The therapeutic benefits of art and craft you didn’t know

Let’s begin by taking a trip down memory lane. Picture this, you are a kid again, and it’s your summer vacation. You have all the leisure time in the world, so you pick up the paintbrush to draw everything your eyes could see. What you finally have on the paper is the scenery you painted, including mountains, water streaming down them, a hut, two trees, and a few flowers and bushes at the bottom. 

How did it feel? Nostalgic? Therapeutic? If yes, you are not alone. For most of us, it has been a while since we picked up the paintbrush. All thanks to our complicated professional and personal life, including our busy schedules, hectic deadlines, personal commitments, and our devotion to our cell phones and social media. 

We might as well agree that we do not have ample time like we did before. But whatever little time we usually have, we spend it on useless things such as mindlessly scrolling social media on our phones. Turns out, there are better ways to spend your time. We are talking about practising art and craft. 

No, you are never too old to pick up the paintbrush and indulge in an art & craft session. In fact, as per science, art and craft can have several therapeutic benefits.

We will be exploring the same in our blog post today. 

Benefits of Art and Craft

Helps with stress

Struggling with overthinking? Here’s a thing that can take your mind off those thoughts for a while – art and craft. A creative task such as art and craft can provide an excellent distraction and give your mind much-needed calm and peace. 

Backed by science, art and craft sessions can reduce negative feelings such as anxiety and stress. When your body goes through stress, the production of cortisol is increased. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to anxiety and stress. Although there are many functions of cortisol, the main function is dealing with stress. 

As per a study, it was observed that 75 per cent of the people who practised art and craft had lowered cortisol levels when they practised 45 minutes of art and craft. 

Boosts confidence 

If you happen to be a master of art and craft – the next Picasso, your product of art, the ultimate creation can give you that boost of confidence you are missing out on. There are a lot of times when we feel we are not good enough.  Art and craft is beneficial for times like these as it gives you a boost of confidence to make you feel better about yourself. 

Supported by science, art and craft gives a boost to self-esteem that enhances the mood by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Often regarded as a feel-good molecule, dopamine reduces feelings of stress, and depression and generates confidence. Creative endeavours such as art can instil a sense of achievement in the artist, which promotes happiness in the long run. 

Boosts brain productivity 

Just as your body needs exercise, your brain does too. Art and craft is no less than an exercise for the brain. It improves brain health, improves cognitive functions and boosts brain productivity. As per research, art and craft facilitates the production of neurons which enhances focus and concentration. Focus and concentration are extremely crucial for brain productivity. 

Brain productivity refers to the level of efficiency and effectiveness with which the brain performs cognitive tasks and processes information. It is a measure of how well the brain functions in terms of attention, memory, creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making.

By practising art and craft, you strengthen the connection between the brain’s left and right hemispheres, ultimately boosting psychological resilience and productivity.

Improves social life

This implies if you happen to take art and craft classes along with other people or are keenly interested in art exhibitions, an art and craft session is a great way to interact with like-minded people who share the same artistic interests as you. This paves the way for new bonds and strengthens existing ones. Not to mention, when you are in a calm and peaceful state of mind, which art helps with, you can improve already existing relationships in your life. 

Closing thoughts 

The exploration of the therapeutic benefits of art and craft has revealed a profound connection between creative expression and overall well-being. Through various forms of artistic expression, individuals can find solace, self-discovery, and healing. Art and craft activities have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, providing a much-needed outlet for emotional release and introspection. Moreover, engaging in these creative pursuits can foster a sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and purpose, leading to enhanced mental health and improved quality of life.

The therapeutic benefits of art and craft are vast and undeniable. As we embrace the power of creative expression, we open doors to personal growth, emotional healing, and a more holistic approach to health and well-being. Let us continue to celebrate and promote the profound impact of art and craft in enriching and transforming lives. 

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