Using Art To Support Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about the benefits that art and creativity can have on your emotional wellbeing.

Art classes aren’t always just about improving technique, creating something, or building a portfolio. They’re spaces where we can lose ourselves in the joy of creativity and nurture our wellbeing at the same time. Often when people talk about art and mental health it gets framed as soft by-product. Yes it's relaxing but that's very much underselling it. The truth is, engaging in art regularly can have real and measurable effects on how you think, feel, and function.

In fact, recent studies have shown that regular participation in art-based activities reduces mental distress, lowers anxiety, and increases life satisfaction. And if that wasn't enough to convince you of the benefits of creativity to our wellbeing, here are a few more reasons we think art and creativity play a crucial part in enhancing our wellbeing:

Art can help regulate your nervous system

When you’re anxious or overwhelmed, your body is often in what's often called 'fight and flight' mode - a nervous system state that includes increased heart rate, scattered attention and difficulty concentrating. Engaging in creativity, or making art, can gently return your nervous system to it's parasympathetic state of 'rest and digest' where we feel calmer and more at ease.

Repetitive motions like sketching lines, blending paint, or shaping clay can be grounding and soothing. They give your mind and body something steady to focus on, which can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety by fostering calming sensory input. So you don’t need a full on meditation practice to calm your nervous system, even a pencil and a notebook are enough.

Art can be a calming anchor in a busy and chaotic world

Let's face it, modern life is busy, chaotic and always asking us to be more and do more. As an antidote to this, art reminds us to take our time, release pressure, and enjoy the moment. Even taking the time to choose materials, subject matter, and experiment with form can be deeply soothing in itself, reminding us that the feeling of slowing down and being more present can benefit other areas of our lives too.

Art supports focus and reduces mental clutter

If you’ve ever found yourself with a dozen thoughts competing for your attention, you know how exhausting that can be. Art requires you to focus on one thing at a time, and even when your mind wanders, the process gently brings you back. Over time, this can improve your ability to concentrate and stay present, which is especially helpful if you’re dealing with stress, overwhelm, or burnout.

Art connects you to others in a meaningful way

Art classes are a fantastic way to find connection and community as you're surrounded by people who are also experimenting, learning, and improving. Numerous studies indicate that connection to others is a measure of happiness and wellbeing, and what better way to find that community than through a shared love of creating art?

It encourages self-compassion (eventually!)

OK so this one make take some time.... At first it can be all too easy to be critical of your work or want it to turn out a certain way. But over time, as you keep creating, showing up, and experimenting, you start to notice progress and you begin to let go of the perfectionist tendencies - take it from us we've been there! You soon start to see that improvement comes from persistence, not perfection, and this starts to gently filter into all areas of your life, not just creating art.

So what does this mean during Mental Health Awareness Month?

It’s a reminder that art and creativity aren't separate from our wellbeing, they're a fundamental part of it.

And if you’ve been hesitant to try an art class, or pick up a paint brush, maybe this is a good reminder to start. Because we believe that being creative will benefit you in so many ways, and possibly in more ways than you think!

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Kate Hughes is a Hampshire-based artist known for her evocative fine art landscape paintings and contemporary craft practice. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and coast, her work combines technical skill with a modern experimentalist approach. In addition to her studio practice, Kate runs a thriving art school, offering workshops and classes for artists of all levels. She also welcomes visitors to her open studio and gallery space, creating an engaging environment where art can be experienced, learned, and collected.