Full disclaimer: I am by no means a medical professional, but I have always been a chronic doodler. Because of this, I feel I have some personal insight into the many benefits that creating art can bring. For me, there are several stages in the creative process, each offering its own unique boost to my mental wellbeing.
The Energising 'Spark'
I could be out on a walk, watching a movie, listening to music, or even (unfortunately) in the middle of a conversation when suddenly an idea appears.
Usually, it's connected to something I've seen, heard, or felt during the activity. Once something catches my attention, it becomes exciting to imagine how that thought might develop into a piece of art. Maybe I've noticed a beautiful combination of colours and start wondering how I could use them in a painting. What sort of painting? Large or small? Would the colours work best as a pattern or as bold background elements? Or perhaps the idea would be better suited to pencil rather than paint?
This stage can last quite a while, but exploring these possibilities in my mind is a genuinely enjoyable experience.
At its heart, it's problem-solving - a healthy activity for the brain often described as cognitive fitness. Creative thinking encourages the brain to make connections, develop ideas, and imagine possibilities. Regularly engaging in this type of mental exercise can help improve focus, concentration, and cognitive flexibility.
The Creative 'Investigation'
Once the idea begins to take shape, I usually move on to the research stage.
This is the detective work: making a cup of coffee, opening art books, reading articles, and spending an unholy amount of time on Pinterest gathering reference images. Taking an initial concept and exploring it further is another excellent way to exercise the brain.
Beyond helping develop the artwork itself, this stage often increases my knowledge of a subject. Whether I'm learning about architecture, wildlife, mythology, or colour theory, I almost always finish knowing more than when I started, and that's a satisfying feeling in its own right.
The Relaxing 'Creation'
Now comes the really calming part.
My particular style of art is intentionally soothing, often involving repetitive processes and gentle colours. Creating art naturally encourages mindfulness: the practice of being fully present in the moment.
As I choose colours, draw shapes, and work through a project, my attention becomes focused on the task in front of me. Unlike scrolling through social media or constantly switching between tasks, art allows me to slow down and immerse myself in a single activity.
For me, this is where art becomes most restorative. It quiets racing thoughts, reduces distractions, and provides a welcome mental break from everyday life.
The Satisfying 'Completion'
Once a piece is completed, a sense of satisfaction washes over me.
Sometimes the artwork hasn't turned out exactly as I intended, and occasionally it isn't even fully finished. Yet being able to look at something I've spent time imagining, researching, and creating still feels like an achievement.
Perhaps the final piece is only average, but during the investigation stage I discovered an exciting new direction to explore next time. Maybe I experimented with a new paint colour and learned that it works beautifully on a particular type of paper.
Every project teaches me something.
The creative process is really a never-ending cycle. It loops back on itself, sometimes skipping stages and sometimes repeating them. That's part of the fun.
Art gives us a way to express emotions, explore new subjects, experiment with materials and techniques, and create a lasting record of our ideas and efforts. Whether the result is a masterpiece or simply a page filled with doodles, the act of creating can be rewarding in itself.