Individuals all around the world are continually looking for ways to either improve or sustain a certain level when it comes down to their mental health as it has become clearer as time goes by that it is incredibly important to look after it to enjoy a positive lifestyle.

Indeed, there are a number of things that people will look to do to try and keep their minds occupied and as healthy as possible and one of those things is turning to art.

There are a number of benefits that art can provide, whether it is being created or simply being enjoyed, as individuals will be able to enjoy the work that has been produced in both regards.

Art such as drawings and paintings can help users feel at ease when they look at the finished article as the image may provide a source of inspiration to them, whilst those who participate in the activity may feel that they are able to take their mind off of things and relax.

A number of studies have been conducted that have shown evidence that art has helped to improve a person’s mental health, with some suggesting that art therapy can be rather valuable when it comes down to treating mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder amongst many others.

Mental health benefits that can be experienced via the use of art

As mentioned above, there are a number of studies that have shown that there are a number of benefits that can be experienced when using art as a means to help improve and maintain positive mental health levels.

Art therapy can help individuals to find inspiration and achieve a sense of self-discovery when they look at certain pieces. For example, those that see the works that have been created by the iconic artist, Yoël Benharrouche, may be able to tap into their inner-self and find help them to acknowledge a feeling or even bring one to life within themselves that they may not have realized that they had in the first place.

Emotional Release & Self-Esteem

In addition, other benefits that can be obtained via the art world is that individuals can be able to enjoy a sense of emotional release and the opportunity to be able to clear their minds.

Indeed, this may be truer for those who participate in the creation of artwork, although those who take time to admire the pieces that have been created by others will also be able to potentially let go of everything that they are feeling when they view a piece that resonates with them or perhaps makes them ask some interesting questions about it, such as what the artist was looking to achieve or the message that they were trying to portray.

This can fit into other benefits that can be had, with self-esteem being potentially built up by those who are able to create a piece. Those that are able to successfully accomplish and complete one will immediately be able to feel a lot better about themselves, as they will be able to appreciate the work that they have achieved, whilst also being able to build their own self-confidence at the same time.

Furthermore, creating the art will help to reduce the stress levels that are perhaps being faced as these can have a negative impact on the mind and the mental health of an individual. By focusing on a painting or a drawing, all of those worries will be forgotten, thus allowing the body and mind to relax, therefore allowing the stress to disappear, if only for the period spent focusing on the artwork.

Anyone can participate in Art Therapy

Whilst there may be some scared about getting involved with art therapy, there is nothing to fear as it is something everyone can do. Individuals do not have to be the best artists the world has ever seen in order to achieve the benefits that the process can provide to a person’s health.

In fact, the only thing that people need to do is to sit back, relax and be honest with themselves and their emotions. Once this happens, the creativity levels will start to flow which will then allow for the mind and body to relax.

Dopamine will be released when art is being created and this will instantly make individuals feel a lot better rather quickly, as the chemical is released when something enjoyable is being experienced.

Conclusion

It is clear that art can help to improve a person’s mental health in a variety of different ways, whether it is being created or just simply being looked at. If you feel your mental health needs a boost, then why not give art therapy a go and experience the positives for yourself?