By Institutions such as the WHO support and promote participation in art, directly or indirectly, as it benefits the well-being of our mind. Painting, going to concerts or visiting museums goes beyond entertainment.
The fascinating thing about art is that we are not concerned with its practical utility, but with how it makes us feel, even influencing our mental health. What truly captivates us about it is the effect it has on our emotions and experiences. So much so that we find it everywhere: in our homes, on the streets, in conversations and also when travelling.
The therapeutic power of art to relieve stress, foster social connection and promote emotional well-being is increasingly recognized. It is an issue that goes beyond the beautification of the environment. And today, on its commemorative date, we invite you to delve deeper into its effects.
Why is April 15th World Art Day?
The International Art Association designated this date as a celebration in honor of the birth of the legendary Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci . Since 2019, April 15 is a day to encourage the development and promotion of art around the world.
This event not only recognizes Da Vinci’s legacy, but also the importance of art and the activities related to it with the physical and psychological well-being of individuals and the community in general. Art enriches us, enhances our creativity and makes us more human.
What is the relationship between art and mental health?
The arts are difficult to define, but they have two key characteristics. First, the art object (physical or experiential) is valued for what it is and not for its utility. And second, they arouse emotions.
Furthermore, expressions such as painting, music and cinema transcend borders, uniting very diverse groups and bringing shared human sensitivity to the fore. For example, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony can give you goosebumps, no matter where you come from, and The Lion King can move you to tears, no matter what your culture.
Art has also been shown to have significant physical and mental benefits. In fact, a World Health Organization report highlights its role in preventing and promoting health and in treating diseases.
One of the ways is through art therapy , a therapeutic practice that uses artistic expression as a tool to improve mental, emotional and physical well-being. It is a resource that promotes the expression of emotions in a creative and healthy way.
Main benefits of artistic expression on mental health
Whether you play an instrument, write poetry , make crafts, enjoy a concert or visit a museum, art has a positive impact on you and your mental health. Both as a creator and recipient, you gain a number of relevant advantages.
Reduce stress
According to a publication by Behavioral Sciences , art is one of the main techniques to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is because artistic hobbies function as a healthy outlet to release accumulated emotions and tensions, thus promoting a state of calm.
It has been proven that making and/or enjoying art releases chemicals associated with our well-being, such as dopamine and serotonin; this is stated by the Valencian Association of Emotional Education and Creativity .
Boost social connection
Have you ever felt connected to strangers just by sharing a live concert and singing together? Did you make friends in a painting workshop or painting a street graffiti ? Did you participate in a jam session and meet amazing people? It is undeniable that the artistic connects us on a deeper and more meaningful level.
Stimulates cognitive function
The rewards of artistic skills are also noticeable on the cognitive side. For example, disciplines such as theatre, photography or writing challenge us to see the world from unconventional angles, which fosters mental flexibility and creativity.
These kinds of activities help us expand our ability to think critically and solve problems innovatively.
Promotes emotional well-being
Our emotions are reflected in our works and actions. It is no coincidence that we get a kick out of watching movies or that we feel less tense after playing with paint. Art is a safe and playful place to channel complex emotions, such as sadness or anger, in a constructive and therapeutic way.
Art as an invaluable resource for prevention and treatment
Although it does not guarantee happiness, integrating art into our daily lives makes us less likely to develop mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. In turn, the PAHO highlights how artistic dynamics complement conventional psychotherapy and drug therapy treatments.
For example, clay therapy has been shown to reduce alexithymia in people with major depression, while music therapy improves social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. These types of therapeutic approaches also help to strengthen self-esteem and body image in people with eating disorders.
Similarly, as a thesis from Miguel Hernández University shows , art shows promising results in supporting those who have suffered post-traumatic stress , such as victims of sexual abuse, violence, terrorism, war and natural disasters. It not only helps them express what they have experienced, but also helps them reduce the feeling of helplessness and preserve personal identity.
Ultimately, these findings underline the importance of harnessing the therapeutic power of the arts to care for our mental and emotional health, both in specific treatments and in our daily lives.
Arts that stand out for being positive in managing emotions
Some of the artistic expressions that help us deal with our feelings and manage them in a healthy way are the following:
- Read.
- Write.
- Listening to or making music.
- Create or appreciate visual art such as painting, sculpture or photography.
- Participate in performing arts such as dance, theater or improvisation.
The reasons? The creative process invites us to explore our emotions in a non-threatening way, giving us a safe and pleasant space to better understand what we feel.
It even offers us an outlet to vent and relieve accumulated tensions in a constructive way, by representing what we feel through figures, colors, sounds, scenes or movements.
The secret is not talent, it is openness
Many people think that only those with exceptional abilities enjoy the mental health benefits of art. But the truth is that we can all find value in it, no matter how beautiful our voice sounds or how precise we are when painting. It’s not about having artistic gifts, but about being willing to experience them.
When we open ourselves to it without expectations or demands, we give way to new ways of thinking, feeling and living the world around us. So, you know… Make, observe, share and appreciate art.