enjoy—cooking, gardening, planning a home renovation, working on a puzzle, planning an event, giving a friend a makeover—the list could go on—pay attention to how you feel.

These activities, among many others, are all creative. When we are creative, our bodies produce a ton of feel-good hormones, which significantly impact every system in our bodies. Even doodling on scrap paper is calming and good for you and can reduce cortisol.

Get curious and pay attention to what brings you a sense of calm. Not even joy, just presence and calm.

I know that making art is good for me—as I have said many times, it saved my life. So, it is easy to know that I must make art to feel good. It is my way to find calm, reduce stress, quiet my busy mind, and return to center. However, if you've yet to have this first-hand experience, it can be hard to justify making time for creativity in an already too busy life.

I want to challenge you. Think back to your childhood. What activity did you enjoy the most? Chances are, as an adult, you would still enjoy doing that same activity or something very similar. I recently recalled that I used to doodle faces and collect ceramic masks as a kid. I have dismissed my love of painting portraits for a long time because I felt I was not good enough at it. However, the whispers to paint portraits were getting loud. So, I've been creating time and space into my days for making art, specifically portraits, because it makes me feel good. I've made some ugly paintings, but that's okay. I’ve also made a couple that I absolutely love! I'm learning and discovering more about myself and my art practice, and most importantly, it has allowed me to care for myself in a way that nutrition, exercise and sleep cannot offer my Soul.

Give it a try. See how you feel. Make art because it's good for you.

And if you'd like to make some art in a small, intimate group with me as your guide, check out my upcoming workshops here!