Another week filled with more assignments than can fit in the little canvas calendar boxes, and at the end of a long day, I feel drained and scattered. Do you know what I like to do to focus my mind and clear my head, paint!! Painting can be a great way to focus your attention on a creative project and it can also make a great gift when you are done. Currently, I am working on painting a pair of shoes for my friend’s birthday. Not only do I enjoy putting my hands to work while listening to relaxing music I love having the creative freedom to make anything I want that isn’t a personal narrative or formal report.
According to an article in the Washington Post, art can be another way of accessing a meditative state of mind. Art can help you escape overwhelming emotions or toxic aspects of life. Art therapy has been recently incorporation into many practices. Recent studies have shown that art therapy has helped patients diminish symptoms associated with cancer, such as anxiety, pain, and fatigue. Harvard health science even says that doing art can improve your cognitive functions and help your brain stay healthy and increase life expectancy.
There are a lot of opportunities on campus to participate in art-centered activities such as any of the hands-on art classes or even some of the organized activities by the Penn State student affairs. The good thing about painting, drawing, sculpting, or even doodling is that you do not have to start out being the best. Continuing to practice painting and taking advantage of the beneficial aspects it can have on your mind and overall happiness will lead you down a more fulfilled and happier path of life. Almost done with the semester, keep on working hard Penn staters!!
2 Comments
I may not be the most talented artist out there, but I also love to set aside some time in my busy week to let my creativity flow and make some art! I agree that listening to music while creating art is super relaxing and leaves me feeling energized after I am done. I had no idea that there were actual health benefits to art therapy, it’s great to hear that this method of relaxation can be so beneficial at the same time!
I absolutely love painting and art! Over quarantine, I found a love for all types of art and I wish I was so much better than I actually am. I can really relate to the overwhelming feelings from school and am looking forward to the end of semester so I can have more time to make more things. I found that participating in little activities such as coloring or even making friendship bracelets can make you more mindful and relaxed.