Be who you are and say ...(Dr. Seuss)

It’s Hard Work, So Why Do it?

Because its good for us. Drawing, of course. Turns out that we get a lot of benefits from our artistic pursuits, in addition to the work of art at the end.

Here’s some quick study conclusion reviews on the benefits or art and drawing. The actual study is linked if you want to really dig into the details:

• Welsh et al.  

  • Conclusion: Reductions in stress and anxiety; increases in positive emotions

• Nainis et al.

  • Conclusion: Reductions in distress and negative emotions

• Samoray

  • Conclusion: Reductions in stress and symptoms of compassion fatigue; increases in healing, well-being, and sense of purpose

• Reynolds and Lim

  • Conclusion: Improved focus on positive life experiences, self-worth, and social identity

Here’s a couple short video’s that also cover the mental benefits of drawing:

Somedays it’s easy to pull out our sketchbook and start drawing. Other days it requires a little more wherewithal. Our energy level is low, our anxiety is high, our thoughts are distracted by a million different tasks to take care of.

But remember, it’s on those days when it’s hardest to stick to the daily drawing habit, that we reap the most benefit. Don’t give up. The benefits are there for the taking, we just need to show up.