Do you take time to be creative or make artwork?
Studies have shown that there is a body-mind connection when people create art and that there is a decrease in negative affect (negative emotions such as anger, guilt, fear, and nervousness) in children who express themselves creatively. Art has been found to help individuals increase resiliency, promote positive self-image, increase self-awareness, and find meaning. Also, art has been found to reduce stress and decrease symptoms of anxiety!
Another cool aspect of art is that it allows you to have a sense of mastery and success in your life! Creativity allows you to calm the mind and focus just like mindfulness does.
When we participate in creative expression we send a signal to our amygdala (the part of our brain that keeps us safe) that we can be calm and relaxed, and signal a release of dopamine – our natural antidepressant! Creativity is great for our bodies because it allows us to access our physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being.
Ways to try creative expression:
- Draw
- Doodle
- Paint
- Water canvas
- Journalling
- Mindful colouring
- Playing/writing music
- Dance
- Writing
- Crafting
- Acting and creative play
- Photography
- Baking
- …and many more!
Do you have any ways that you express your creativity that we missed?
Visit Art for Kids Hub, a youtube channel dedicated to promote art and creativity for children
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub
Resources
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/…/9d83de0240023fd20dc1c329…
Strong Healthy Individuals Navigating Emotions 