Research has shown that creating art has many benefits, including promoting healing and improved cognition and mood. Studies have shown that art can benefit those at all phases of life and help those struggling with conditions such as dementia, anxiety, depression, and even cancer. The ability to create art remains even when speech and language ability diminishes. One does not need to be skilled or talented to obtain the beneficial effects of creating art. Rather, it is the creative process itself where the benefit lies.
The Benefits
Healing: promotes mental, emotional, and physical healing and increases resilience; promotes overall well-being
Cognition: improves memory and reasoning; lowers the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment in older adults
Mood: provides a way to express emotion and feelings (especially through difficult times); can help put the mind at peace, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress; creates a sense of accomplishment, boosts self-esteem, and promotes social inclusion
How to Benefit
Take a class or experiment your own with different creative mediums. The Cancer Support Community Pasaadena offers a variety of artistic and creative classes, including watercolor, beading, journaling, knitting, and photography. See our program calendar page for details.
References:
Secker, J., Loughran, M., Heydinrych K., & Kent L. (2011). Promoting mental well-being and social inclusion through art: evaluation of an arts and mental health project, Arts & Health, 3:1, 51-60, DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2010.541267
The Healing Power of Art. (2017, July). Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-healing-power-of-art
Egberg Thyme, K., Sundin, E. C., Wiberg, B., Öster, I., Åström, S., &; Lindh, J. (2009). Individual brief art therapy can be helpful for women with breast cancer : A randomized controlled clinical study. <i>Palliative & Supportive Care</i>, <i>7</i>(1), 87–95.
Five Great Mental Health Benefits of Art. (2017, August 16). Retrieved November 20, 2019 from https://artfromthestreets.org/blogs/news/five-great-mental-health-benefits-of-art