I think the most I’ve ever connected the two words “art” and “brain” is the theory of right brain left brain. I’d never given much thought to how creating helps our brain. Not until I read the article published by NPR, “Feeling Artsy? Here’s How Making Art Helps Your Brain.”
When I create, I’ve had similar thoughts like the author expresses in this article. “When I create, I feel like it clears my head. It helps me make sense of my emotions. And it somehow makes me feel calmer and more relaxed.” I know for me I get lost in the process and getting lost is a fabulous feeling. Looking at the clock and it’s three hours later and I didn’t once think about my daily stresses or really, anything. Ten years ago when I started photography it was the same. When I picked up the camera I could get lost for hours while photographing and I still do. So I’m thinking there’s really something to this!
The NPR article covers the four following reasons: It helps you imagine a more hopeful future. It activates the reward center of our brain. It lowers stress. It lets you focus deeply.
The one that resonated with me the most was lowering stress. The journal of the American Art Therapy Association produced a paper in 2016 where they measured cortisol levels in 39 healthy adults. They found that creating art in a studio setting with an art therapist significantly lowered cortisol levels. The paper also showed no differences in the outcomes if you declare yourself an artist or not. From my own experience, I one hundred percent agree with these findings. Perhaps that’s even why art workshops and art escapes are gaining even more popularity than ever? I know when I just walk into my little space, I automatically feel calmer. Right now my art escapes are on-line art tutorials. As soon as I log into those sessions, my brain is totally focused on learning and creating. There’s no mind wandering, there’s no worrisome thoughts…it’s all dedicated to my art.
So how do we start an art habit? The author of the article, Malaka Gharib, provides these six ways:
I agree 100%! It’s a wonderful feeling to lose all sense of time and just get into the flow … and I love your little blossom so much, and you.
xoxo
You my dear are a beautiful blossom in my life and I love you too! I know you can so relate to all of this! Thanks for your note!
Love this Robin. So true. I’ve been trying to paint daily.
Oh…I’m loving your paintings and so glad to see more of it! Thanks Margie for your note!
Fascinating read. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you have your beautiful artwork to help you focus, relax, and find peace in your days. The end verse to the childhood song about the little old ant, that thinks he can move a rubber tree plant, when everyone knows an ant can’t, move a rubber tree plant… the end goes “Opps, there goes another rubber tree plant.” Just goes to prove we can all do whatever we really believe we can do… Love you! XoXo
Love your little rubber tree verses! This article also made me think of your love to cook and how it’s your stress release! Love you!❤️
How totally “right” and inspiring, Robin. I KNOW it’s right because what you’ve written not only moves me at my core but gives a YES inside me. I suppose the closest I come lately to what you’ve described is when I create books of my photos/colorings, which I’ve done in the past year (3 books). I always tell Astrid that any sense of time vanishes. So, yes, I understand.
What I need to work on now is something a bit more consistent, creating a DAILY time and space for something creative. Just yesterday I was talking about wanting to learn how to knit a pair of socks. Wouldn’t THAT be something. HA! So, YES YES and YES. Whatever it is, let’s all just do it. Actually, every day I do take time to color at least one Happy Color digital design. I suppose that counts as something.
THANK YOU, again, for the inspiration!
Miss Ginnie…YOU are the role model for this article! You create, create, create! Always inspiring me! I had to laugh at your sock comment because I am one who took a button to the cleaners for them to sew it back on and now I’m starting to incorporate slow stitching into some of my art, ha ha! I would have NEVER thought that would happen. But it’s so darn relaxing! x o Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this Robin, it’s all so true! I also agree about having a dedicated space. When we bought our current house there was a pool table room; I convinced my husband to give it up (he did God bless him) so I could convert it to a studio. It is my refuge.
I knew so many of us could relate to this great article! Yes! on the converted pool table room! It took a while, but I finally wore my husband down on my desire to eliminate the guest bedroom. I think he sees the value now, ha! I so get “refuge!” Thanks always for your notes! x o
I cannot even tell you how much my own cluttered brain needed to read these words right now!
I can tend to make it an all or nothing thing, time to do arting, and it’s an injustice to myself, I realize,
because taking 10 or 20 minutes a day is so much more life-giving than the self-defeating thought that
I need a whole thick block of time. Not true! Just go, baby step at a time. GOSH I needed that nudge and jiggle!
Thanks for shaking my tree until some old dead leaves fell off:)
– Jennifer
I just love your words. I’m glad to have finally given you something after all you give to me in your words. xo