Creating art may be a great way to help boost your mood and your brain’s health. There are plenty of studies that have shown how art can improve your brain function. The best part is that you don’t have to be an artist to reap the rewards.
There’s also evidence that art can be a useful tool in preventing cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. These types of disorders result from deterioration of the neural pathways in the brain. By engaging in creative activities, such as painting or sculpting, patients can boost their mental agility and resist the disease.
This is because creative pursuits can provide patients with a sense of achievement and a means to forget about their illness. It also helps them maintain their identity, which is an important piece of the puzzle. It can also be a stress reliever. In addition, art exercises can improve social interaction and reduce psychiatric symptoms, like depression.
A more subtle but still powerful effect is that your brain’s structure will change when you engage in an activity. This is known as neuroplasticity. When you create something, your brain creates new neural pathways, which allow the hemispheres to work together more effectively. This can improve your cognitive abilities and help you solve problems more efficiently.
This is because your brain is hardwired to process art. Aside from the novelty of creating something, you’ll enjoy other benefits as well. One study found that when a person walked around a gallery for 35 minutes, they experienced less stress and were less tired than usual. In fact, the study suggests that artistic activities may even trigger emotion regulation strategies.
There’s also evidence that producing a small artwork increases your odds of achieving a higher intelligence quotient. This is because creating art can stimulate the release of dopamine, a molecule that boosts focus, concentration, planning and resistance to impulses. In fact, dopamine is the body’s natural antidepressant. Dopamine is a key factor in promoting the aforementioned flow state, which is when you experience a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and concentration.
A more scientific study conducted by neuroscientist Oshin Vartanian looked at the neural systems involved in responding to paintings. The researchers were curious as to how the brain’s various regions and hemispheres functioned while someone was looking at or responding to a painting. The study revealed that when viewing an abstract picture, several regions of the brain are engaged in active processing. The study also showed that dopamine is one of the better known of these neurochemicals.
A similar but more comprehensive study found that creating a piece of art actually increased blood flow to the reward center of the brain. This is because your brain is more likely to use dopamine when you are doing a new activity. This boost of dopamine can also be attributed to the creative process itself.
However, the real secret to a better brain is brain health. This is not an easy task, but it’s one that you can achieve through the daily art of your mind. Whether you’re an expert artist or a beginner, this program will challenge your brain and spark your creativity.
