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Written By: Tess Paul
The world is a scary place. Everything happening all the time, every hour of every day, stuck in a cycle that never ends and all you ever really want is the world to stop spinning on its axis for just a single moment. Just enough time for you to finally take a breath. But it doesn’t.
It’s time to take your life into your own hands; make your own world stop.
And music and art is your perfect escape.
According to the American Psychiatry Association, “whether we passively listen to our favorite songs or actively engage in music-making by singing or playing instruments, music can have a profound influence on our socio-emotional development and overall well-being (1). This is so much so that the term “Music Therapy” has been coined, a therapy that entails the production of a safe/secure environment while decreasing anxiety levels as well as soothing depressed individuals. Additionally, art also has a significant healing effect on our minds.. Art, in any form of visual expression—painting, sketching, sculpture, or otherwise—has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for mental health management. Taking part in artistic endeavors stimulates different regions of the brain, providing a type of relief that talking about your problems otherwise can’t.
Charlie Health found that “art and music therapies are used to treat a wide variety of mental health symptoms and psychological disorders, including:” (4)
Depression
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Chronic illnesses
Suicidal ideation
Family or relationship issues
Expressing feelings via art can be relieving for people who are dealing with severe stress, anxiety, or despair. You can process and think about internal emotions without being overcome by them when you externalize them into something tangible. It's as if you are able to release some of that emotional burden onto the canvas or page, enabling you to take that much needed breath.
Creating music and art also helps us stay in the present, which is a crucial component of mindfulness. Your attention becomes focused and the constant noise of the outside world disappears when they are fully engrossed in painting, singing, or playing an instrument. This momentary brain clarity can improve emotional health and lower stress levels. Certain repetitive activities, such as drawing patterns or strumming guitar chords, can even have meditative benefits by reducing tension and encouraging relaxation.
You do not have to be a professional musician or artist in order to truly reap the benefits these art forms have to offer. The act of creativity itself provides relaxation and serenity. Creating work, be it sketching in a notepad or strumming a few basic notes on a guitar, is what brings about healing. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, because then again, who is perfect?
Not to mention, the social component of art and music cannot be overlooked. Building relationships and support networks is essential for mental health, and it can be achieved by taking part in neighborhood art classes, going to concerts, or vibing with friends. Helping you to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation, sharing your artistic expressions with others can foster a stronger sense of understanding and belonging.
Creative outlets such as music and art provide a safe haven in this world. They help us with our busy minds, process our feelings, and communicate things that we occasionally find difficult to put into words. So grab a paintbrush or play your favorite album the next time it seems like life is moving too quickly. Allow creativity to be your refuge, and when you're creating, find the one thing that brings you peace of mind that the world outside cannot touch.
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