You don’t have to be an experienced artist to get the benefits of creativity. A great way to escape from day-to-day stress is to create abstract art. No matter how stressed I feel, when I sit down to work on an art project, my mind and body begin to relax. These benefits are for all skill levels and all ages, especially for children and teens.
Here are three of our favorites:
1) Creativity for Problem Solving
Creating abstract art pushes you outside your comfort zone. Engaging in creative activities regularly can encourage problem-solving, build critical thinking skills, and even reduce impulsiveness in students. These are skills used in everyday life. Creating abstract art gives kids and teens the freedom to make something unique to them. Child Development Institute mentions in a blog post, "Every step involves making a decision: what color to use, how to make a line, what size to make something". When you make time and space for your kids and teens to be creative, it builds a healthy creative habit that has lasting benefits.
2) Ease Stress through Creativity
Art projects and creative activities can help you and your family decompress while focusing on something positive and productive. Time spent on drawing, painting, or other creative activities can help your mind relax and leave you feeling more mentally clear. Your thoughts begin to shift from worries and to-do lists to creating something with your own hands. When your brain is fully concentrated on your art project, you are mindful, and your body can begin to relax. Anyone at any age can get these benefits of creativity.
3) Creative Self-Expression
Creating abstract art helps kids and teens express themselves when they may not have the vocabulary to express their emotions in the right words. Art can be a healthy creative outlet. I get so happy when my niece sends me photos from her sketchbook! Her drawings tend to have some sort of deep meaning behind them and it’s a great way to help her open up about those thoughts and feelings. A fun activity recommended by Heart-Mind Online is to encourage your teen to create a collage of their heart or brain. Prompt them to fill it with images that represent their thoughts, dreams, and ideas, then ask them what they would like to share about it.
There are so many more physical, emotional, and mental health benefits to creating art. What benefits do you notice in your kids and teens?