The Art of Healing: How Art can Improve your Mental Health
It’s April and in celebration of World Health Day, we decided to focus on mental health, a once taboo topic but now increasingly normalised and a little more accepted in Singapore. What better way to commemorate this than to dedicate a blog to the various wall art that dawns on our walls? We will be exploring the many ways in which art can benefit our mental health and how it can be a tool for healing.
'Flowing' by Min Juliana Song
1. Breathe, it’s just a bad day, not a bad life
We’ve all been there. A bad day at work, you messed up your relationship with a dear one or things are just not going your way. But hey, it’s just a bad day, not a bad life. If you feel like you’re always on edge, perhaps you need something to calm you down. Did you know, looking at the colour blue produces a soothing effect on the mind and body? When we see something blue, our brains release calming chemicals that help to lower blood pressure. That’s why when you look at the sky or the ocean, you can feel this sense of calm and tranquillity wash all over you. If you don’t always have time to enjoy the outside world, why not have it in your home?
'Monsoon Sky' by Petra Sanders
2. Brighter Days Ahead
Life is a canvas, why not paint yourself a whole lot of colourful days? Colours like yellow, orange and green are often associated with happiness and positivity. They create feelings of excitement, raising our spirits from the bottom and giving us the much needed burst of energy. The ‘Anomalous’ series reminds us of confidence and individuality, just like the bold and vibrant neon strokes of paint. Also, if you’re an animal lover, what more is there to say?
'Anomalous' series by Kelly Ser
3. Unplug and live in the moment
You’ve probably asked yourself this question before, “Has that always been there?” or you might have commented “I miss those simple times when…”. With all the tech gadgets in our hands, we often find ourselves looking down and missing the little things. Then once in a while, we catch ourselves reminiscing about the past. Art allows us to capture those treasured moments in a frame, keeping them alive forever. A good piece of art that invokes the reminiscence of old times - good or bad - is one of life's simple low-tech luxuries. So, indulge in the moment and take your mind to a happy place.
'Childhood Memories' by Megha Nema
Art is a form of therapy. It can help us express ourselves, release tension and connect with our emotions in a safe and healthy way. Brush away the dark times and use art to boost your mood. The only thing you should lose - is to lose yourself in the art.