If you enjoy creating art as a hobby, such as painting, sculpture, drawing, scrapbooking, or photography, you may not even be aware that you are encouraging good health. Benefits of arts and crafts have a beyond simple enjoyment, such as raising self-esteem, boosting cognitive function, and even relieving the symptoms of major medical diseases.
Imagination and creativity go hand in hand! Both imagination and creativity are based on one another. In order to solve problems, think creatively, and fully immerse oneself in a variety of activities, including art, literature, and film, one needs to have a strong imagination. The imagination can be expanded by having the capacity for both creative expression and creative thought. Children that are creative are better able to understand themselves. Children’s creativity helps them comprehend their inner ideas, feelings, likes, and dislikes. Creativity is a crucial form of self-expression.
Creativity is an important tool for expressing oneself and aids in self-understanding.
1. Stress relief
According to a research published in the American Journal of Public Health under the title “The Relationship Between Art, Healing, and Public Health,” people who participate in art-making report “reductions in stress and anxiety” as well as “increases in positive feelings.” Your mind can divert from urgent or off-task ideas when you’re involved in making art, allowing you to fully concentrate on the task at hand. This induces a meditative state when worries are momentarily set aside, thereby reducing stress and fostering mental clarity.
2. Confidence boost
A boost in self-esteem from seeing the finished product of a creative endeavor lifts the mood through elevating the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine, also referred to as the “feel-good” chemical, boosts confidence and lessens depressive symptoms. A sense of accomplishment that comes from being creative can automatically increase happiness in the artist. The idea of art is absolutely unique and varies widely from person to person. This acts as confirmation of each person’s uniqueness and originality. Also, like with other things, children’s confidence will increase as they participate in art more. Their feeling of self-worth is influenced by their technique, their comprehension of the principles behind great work, and their awareness of the emotions that art evokes in them.
3. Increases empathy
You may alter how you think and feel by learning about art and participating in it. A neurobiologist at University College London discovered that simply appreciating art can improve one’s capacity for critical thought. Professor Semir Zeki found that those who engage in or make art demonstrate greater empathy and tolerance for others.
4. Improves quality of life for those with illness
The study “The Link Between Art, Healing and Public Health” also discovered that making art improved medical results for those suffering from incapacitating diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The act of creating reduced psychiatric symptoms and improved patients’ enjoyment and social interaction. Dr. Arnold Bresky, a physician who utilizes art therapy to help Alzheimer’s patients, reports that since participating in art, his patients’ memories have improved by 70%.
5. Enhances brain productivity
Doing crafts and art increases dopamine levels, which boosts the growth of new neurons and encourages focus and concentration as well as gets the brain ready for learning. By improving the connectivity between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, making art can increase psychological toughness and productivity.
6. Lessens effect of serious health conditions
The Relationship Between Art, Healing, and Public Health states that “Art filled occupational voids [and] diverted thoughts of disease.” Researchers found that the medium has many beneficial benefits on persons dealing with serious health issues after analyzing more than 100 studies about the effects of art on mental and physical health. The participants in the study reported lower levels of stress, easier access to emotional expression, and success in preserving their old selves through art. Dr. John Graham-Pole, a pediatric oncologist, utilizes art to ease the hospital experience for both patients and staff. “Art is a social factor of our health,” he asserts. Although it doesn’t treat a specific illness, it is beneficial for all your ailments.
7. Planning and Foresight
Giving students the chance to practice their planning abilities is an important component of a teacher’s lesson planning. Planning can be easily incorporated into the curriculum, whether it be drafting a plan for a Big Write or writing step-by-step preparation for a scientific experiment. It’s crucial for kids to start arts and crafts projects with a clear purpose in mind. They must also consider the potential materials and tools they may require. For a creative vision to be successfully realized, it is a good idea for kids to plan ahead and think about how they will accomplish the end result. Planning and foresight are vital life skills that go hand in hand with other crucial abilities like organization.
8. Organisational Skills
Similar to planning, arts and crafts can be used to hone organizational skills. The effectiveness of an art production can be greatly enhanced by making sure the necessary tools are nearby, having a good workspace, and setting aside the appropriate amount of time. Of course, being organized is a great skill to have and can make life a little bit easier.