Looking for an activity to do on a rainy afternoon? Try painting. Not only do you get to have fun flexing your creativity, you’ll also improve your health.

Here are a few good reasons to pick up a paintbrush.

Promoting Emotional Wellbeing

According to a study by researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand, students who did creative activities like painting every day for two weeks, reported having a positive reaction to painting. Many participants said they even experienced a boost in mood and lower stress levels.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

By encouraging critical thinking and creative problem solving, those who take up painting tend to notice an increased ability to “think outside the box.” Painting also promotes the idea that there is often more than a single answer or solution to problems.

Fine-Tuning Your Memory

Painting can also lead to sharper concentration and memory. In fact, painting’s therapeutic effect has been used for some time to treat illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.

Improves Communication Skills

Painting and other creative activities allow us to express our inner thoughts and feelings, which can help us when communicating with others. Research has shown that painting can help people overcome shyness, increase their self-esteem and improve their interaction with others.

Sharpens Attention to Detail

To add to the list of many health benefits, painting helps you become more observant of details and of your surroundings. Because painting requires some shading, light and dark differentiation, coloring and so on, you’ll find yourself paying closer attention in the real world.

Do you paint? Have you experienced any positive health effects? Let us know in the comments.

Advice or recommendations are for informational or educational purposes only, not a substitute for a visit or consultation with your doctor.

MJ Plaster

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