3 ways the arts can boost your mental health
The benefits of art are virtually boundless.
Art has the power to inspire, promote self-discovery, and even help bolster your mental health. And — let’s face it — we could all use a little boost right now.
If you have an appreciation for art and culture but are hesitant to put your creativity into practice, rest assured you don’t need to be a skilled artist to reap the benefits of undertaking an artistic endeavour.
If you’re looking for a place to start, Coquitlam’s Place des Arts is a local not-for-profit arts education centre with a mission to inspire the artist in everyone.
This historic institution offers quality instruction for all ages and skill levels in the visual, literary, and performing arts. It’s a place where everyone can come together to engage in the arts, including music, dance, yoga, drawing, painting, cartooning, pottery, and fibre arts.
Whatever you might be looking to gain from taking up (or continuing) an artistic practice, you can trust you’re doing something good for yourself. In fact, there are a number of ways getting creative can positively impact your mental health.
Stress relief
Relief from stress, anxiety, and depression are among the things you might be surprised to find when engaging in art. Expressing our feelings with words can be difficult, which is why art can be an effective way to process complicated emotions and find a release.
Overall, art can make us feel happier. According to studies, this is largely thanks to a boost in dopamine levels (one of many happy hormones) that occurs when we do something enjoyable.
Taking up visual arts, like drawing, painting, or pottery in a friendly, non-competitive environment can truly allow your creativity to flourish. You’re also likely to walk away feeling more relaxed in your mind and body.
Bonding time
Embracing art in your day-to-day can be a social adventure. Whether it be in-person or online, classes and workshops can be a source of community interaction or an opportunity to bond with loved ones. It can be a great way to create family time and even has the potential to aid childhood development.
Music, in particular, can play a meaningful role in strengthening our relationships. According to research from the University of California, the act of trying to sync and harmonize with others musically can lead to a positive influx of social feelings, activating our centres of trust, empathy, and cooperation.
This concept can be applied to other activities that require social coordination and movement, like dance and yoga, leading to feelings of connection and the creation of happy memories.
Self-esteem enhancement
Beyond its communal benefits, art can also help you foster a sense of personal accomplishment and improve confidence levels. While it might not seem apparent, making time for art is an act of self-care and love.
Acquiring new skills or building upon existing ones can boost your self-esteem by allowing you to get to know yourself better, feel in control of your life, and overcome emotional hurdles. Activities like acting or creative writing are especially expressive and can provide a positive outlet through performing and storytelling.
Exploring your artistic abilities (everybody has them!) can be therapeutic and lead to a journey of self-discovery. After all, there’s nothing like adding something new to your toolbelt to make you feel like you can take on the world.
Place des Arts is a long-standing community pillar dedicated to providing quality arts education in many artistic disciplines. Their accessible online and in-person programs are taught by highly skilled professionals who ensure all students receive personalized attention.
The thriving cultural centre strives to be a warm, vibrant, and inspiring place where everyone can come together to discover the arts.
To learn more and register for a program or workshop, you can visit placedesarts.ca.
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