Art therapy has been known to be a very effective form of expressive therapy. Free self-expression through art uses the creative process to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Painting and drawing are two of the creative activities that can prove to be very rewarding hobbies, as they bring you a bunch of benefits, such as stimulating the brain, lowering stress levels, increasing emotional intelligence and helping you release hidden emotions.
In addition, creating art through painting or drawing provides a distraction from reality, giving your brain a break from your usual thoughts and bringing mental calm and peace.
What’s more, they are not expensive hobbies and you don’t necessarily have to be an artist to enjoy their benefits, anyone can do it. And because these activities are both accessible and enjoyable, many choose to paint or draw during their free time.
One can simply grab a pencil and a sketchbook or a paintbrush, oils and a canvas, and begin to express their feelings through their own artworks.
Besides boosting creative thinking and increasing self-knowledge, painting and drawing are amazing tools for combating stress.
How can they help you relax? It’s easy: the rhythmic and repetitive motion of drawing helps synchronise hand and eye, body and mind, enticing the so-called “relaxation response.” Similarly, painting has the same effect on our mind and frees you from tension and anxiety.
When one concentrates on creating something, they detach themselves from the usual thought flow and make use of their imagination, actually portraying their emotions and thus ditching the worries and concerns of everyday life.
Another benefit would be that both drawing and painting are activities that can be done wherever you are, as you are not confined to a specific place or setting. Just bring your sketchbook or essential painting accessories with you wherever you go!