Make Art One of Your Five a Day!
Week ending 15th May 2021 was Mental Health Awareness week. Many people find that being creative, in whatever way, helps improve their mental health. Below are some articles that reinforce this finding.
The impact of Lockdown on members of SAG has been varied: for some, there has been little change to their daily lives, for others it has had a significant effect, being apart from friends and family, even confined to the house, they have felt isolated and lonely. However, all have found different ways of coping with the situation and...
Research has shown that getting involved with the arts can
have powerful and lasting effects on wellbeing and health, especially mental
health. Creativity can increase positive
emotions, help reduce stress and anxiety, even improve how the immune system
functions, and reduce depressive symptoms.
Here at Stafford Art Group, through our weekly meetings on Zoom and through our website, we have created a friendly, non-threatening environment, where folk feel confident in receiving a non-judgmental welcome. In these challenging times, the Art Group has provided a safe space to share and to rebuild social connections. Testimonies from our members have shown that getting in touch with others, albeit mainly online at the moment, has helped alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Weekly painting challenges have given members a purpose.
There is no right or wrong way to produce art, it is not about the outcome, but rather the process. It is about playing and experimenting, about enjoyment and a distraction from our worries. Being outside in the fresh air also has health benefits and SAG runs plein air painting/drawing sessions when restrictions allow.
It is good to try something new and be willing to make mistakes. In other words, participating in art can, and often does, improve quality of life. Why not give it a go?
An article by Jane G, paintings by members of SAG
Can you reap the benefits of nature by watching it on a computer screen? Virtual nature lovers wanted!
"Listening to sound from the natural world can be like therapy," says lead researcher, Alex Smalley.
BBC Soundscapes for Wellbeing, a collaboration between Exeter University and the BBC, want to find out whether people who can't get outside feel the same benefits when they watch nature on screens instead. To take part in the survey, follow the link below:
Yoga and its benefits on our mental and physical health - for many positive testimonies, go to the link by clicking on the picture below.
