Have you ever lost yourself in a beautiful piece of art? Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or a piece of music, there's something undeniably powerful about the way that art can move us. But did you know that there's more to art than just aesthetics? In recent years, scientists have been studying the neurological benefits of using art as a healing practice, and the results are truly fascinating.

Maybe its the homeschool/teacher mama in me but I had to learn more about this after seeing the benefits in action in my own life and felt compelled to share. 

So, first of all, let's talk about what we mean by art as therapy. This is a mindful practice that involves using creative expression to help people work through emotional or psychological issues. It can take many forms, including painting, drawing, sculpting, or even just listening to music. The idea is that by engaging in a creative process, we can tap into parts of our brains that we might not access through traditional talk therapy. Think subconscious mind. So cool! Right?

Now, what are the actual neurological benefits of art as therapy? Well, for starters, creating art has been shown to activate the reward centers of the brain. When we engage in a creative process, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that's associated with pleasure and reward. This can help us feel more positive and motivated, and can even reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Art therapy has also been shown to increase connectivity between different parts of the brain. When we create art, we're engaging multiple senses at once – we're looking, listening, and using our hands. This type of creative practice can help strengthen the connections between different parts of our brain, improving overall cognitive function.

Perhaps most interestingly, art therapy has been shown to affect the brain in a way that's similar to meditation. When we engage in a creative process, we enter a state of "flow" – a state of intense concentration where we lose track of time and even sometimes our sense of self. This state of flow is similar to the state that's achieved through mindfulness meditation, and has been shown to have a host of benefits, including reduced stress and improved mental clarity. Ask any artist, that "flow" state is the best state!

So whether you're a professional artist or just someone who enjoys doodling in their spare time, there's no denying the power of art to heal the mind and body. Next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try picking up a pen or paintbrush and see what kind of magic you can create. Your brain and body will surely thank you for it!

Let me know in the comments if any of this resonated or was surprising for you.

Thanks for being here!

Lots of love,

Bonnie