In today’s fast-paced world, we all need tips and tools to manage our mental health. But this doesn’t always mean using traditional tools. Believe it or not, hobbies like painting can be a useful tool for managing metal health. According to Crown Counseling, studies show that art therapy helps in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress by 73% – especially amongst children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a natural-born Picasso to enjoy the wonderful benefits of art therapy. Are you ready to unleash your inner artist, have some fun and manage your mental health?
Why Painting? The Appeal of the Canvas
As it stands, painting is one of the most authentic forms of self-expression. Simply put, there is a unique sense of freedom in painting. From the mixing of colours to exploring different mediums, when painting you are allowed to express your thoughts and feelings.
Most importantly, painting is an activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age. Skill level doesn’t matter, painting is subjective, after all!
Benefits of Painting for Mental Health
So, what happens when you paint, and how does it impact your mental health? Here are five common benefits of painting for mental health management:
1. Mindfulness
According to Psychology Today, mindfulness is the practice of active, open attention to the present moment. This is exactly the experience painting brings. Practising mindfulness through painting has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you’re someone who often juggles multiple thoughts, spending 30 to 45 minutes in this state of focused attention can help you feel lighter and more centred.
2. Stress Relief
Life’s daily challenges inevitably bring stress, and a 2021 Gallup survey of adults in 122 countries found that 41% of adults worldwide report high levels of stress. Painting offers a way to lower those stress levels, allowing you to focus your mind and release tension.
3. Emotional Expression
The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is more than just a cliché. Painting is a deeply emotional, expressive hobby with no strict rules, allowing you to tap into and release feelings you might have even hidden from yourself.
4. Problem Solving
When you’re painting, you can’t always control the outcome, which often challenges you to think of solutions on the spot or adapt to unexpected results. These skills translate to real-life problem-solving, positively impacting your mental health.
5. Improve Concentration and Memory
With daily life pulling you in many directions, memory lapses and difficulty concentrating are common. Painting demands focus, regardless of how detailed your work is, helping to improve your concentration and sharpen your memory.
How to Get Started with Painting as a Hobby
Starting with painting is as easy as watching a YouTube tutorial or attending a beginner’s workshop. Recently, 99c hosted an introductory painting workshop, and now you can participate by downloading the 99c Painting Workshop Guidebook for free. Inside, you’ll find everything you need – from the required tools to beginner-friendly exercises.
Embrace the Canvas as Your Mental Health Ally
When it comes to mental health, sometimes all you can do is try new things. Give painting a go, and who knows – it might become more than just a mental health management tool.
Keep an eye on 99c’s social pages for more hobby ideas to support mental health management.
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