Painting for Mental Health and Wellbeing

 

Painting for Mental Health and Wellbeing

I have painted from a young age and it’s always been just for a bit of fun or something to do because living in the Derbyshire countryside, as lovely as it is, doesn’t always offer much for the younger generations. There’s the option to walk, play in fields or chill at the park unless you’re lucky enough to have parents committed enough to take you places and introduce you to new things (luckily, I did).

I used to paint through school, took it to A level standard and would have loved to of taken it that bit further but life got in the way, I completed my Law degree, started working full time and that was that. It wasn’t until recently (I’m now 24), that I started to pick up my paint brushes again. I hadn’t had a break from painting for any reason other than not having time and now I’m settled back in my own house I finally have the time, inspiration and room to start painting properly again.

Since I have started painting again, I’ve noticed my style has changed. I used to love painting landscapes and shy away from people and animals. Now I’m completely the opposite. I’ve started getting a lot of pet commissions come in and I’m loving concentrating on intricacies and something completely not linked to every day life. It’s absolute escapism.

I hadn’t noticed until recently how much I enjoy painting, which leads me to the blog title “Painting for Mental Health and Wellbeing.”

Painting has long been used as a technique to overcome anxiety and depression, and I can completely see why. By focusing so intently on something not related to every day life, it gives you the chance to step back from what might be bothering you, give your mind and soul a rest from whatever has been clouding you and letting yourself heal whilst you concentrate on something else. Not only that, but it can provide a great sense of achievement – when you get that angle right or the sparkle in their eye is there it’s a rewarding feeling. And finally once your painting is finished, you’ve got a little window of escapism hanging on your wall which you can take inspiration and happiness from every time you look at it.

So I guess what I’m trying to say from this post is that if you’re every feeling anxious or depressed or just a little bit down, pick up a paintbrush and just see if it makes you feel any better. It works for me when I’m feeling a little down or sad, so I just thought it might help someone else too

Thanks for reading Painting for Mental Health and Wellbeing. You can find more of my paintings and commissions over on my art website, just click here.

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