4 minute read
Let The Arts Improve Your Mental Health
Let The Arts Improve Your Mental Health And Wellbeing
Many of us say that we’re not creative. We become clumsy, awkward, embarrassed at the prospect of trying and perhaps making a fool of ourselves. But I’m guessing many of us are more creative than we realise. I bet we’ve doodled, danced, sang along or drawn a diagram at times to illustrate a point.
Tapping into comfortable ways of enjoying the arts can be an effective way to improve our mental health and wellbeing.
Access to the arts is becoming increasingly easier. Many art galleries and museums are free to enter, so enabling us to see amazing works of art first-hand. Many talented musicians practise their craft as street entertainers, getting used to audiences whilst earning a little money. Arts channels and diverse types of theatre are thriving, as are open mic nights where people can simply turn up and have a go.
Often people in the arts are happy to raise awareness of different issues and provide shows to educate and inform or fund raise on their behalf. There are frequently exhibitions, concerts or expos that highlight mental health and wellbeing issues; loneliness, ageing, suicide, gender issues, bullying often utilise media like art, music, dance, poetry to illustrate their important messages.
Equally, some of the big names in music have recently opted to perform at smaller venues, offering cheaper tickets and a more intimate lounge setting, making it a very special, uplifting experience for all. And then there are the music apps which allow us to stream our favourite tracks and have music with us whenever we choose.
Let’s look at some other ways to benefit from being involved in the arts, for those of us who don’t want to get up on stage and perform.
Painting is the most visual of the arts and we can brighten our lives and homes with the prints and original pieces for sale on markets or at colleges, or even by making our own amateur pieces or displaying those done by the children in our lives. Unique choices of craftwork, pottery, mosaics and glassware can add a personal touch and make our homes all the more homely.
Amateur dramatic groups are often looking to recruit new members to help out behind the scenes. Being involved in set design, wardrobe, prompting or joining in a more low-key way in
the chorus, by dancing, singing or joining the occasional crowd scene might suit you better whilst being a positive commitment to your quality of life.
Night school classes can be a satisfying and fulfilling way to connect with the arts, gradually learning the techniques needed to become a competent painter, photographer, sculptor, creative writer. All learned with no exams at the end of the course, whilst mixing and sharing with other like-minded people; a positive way to improve your confidence, mental health and wellbeing.
Writing lyrics, poetry, an auto-biographical piece, even keeping a journal or scrapbook can be a therapeutic way to benefit your mental health and wellbeing. Doing so can help to get thoughts and feelings out, so processing any underlying issues and concerns.
How many of us regularly photograph
and record special moments in our everyday life? We share them on social media and often aim to improve the quality of our compositions. Many of us take increasing amounts of care, becoming interested in getting the lighting and balance right, developing a better eye for a more artistic shot. Making collages and compositions can be a creative way of utilising your back catalogue of photos and allows us to happily reflect on those times.
Youngsters are often sent to dance classes
but over time can drop out. Later on nightclubs and exercise classes can remind us how much fun dance can be, even if we don’t regard ourselves as especially co-ordinated. Zumba, flamenco and belly-dancing classes are a good way to keep fit and remind ourselves that dance is not just about formal performances. Just look at the choreography of Sir Mathew Bourne or Ballet Rambert and see many examples of interesting, dynamic dance that thinks outside the box and makes us want to move and join in. Even TV’s Strictly Come Dancing has inspired many to consider dance as an accessible art form to be enjoyed.
I love the idea of fashion as an art form. We don’t have to go to fashion college to be able to add quirky, original touches to an outfit. Sure, certain looks have their own name; gothic, vintage, ’60s, but a distinctive piece of jewellery, an unusual belt, teamed with hair, makeup and interesting colours can each turn an ordinary outfit into something special, artistic, so becoming a statement piece. It’s often the eye for detail rather than the actual cost of the outfit that makes a look complete. And looking good makes us feel better, walk taller.
And why not include cooking? Baking and icing a cake, preparing a meal and breaking bread together can be a creative gift that we want to share. There’s an art to preparing something special for others to eat and enjoy. We’re offering nourishment, sustenance, making something which appeals to all the senses; after all it has to look and smell appetising before you want to taste it!
Add a dash of good company and conversation and these art forms become a successful recipe for better health and wellbeing.
Article By Susan Leigh
Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor, has published her third book, 101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday (ISBN 9781910275160) based on her social media series. A glossy, pocket-sized book, it's full of inspirational quotes & pictures, a treat to give or simply keep for yourself.
