Did you know that a human being’s primal desire of getting drawn to bright colors comes with an inherent reason of mood upswing? Art Therapy with painting can effectively trigger intellectual stimulation and eventually present an opportunity for social engagement. This social need is indeed possible with art. Let’s explore simple ways and means with which Australians can pursue the hobby of painting and use it to their advantage, especially during Covid-19 days. Ready?
What are the odds that you will believe if we were to state that painting is a sure-shot way to upgrade your mental well-being? 50 per cent would say an instant ‘yes’ and yet the other half would still seek facts to believe this whole-heartedly. Indeed, it has been medically proven with scientific case studies that painting or art therapy can trigger a greater overall sense of well-being. Here’s what the scientists say:
PAINT FOR A HIGH DOSE OF POSITIVITY
According to an article titled ‘Painting a path of wellbeing: Art Therapy as a Link to Mental Health Treatment’ submitted by Patricia Jo Pendleton and published on Taylor&FrancisOnline – Painting and Art Therapy are loaded with high doses of positivity and joy. The article states a study wherein people were engaged in treatment as an integral part of a community outpatient day treatment program serving 280 adults with severe mental illness and chemical dependencies. Goals of this study included stabilizing one’s life in order to gain skills to live more independently. The immediate focus was directed towards Art Therapy program amongst other sessions of two weekly groups. Art Therapy was proven to be a strong link to treatment for many individuals and fostered stability that could pave the way to a high sense of well-being and success in achieving greater independence.
ART THERAPY PROMOTES HIGHER SELF-ESTEEM
According to author Deidre Heenan’s article Art as Therapy: An effective way of promoting positive mental health? published on tandofline.com – the author examines the integral details of art sessions within a group.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the contribution of Creative Arts in promoting positive mental health and well‐being. This case study included an innovative art therapy programme delivered by a community‐based mental health organisation in Northern Ireland, as part of a supported recovery programme. The study explored the experiences and perceptions of the service users through in‐depth interviews and focus groups. Art as Therapy course was credited with improvements in self‐esteem and self‐confidence. It provided a safe space for reflection on mental health issues. Participants described the painting programme as cathartic and a springboard for engagement in a wide range of activities.
SO HOW DOES PAINTING MAKE ONE FEEL HAPPIER?
Experts say that Art is an absolute expression in itself. It resonates with children, teenagers, youth, men, women and also the elderly in myriad ways. No matter who is creating the art work and who is just silently watching the process, art therapy with paints can bring a sense of involvement.
Painting kits that are available online on https://paintbynumbers.com.au/ have been getting ordered by families as the delivery process has been smooth even during the lockdown days and is continuing currently with sales and discounts. These painting kits can make for some great gifts for self and also others because they are considered easy and fun. When a painting session is on, the feelings of relaxation and enjoyment can be felt by the painter. You can try it yourself and then thank us later.
Clinical studies showcase a direct connection in the treatment of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and a sense of isolation by way of art therapy and painting sessions. Some of the deep-rooted causes of agony can be expressed by way of painting. The choice of colours by the painter can be suggestive of the underlying emotion that is being felt by her/him. Psychologists pick on this cue and address the concerns with therapy and inspirational talks.
DO BRIGHT COLORS ATTRACT YOU MORE?
Art therapy can be defined in many ways, but the simplest way to structure its definition is as an effective application of the visual arts in a therapeutic context. At any time, you begin to feel slightly pulled down and have this urgent desire to break free, don’t just rush to a therapist, take a moment to pause and notice your breath. There are immense therapeutic benefits of natural artistic expression. Open your painting kit, bring out the aisle and palette and mix your favourite colours together, just visualise what the outcome can be. Set out on your painting journey and you will realise how stable your breathing has become, how calm your mind is feeling and how involved your mind has been in the process.
Painting can be highly addictive and its best aspect being, it can be attempted from the comfort of your own home. Later, document your painting journey. Begin the art journaling, pencil sketching, cut-outs and collage making, add some dramatic touch by adding some shimmer or buttons, ribbons or clay flowers onto your art work on the canvas. The effects will be just so gorgeous. The only thing that should matter to you is that the painting session must bring about involvement and comfort. You will soon begin to understand the language of colours, just like a painter does.
It is interesting to note that many women and men who were drawn to painting have also been highly impressed with the article titled ‘Using the power of art for health’ by author Darren Lum in http://www.mindentimes.ca/ as it published an interesting corollary between Australians and Canadians through their expression of art.
The author stated: Despite an ocean separating the two countries, Canadians and Australians have more in common than we think. The author quoted Adriane Boag, learning and access co-ordinator with the National Gallery of Australia. “A group of people who were on a mental health recovery journey in Canberra (Australia) were found to be not dissimilar in the things they cared about or challenges they faced as compared to a group of people in Haliburton (Canada).
Boag has previously spoken around the world about how people can benefit from visits to art galleries, as an approach for non-pharmaceutical treatment. The co-ordinator has also been featured on the expert speaker series TED Talks in 2016. On her similar visits to Haliburton County from Canberra, Australia, she spent several days making presentations about the popular Australian practice.
The study concluded that any approach with Art Therapy offers intellectual stimulation and an opportunity for social engagement. When a group of people take a look at a painting, everyone in the group feels encouraged to discuss and engage in interpretation. Seniors and also middle-aged people begin to express emotions and possibly trigger childhood memories for exploration, which can lead to greater well-being and quality of life.
Boag went on to add that when it comes to Art Therapy, the main difference between Australia and Canada is the fine sense of execution. Both believe in artistic expression with boldness and that’s the best part of painting.
RELEASE YOUR STRESS TO MANAGE YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING WITH NATURE-INSPIRED PAINTING
The benefits of painting are so many that listing out all can be tricky. However, therapeutic art sessions are often used as a complement to the traditional method of mental health treatment. Psychologists often add their efforts to help psychiatrists with reinforced positive behavior. When people begin to seek advise and ask for your opinion around your area of activity, the feeling of self-importance is very self-assuring. With an aim to overhaul the mental well-being and usher a positive physical well-being can be done through painting sessions. Painting enthusiasts indeed process emotions and feelings with reduced levels of stress and anxiety. There is significant boost to their levels of self-esteem and the change can be evidently seen. Below are the main pointers on overhauled mental well-being.
- Self-discovery: It is no hidden secret that with the way one paints, the colours one chooses and the paint brush strokes that one practices, this expression of painting can be highly revelatory. When a person creates art, they begin to acknowledge their desire to co-exist with their surroundings. They begin to play with colours and many emotions that have been lurking in the subconscious layers of the brain emerge with vivid hues. A psychologist can help deduce many facts with the choice of hues and colours.
- Self-esteem: If you often feel left out and insulted upon not being involved during important group discussions, then painting can do magical changes to your psyche. Painting can enable a profound feeling of self-accomplishment. This is a valuable tool to improve an overall sense of self-appreciation, thereby boosting confidence.
- Emotional release: Do you feel that your feelings are often getting bottled up because no one bothers to address your desires or concerns anyway? Your painting sessions will bring out the biggest benefit of a healthy outlet for expressing your pent-up feelings. As you begin to colour that picture on the canvas, you will also begin to let go of all your inhibitions and fears.
- Stress relief: Begin your art therapy sessions today. Take an easy approach to painting with whatever your heart desires. Look for instructions in the painting kits available on https://paintbynumbers.com.au/ and you can begin from initial stage and gradually move ahead. With each step, you will be able to fight anxiety, move away from constant thoughts of emotional trauma and you will eventually create artwork that will be awe-inspiring enough to be framed at home or sold at a gallery or even gifted to your best friend. Try it!
