Creative expression is one of the keys to strengthening mental health, according to a scientific study which was published in The American Journal of Public Health. Art therapy helps people to understand their own emotions and actions and gives them the power to resolve deep-seated issues. There are many ways to express oneself through art, from watching or making films to painting to viewing art and feeling its effects and beyond. Art therapy is a viable treatment option for those who need help to enhance their mental health and well-being.

Movies revitalize the brain and boost relaxation

A new form of mental health therapy known as “film therapy” is utilized to enhance abilities and competencies, based on information from Exploringyourmind.com. Two researchers, Burque and Hodgson, implement positive psychology and coaching to help people access the therapeutic benefits of viewing movies. The sense of identification that people have with film characters, along with the intensity, duration and educational properties of movies, are factors which help people to relax, disconnect and revitalize. Films and film-related media, including print ads for movies, such as posters, or movie trailers, may also be used to assist people with facing their fears and focusing on key issues in their lives.

Painting clears the mind of repetitive thoughts

Painting is an enjoyable and fulfilling way to ease stress, foster creative thought and enhance the plasticity of the brain. Picking up a palette is an ideal way to focus the mind on art and clear away repetitive thoughts. Most people have sixty thousand thoughts every day and ninety-five percent of these thoughts are thoughts that they have regularly. Becoming immersed in painting gives the mind a break from the same old thoughts and puts the brain into a “flow state” which promotes mental calmness and clarity. Painting is a meditative escape from the daily grind.

Turn experiences and ideas into art

Art may be used to tell stories…and everyone has a story. By turning experiences into art, people may experience catharsis which is good for their mental health. Turning experiences and ideas into art is an effective way to explore feelings, manage stress and find solutions to conflicts and problems. Feelings and thoughts which are expressed through the creation of art may be hard to articulate in other ways.

View art and feel its effects

Making art is an option, but viewing art is also therapeutic. An art historian and a group of neuroscientists have found that people who view art experience heightened activity in the primary motor cortexes of their brains. For example, someone who views one of Degas’ ballerina paintings may feel a sense that he or she is dancing, right along with the female in the painting. The transformative power of viewing art and feeling its effects is real, so a leisurely stroll through an art gallery may be the best way to change a mindset in no time flat.

Art therapy really works

Art stimulates the mind and helps people to look inward and learn new things about themselves. Whether a person makes art or views art, he or she will be affected by it in ways that may boost mental health. Anyone who wishes to enhance mental stability is therefore encouraged to make art a part of his or her life.