A Picture of Health
Art and Well Being
article by Jane Pritchard

There are many ways to improve and manage to improve your mental health. Enjoying art is one of them.
Every year, 1 in 5 New Yorkers experiences symptoms of a mental health disorder; 1 in 10 finds it affects their work, home or school life. Mental health is a complex issue with no easy cure-all, but there are ways to improve and manage it in addition to any formal treatment or support you may be given. Enjoying art is one of them, which is why centers such as Westbeth, where art in all its forms is celebrated, are so important. Whether you find peace in the escapism of painting or the uplifting power of music, or take joy from the connections and common interests forged during film screenings or inspiring talks, art can play a valuable role in improving mental health.

Find your flow

The psychologist Csíkszentmihályi identified the term ‘state of flow’ as a period of being fully absorbed or immersed in an activity which brings pleasure and a feeling of achievement. It may be something you feel while practicing an instrument or sitting down to write a short story. If you’re in need of inspiration, why not try visiting an upcoming exhibition such as “Markings”, or spend a little time honing your own drawing skills? By finding a form of expression in which you can lose yourself, your mind can become free from everyday stress or anxiety, you may experience a feeling of calmness or peace, and the sense of satisfaction at achieving something is also a great confidence boost.

Keep busy

A study from the University of Richmond has shown that undertaking activities in which you keep your hands busy can alter your brain’s chemistry. Taking part in simple, repetitive movements such as knitting produces certain neurochemicals which increase happiness. There are many art and craft activities which could fall into this category, including sewing, woodwork or even jewelry making. Find one which you enjoy – you might like to hear from artists who have mastered those crafts – and see if you can feel the difference.

Listen up

Do you have a song which never fails to make you feel good? Studies have shown that music can lower stress levels and blood pressure, activating those parts of your brain associated with positive moods. Whether you create a playlist of songs to make you feel stronger, take up an instrument yourself, or attend concerts or SingTime sessions at the Westbeth, make music a priority for better mental health. You may also find that being part of a shared experience such as a concert or singing with others is a boost in itself; it can be comforting to feel part of a social experience, even if you don’t think of yourself as an extrovert.

However you choose to incorporate art into your life, there’s no doubt it can benefit your mental health. Find a way to access your state of flow, activities which keep your fingers busy, or music which moves you; all of these can make you feel happier, less anxious or more positive. Finally, by coming to a center for arts where you can associate with like-minded people, you may feel part of a bigger shared experience. Even when your mental health is low, there will always be the joy of art to lift you up.

For over 10 years, Jane Pritchard worked as a therapist and currently writes about healing with art.