There are a whole host of reasons why art can help improve your mental health. Engaging in an activity that is creative gives you the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and take time out of your busy life to do something that is fun. We are going to take a look at these benefits and then ask you to join in with our Doodle A Day Challenge!
Creativity is within all of us, some people need a little more encouragement than others to find that creative spark but it is there. Whether it is music, art, crafting, designing, building or any other activity that demands a little imagination.
Art, is a great way to express yourself and the simple act of doodling for a few minutes a day can have incredible benefits. Studies have shown that being creative in this way can lift your mood, improve your outlook and help you process emotions. This can lead to a brighter and more positive mindset. Of course, it can just be incredibly fun also, but taking time to sit and concentrate on an activity that is not demanding, is in itself promoting mindfulness.
There are other benefits to creating pieces of art besides boosting your mood. There is a sense of accomplishment in completing any task, but creating something from your imagination and seeing it through to the end is incredibly rewarding. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, hang in a museum, or receive acclaim from those around you, it just needs to be yours.
In drawing or painting something, you can reconnect with your inner child, feel the freedom again of doing something just because you enjoy it and allow the activity to consume you, for just a few minutes – it can have all of the benefits above and more.
We decided that a great way to help encourage you to take that little bit of time out of your day and give this a go to see if it can boost your mood, is for us to do a Doodle A Day Challenge.
Over on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest you will find a pinned post with the current months #DoodleADay list. There are no hard and fast rules, give us a follow, create artwork representing the word we share with you each day and then tag us in the result. Remember, it does not matter how accomplished at art you are, just get creative and if you feel you can, share your finished piece with us. Why not do this with your children too, we would love to see what they come up with!
Day 1 of the #DoodleADay challenge will be shared over on our Instagram right now, as well as here. Our subject to kick off the challenge is the word #flower, interpret that in any way you want and get creating, we can not wait to see what you come up with! Here is our effort…
Check out our free resources section for other great creative activities coming soon!
