Pick up Your Paintbrush – It’s Good for Your Health
A blank canvas turning into a painting of the ocean. A mug that started as a pile of clay. A picture frame hand-crafted out of wood. It doesn’t matter what your creative outlet of choice is – art is an engaging hobby that allows your imagination to shape something new. And, along with being fun, taking part in artistic activities is good for your health. Keep reading to explore some of the health benefits of art.
Just a Few Health Benefits of Art
Improves Mental Health: Perhaps more than any other benefit, art is especially advantageous to mental health. Art offers a distraction from everyday thinking, lowering your overall stress levels. Sometimes, when life seems overwhelming, taking time for a pleasurable hobby resets your mind and allows you to approach a situation with a fresh perspective.
Offers a Sense of Accomplishment: Creating something beautiful from a pile of materials provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-esteem. Practicing art releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for happiness and making you feel good. Dopamine drives your focus and determination for achieving your goals, allowing you to finish your project with a smile on your face.
Enhances Cognition: Thanks to the creative thinking art naturally lends itself to, your brain works hard to create connections between its various regions. An active and stimulated brain is essential to cognitive function and healthy aging.
Creates Social Opportunities: Art classes offer an opportunity for you to connect with others and meet new friends. It’s sometimes easier to start conversations through a shared experience. And you never know – your neighbor could offer tips and tricks to a painting technique you never would have known before.
Discover the Benefits of Art for Seniors at a Springpoint Community
At Springpoint communities, we offer plenty of opportunities for you to indulge in your creative side and take part in making art. Art studios are the perfect spot for you to set up a station and get to work in creating something new. Plus, we host a variety of classes for you to expand your talents and try new media, like watercolor painting or crochet techniques. As an added bonus, some communities even offer woodworking shops and quilting studios, so you’re able to continue enjoying your creative hobbies in your new home. And don’t forget performance art – our performance halls host special events, some even including performances by our own residents.
Paula Westerman, a resident of Springpoint community The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, appreciates the opportunity to try a diverse range of activities at her community. She shares, “I joined the painting class, never having painted in my life. I’m doing better than I expected, but I can assure you there’s no great talent emerging! Who cares? It’s fun.” At Springpoint, we help bring color and beauty into your life.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour at one of our communities.