Sometimes the routine of life can get you feeling a bit meh. Not a medical diagnosis obviously.. but I mean the general day to day of work, sorting family stuff out and listening to the message that we need to improve ourselves can just be.. a bit... well.. exhausting?
I have found that finding activities where I can be 'in the moment' really helpful for my overall mood and ability to cope. My favourite thing to do is of course, paint flowers. Here are five reasons why painting some beautiful blooms can help you too.
1. PAINTING CAN LOWER YOUR STRESS LEVELS
According to research conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, creative activities contribute towards the reduction of stress and depression. Apparently, the stress hormone cortisol lowers during activities like painting-resulting in clearer thinking, better sleep, good heart health and less anxiety. It is vital to note that professional help should always always be sought if you are struggling with your mental health. Painting flowers is not a solution. However creative activities are something that have certainly helped many people in the past and continue to do so.
'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.' Pablo Picasso
2. ART CAN MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE IN LOVE
Good old Science backing this one up for me again! Spending time just looking at art or actively creating art produces the same feelings as when you are falling in love. According to The University College of London, their research showed that creating or viewing artwork produces a 10% increase of blood flow to the brain; particularly in the area responsible for pleasure. That feeling you get when someone gifts you a gorgeous bouquet of flowers? Imagine having that feeling every time you view a floral painting that YOU have created.
3. PAINTING FLOWERS MAKES YOU MORE INTELLIGENT
Probably. A little bit? Here me out...
The brain loves to find patterns in everything. Spotting those links is what strengthens the neural pathways in the brain-making it easier for you to make connections. Painting increases resilience and problem solving skills which allows you to take on more knowledge. If there's one good example of patterns within nature it's a flower. Noticing the patterns of petals or leaves whilst painting is a very mindful activity which will have you applying for MENSA before you know it. Well.... it might not- but highly intelligent people often partake in creative activities like painting or music. So make of that what you will!
4. PAINTING FLOWERS MAKES YOU PART OF A COMMUNITY
One thing I have discovered on my journey as a painter, is that there are a lot of flower fans out there. In fact, most people I know have a positive association or memory with certain flowers. Whether it be floral arrangements seen at special occasions like weddings, blooms seen on holidays or flowers grown by our loved ones. There are local gardening groups, floristry classes and floral painting classes. Even searching online you will find a huge amount of flower fans- from dahlia growers to allotment holders. Flowers make people happy. So it stands to reason that all of those people will love floral artwork too. Talking to people about my floral paintings has given me so much joy. Of course, there is the option that painting flowers can bring you an income as well!
I have started in person floral painting workshops that I LOVE. For online workshops make sure you are signed up to my email list.
5. FLORAL PAINTING GETS YOU SOME NATURAL BENEFITS
When you start painting flowers you end up noticing them EVERYWHERE. The thing about being an artist is that you are more inclined to notice the smaller details in your environment. The shape, colour or movement of an object and the absolute beauty that surrounds us all that can often go unnoticed. Painting flowers gets you outside among your subject matter and whether you are a gardener or not it bring you so much joy! The benefits of being in nature include improved immune system, increased energy, better fitness and decreased anxiety. Plus... being surrounded by beautiful flowers is extremely inspirational. Therefore you will want to get painting so you can surround yourself with all that joy when you're at home too.
If you want to know more about how to increase your creativity and get painting, have a look at my blog that gives you some tips on how to get started.
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