Art and Neuroscience: How Creativity Can Heal
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are all too common. That’s why finding effective ways to manage our physical, mental and emotional health is so important.
At Shan Kennedy Art, we blend creativity with neuroscience principles to promote holistic wellbeing through art making. Understanding the science behind our methods reveals the profound impact of creative expression on both the mind and body.
The Power of Creative Expression
Engaging in artistic activities is more than a hobby—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing mental and emotional health. At Shan Kennedy Art, we focus on the therapeutic benefits of creativity and art making, helping you express freely, process sensations when learning something new and improve overall wellbeing.
The Neuroscience of Creativity
Creativity significantly impacts the brain. Here’s a look at how:
Activation of the reward system
Creating art stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This boost can enhance your mood and give a sense of accomplishment.Reduction of stress hormones
Engaging in creative activities lowers cortisol levels, the hormone related to stress. This reduction helps alleviate anxiety and promotes relaxation.Enhanced neuroplasticity
Creativity encourages neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural connections. This helps the brain become more adaptable in managing everyday stress and negative experiences.Mind-Body connection
Creative activities strengthen the connection between mind and body. Mindful creative expression enhances self-awareness and emotional regulation by tuning into physical sensations and emotional states. Shan adds an extra layer to this by teaching you how to strengthen your mind body connection using music and movement therapies.
Benefits of Creative Expression
Engaging in creative activities offers numerous benefits for mental and emotional health, such as:
Emotional expression and processing
Art provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing one’s self, particularly useful for dealing with stress, grief, or anxiety.Stress relief and relaxation
Creating art can be meditative, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress, providing a break from daily worries.Self-discovery and personal growth
Through art, individuals explore their inner worlds, gaining insights into thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, leading to personal growth.Improved cognitive function
Creative activities enhance problem-solving, memory, and attention, promoting cognitive flexibility and resilience.
At Shan Kennedy Art we integrate neuroscience principles into all of our ‘Move with Art’ workshops and programs; where we combine creative activities with neuroscience-based techniques and mindfulness practices, encouraging participants to stay present and deeply connect with their bodies and their art.
Are you ready to explore the ultimate benefits of combining art with neuroscience? Here are a couple of ways you can do that :
Join our programs and workshops.
Participate in our creative workshops, like ‘Move With Art’ or the ‘Nurture, Create & Regulate’ program to find a safe environment and supportive community for your creative exploration.Create a healing space at home
Set up a dedicated space at home with art supplies that inspire you. Create a regular art practice and make it part of your self-care routine. If you want to learn more about where to start with this - chat to Shan! She is more than happy to help guide you with ways to begin your creative journey.
Creative expression is a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional wellbeing. By understanding the science behind it, we appreciate its profound impact on our mental and emotional health. Whether dealing with stress, seeking self-discovery, or looking for a creative outlet, artistic activities offer a unique and effective path to wellness.
Ready to experience the healing power of creative expression?
Join us for transformative workshops and programs blending creativity with neuroscience to enhance your mind-body connection and start your journey to wellbeing today.
References:
Kawabata, H., & Zeki, S. (2004). Neural Correlates of Beauty. Journal of Neurophysiology, 91(4), 1699-1705. doi:10.1152/jn.00696.2003.
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 33(2), 74-80. doi:10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832.
Lazar, S. W., Kerr, C. E., Wasserman, R. H., Gray, J. R., Greve, D. N., Treadway, M. T., & Rauch, S. L. (2005). Meditation Experience Is Associated with Increased Cortical Thickness. NeuroReport, 16(17), 1893-1897. doi:10.1097/01.wnr.0000186598.66243.19.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Art Therapy and the Brain: An Introduction to Research and Neuroscientific Evidence. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 32(1), 3-6. doi:10.1080/07421656.2015.992797.
Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497.