4 Reasons why creating is good for you

Creating is intrinsically linked to humanity. Painting, sculpting, dancing, making music, and all the other artistic pursuits have benefits that go far beyond pure enjoyment or cultural creation. The creative process relieves burdensome stress, encourages creative thinking, boosts self-esteem, and provides a sense of accomplishment. Creating art can make you an all-around better, happier person.

1. Making art reduces stress and anxiety

Things like sewing, drawing or painting, photography or gardening (to name a few) can release the neurotransmitter dopamine into your system, which not only stimulates the creation of new neurons that can help keep the brain active, but can also combat depression and increase self-esteem.

2. Creating can improve the connections in the brain

Creating art has the ability to flex our imaginations and our brains. Art in any form, whether while creating or observing, reduces the stress hormone called cortisol. It also releases the feel-good hormones called endorphins which help you combat stress and pain. By letting you enjoy a sense of fulfillment, it transforms you into a more positive, well-rounded human being.

2. Doodling can improve focus

Oddly enough, doodling can help us pay better attention when we’re listening to something boring — and remember it later. It helps us focus and keeps our minds from wandering, according to a study by The Atlantic. This study found that, when aided by doodling, participants were able to recall 29% more information on a surprise memory test than those armed only with their determination.

4. Turning your problems into art can help you work through them

Art can help processing emotions, identify triggers and reframe thoughts. This isn't for just visual art — thinking and writing about our problems as a creative narrative (as in diary entries) can help put them into perspective. Journaling is a powerful tool and can offer a safe space to process and explore thoughts and emotions that affect your mood, and reflect on impactful event. Organizing our issues as a narrative seems to bring some order to the chaos that is our problems. This gives people a sense of predictability and control over their lives.

When it comes to life and coping, ART is just one of the many tools at your disposal that can help tremendously.