I’ve always loved the arts. Painting, singing, dancing, music, crafting, you name it-I’ve tried it. I used to think that it was because I’ve been deemed a “creative” type but truthfully, I think it’s my attraction to the emotional health benefits associated with these activities. Have you ever had trouble with anxiety, stress or simply feel overwhelmed 90% of the day? According to new research, activities such as these can actively reduce symptoms making someone a happier, healthier you! Even if you mildly experience waves of anxiousness or depression, according to a majority of doctors, a half hour of art can help work towards fixing the problem. Do you have to be Picasso or Liberace to participate? Heck no! All you have to be is willing and able to try something new and let these creative exercises mold and sculpt you into a better frame of mind. Here are the most popular areas of interest for those seeking artistic healing… Does one of them appeal to you?
Dance
Many times, the body craves movement to readjust itself against strain and stress. Turning, sliding and swaying your hips can alleviate tension and create endorphins that heighten a person’s mood. Twenty minutes of sashaying across your kitchen floor while doing dishes or laundry will help produce more of the happy hormone and also provide a fun and easy workout.
Music
The noises that we hear affect our dispositions more than we realize. Loud sounds impede on our ability to cope while softer sounds soothe the brain’s membrane to increase our willingness to relax. By selecting a preferred genre of music such as classic, new age or alternative, we can provide ourselves with audio therapy just by sitting back and listening.
Painting
Although many famous artists have a reputation for being a bit crazy, there is supporting science behind the fact that painting can be incredibly therapeutic to those with high blood pressure. The reason lies behind the visual stimulation of combining color as well as the calming motion of making swirls and strokes with a paintbrush. Don’t worry about your artistic talents, just let your imagination take over and allow yourself to escape tension from everyday life if only for twenty minutes a day.
Sculpting
Sculpting is another wonderful way to free yourself from suppressing emotional weight and works the most successfully for those who express themselves with their hands. Do you crack your knuckles or bite your nails often? If this sounds like you, than sculpting is your ticket! The massaging pressure applied to the clay from your hands is actually acting as a release for stress and it won’t hurt tender tendons or joints in the process.