The Healing Power Of Art
Thinking back, when I was younger and I felt unhappy about something I would turn to the arts. Music seemed to understand how I truly felt, novels helped me to escape into another world and to learn from the experiences of other people’s lives. Films inspired me and gave me hope, and drawing and painting helped me to focus and feel calm. The arts were my healer and I didn’t even know I needed healing!
Have you ever considered using the arts as part of your healing journey?
Did you know that art can be part of a personal healing program, along with medical help, therapy, exercise, meditation, eating healthily and getting enough sleep, for example? It’s now widely accepted that creating and enjoying the arts can be a meditative and relaxing experience, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that making art can lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, and increase endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in our brains.
By developing your own creative practices and studying the work of other artists you can increase your self awareness, which is key in helping to process difficult or traumatic experiences. The creative practice in turn provides a safe and non-threatening way to explore complex emotions and memories. Art can help you to express feelings that are difficult to put into words and give you insight into your own thought processes and behaviour patterns. Personally I find that if I haven’t created something for a while I can feel a little out of sorts, it’s like I’m missing or forgetting something important. Creating art makes me feel seen, understood and connected to myself, which, on reflection, is quite profound I suppose.
When I’m creating art it requires me to be present in the moment and focus on the task at hand, which helps me cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness (and other types of meditation) have been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Art may also become part of your spiritual practice, by feeling connected to something bigger than yourself, which can help process feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Art can help you see yourself in a new light and appreciate your own unique talents and abilities. I’ve learnt that it’s ok to make ‘mistakes’ on the canvas and it’s through the process of ‘failing’ that the goal is achieved. When I see a finished piece of my art it gives me a sense of accomplishment and boosts my confidence!
Creating art is also fun and a fulfilling way to express yourself and explore your creativity. It can provide a break from the stresses of daily life and offer a sense of joy, entertainment and playfulness. Some people find it beneficial to talk about art with others and enjoy creating art together either online or at local art classes. It is a great conversation starter and can bring communities together through art fairs, festivals, charities or art exhibitions.
I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting others whilst exhibiting my artwork at my local art gallery and museum, and hospital. There is a fantastic Healing Arts Charity at my local hospital that supports patient recovery and wellbeing through the provision of a range of activities, including visual arts, music, bedside craft and co-ordinating art exhibitions with individual artists and community groups.
In conclusion, art can be a powerful tool for healing and improving mental health. Whether you're creating art as part of a formal therapy program or simply as a form of self-expression, the benefits are clear. So why not pick up a paintbrush or a pencil and give it a try? You might be surprised by the positive impact it can have.
A selection of Kunjan Thankey’s naive & folk art paintings shown at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for the Healing Arts Charity.
