The Mental Health Benefits of Expressive Art

The Mental Health Benefits of Expressive Art

by Cindy Zabinski, LMHC, LCMHC, CRC, ACS

Art event spaces have been growing and gaining popularity over the years. Many years ago plaster painting spaces began, where children would have birthday parties painting statues of unicorns and dinosaurs. Pottery studios opened, where adults would get their hands dirty molding vases and bowls to gift or use at home. Craft studios later became popular, where you can make your own “Welcome” sign to place outside of your front door. And, more recently, studios doing art forms such as spin-art and splatter paint have become popular.

After a recent event in which I did splatter paint with my Healing & Growth family, I began to reflect on the benefit of such artistic outlets. Why have these become popular? Why do we, as a staff, often jump at the opportunity to enjoy these activities? Here are some of my thoughts:

Mindfulness

Going to an art or craft studio allows you to be in the moment and engage in art expression one-mindfully. If you try to do art at home, it can be easy to get distracted by many things, such as the sound of the dryer reminding you that the clothes must be folded, a child interrupting that they want a snack, or the dog barking to be let outside. Going to a studio prevents these distractions from interfering with your artistic process. Even if scheduled for as little as 30 minutes, it gives you an opportunity to take a true break from the day to day routine and mindfully participate in art. Additionally, most art and craft studios encourage you to leave your phone in the car so that it doesn’t get damaged or dirty while you are crafting/painting/building. This has the bonus side effect of preventing further distractions of a text message, email, or phone call. (Note: I understand some people may need to be able to be contacted. It can be helpful to provide your loved one with the phone number of the studio you are going to, so that they can still reach out if there is an emergency.)

Practicing Nonjudgment

The practice of “letting go” and fully mindfully participating in free art expression also comes with the practice of being non-judgmental. For those who follow strict routines, allowing this period of art expression can be powerful to take a break from the structure. It can be easy to be critical of your art, trying to make sure you are doing it “right” or wanting it to look like it could be hung in an art gallery. Participating in these activities with friends can also be helpful in that they can provide positive evaluation and interrupt your critical thinking.

Sensory

These types of art expression often involve using many of your senses. Your sense of sight is involved in seeing the colors and structure of what you are working on. Your smell may be involved as you notice the scent of clay or paint. Hearing may be engaged as you listen to the sound of the tools you are using to create your project. And you are most likely engaging your hands very much in your creation. The recent splatter paint event allowed me to view the neon colors under the blacklights in the room. I was able to dip my hands in paint and paint not only with brushes, but my hands and squirt bottles. I could hear the voices and laughter of my colleagues as we painted.

Social Connection

Participating in free art expressions with others can be beneficial in that it is supportive and connecting. Engaging in conversation with each other, laughing, smiling, and making eye contact helps to release “happy chemicals” in the brain, such as oxytocin and dopamine. Some people may have difficulty letting go of rules and expectations when engaging in art alone, so having others doing so with you can be helpful and encouraging.

With all of these positive benefits, what's stopping you?! Enjoy being an artist ;-)

About the Author

Cindy Zabinski, LMHC, LCMHC, CRC, ACS is the founder and owner of Healing & Growth Counseling. Cindy does not identify as an artist by any means, but enjoys joining with others in free art expression classes when possible to step out of her day-to-day routine and have some fun! She often suggests it to clients as a way to express themselves, connect with others socially, and release emotions. It is amazing to see what you can create when you let go and express yourself!