This page provides some helpful articles for understanding the importance of art on mental and physical wellbeing. These articles are meant to serve as an introduction to gently encourage and ease you into exploring the world of art and mindfulness.
How to Jump-Start Your Creativity Using Mindfulness
Music artist and composer Noah Aronson explores the connection between mindfulness and creativity. How do they ignite each other, and how can we use mindfulness to enhance our creative thinking? Noah uses research-based practices to get into his creative flow. The article is framed as a series of question that the composer is able to directly answer, making it easy to follow.
Mindful Moment: The Healing Potential of Creative Self-Expression
A medically reviewed article that discusses the natural potential for creativity within us and how it can affect our health. The article includes helpful tips and answers common questions related to creativity and mindfulness: with a focus on healing from chronic mental and neurological illnesses. If you find the practice tips engaging and are hungry for more, be sure to check out the practice book list in this guide, and the video section.
Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain
Malaka Gharib, a science journalist from NPR, explains how she uses art to help her get through the day. Simple sketches and projects on her commute or in between tasks and errands help her have fun and add structure to her routine. In this article she provides the perspective of Dr. Kaimal, an art therapy researcher from Drexel University, and Dr. Strang, founder of the American Art Therapy Association. This article serves as a good introduction to how to form your own art practice.
Drawing a Picture of Health: an Art Therapy Guide
Dr. Malchiodi explains the premise and benefits of art therapy. She explains the use of art therapy in hospitals and healthcare settings. The article lists some easy ways for you to practice art for mindfulness at home. Something unique that is mentioned here is the use of magazine or other photos to create a collage. The article also brings the perspective of having a loved one in the hospital: what can you do to help them express their feelings through art?