10 health benefits of painting

Painting is one of the oldest art directions. And to this day, painting is a popular pastime, and even a recognized profession. It can be one of the most widespread and fun hobbies even today.

However, painting is not limited to artistic endeavors, but also has many health benefits. It has a very effective therapeutic and sedative effect. It can help increase mental and physical health. In fact, there are many reasons to take a paintbrush and try painting a picture with your own hand. We want to mention 10 of them here.

1.Improves concentration. Focusing on the object you're painting or focusing on improving the details of what you've already painted improves your concentration skills. You learn how to focus on the specifics of the project you are working on. Develop skills that will be useful to you while studying or working. A study conducted in 2008 revealed that medical students were able to observe and recall more information after completing eight lessons in which they learned the visual arts and improved observational techniques. People with ADHD and other concentration disorders achieve excellent results.

2. Improving fine motor skills. From wide backgrounds to fine details - this is the recommended painting procedure. The need to work on fine details improves hand-eye coordination and increases motor skills. This is useful for improving fine activities such as writing, working with small parts, guiding tools during operations, etc.

3. A great way to relax. Learning to relax properly is literally vital today. The amount of stress around us is enormous and still growing. Stress is a direct cause of many premature deaths. Painting allows the mind to focus only on the image you are painting and nothing else. This focus on one main topic relieves stress in the mind and relaxes the body. This relaxation minimizes muscle pain, joint pain, headaches and other physical ailments. It has similar effects as meditation.

4. It deepens the knowledge of different cultures. The fear of the unknown or xenophobia is effects many people today. Fear leads to a fight or escape reaction. That is why there are so many conflicts between nations or people of different nationalities and ethnicities.

5. Increases creativity. Whether the painting is abstract or realistic, minimalist or cubistically chaotic, paintings are a way of artistic expression. Abstract art requires the artist to create interesting non-traditional compositions, while realistic art requires the artist to invent imaginative ways to give a life to the painting. Artists want to be innovative, to create something with personal interest, to show their taste. Painting is about finding a way.

6. Non-verbal communication skills. Painting inspires you to communicate your deepest thoughts and feelings through your art. Even the ones you may don't want to express verbally. It is said that one picture is worth 1,000 words. The ability to communicate on a non-verbal level can serve as a healthy release of emotions.

7. Improves ability to think critically. By choosing the right kind of brush, the right color, or deciding which colors to mix and create the exact color you need, you will become a more determined person. While this may seem like a minimal decision, or even at an unconscious level, these types of decisions support problem-solving skills. It teaches painters to develop innovative techniques for approaching new situations. Decision-making skills increase the efficiency of your mind, and this ability can relieve stress.

8. Perseverance. Even the most innovative ideas have the opportunity to be uncompromisingly rejected. If the picture doesn't look the way you imagined, you'll probably decide to repaint it better. And maybe repeatedly until you are satisfied. This cycle of trial and error may seem endless sometimes, but it can make you a more capable, persistent, and determined person.

9. Self-confidence. Just as hard work brings good results, a finished image that you are happy with gives you confidence. Of course it takes time, but practice will make you a master.

10. Positive thinking. The fine arts teach you that there are beautiful things all around you that will make you appreciate beauty and life. You will receive a new award for the texture of the tree bark, the shiny wings of a butterfly or the dog's fur, various lights and shadows. Accepting the beauty around you gives you a more positive view of the world and can even reduce the risk of mental illness.