A New Study Shows Art-Related Tasks Boost Brain Blood Flow

(Newswire.net — May 6, 2019) Wilmington, DL — Today, more and more researchers are investigating the natural ways to protect and enhance brain health better. One of the ways found to be helpful is to engage in art activities.

GirijaKaimal, EdD, MA, art therapist and assistant professor in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, spearheaded a study.

It is worth noting that this research was published in the Arts in Psychotherapy journal. The study author and co-researchers had 50 volunteers and they measured the blood flow of the subjects during rest and while they are engaged in art-related tasks.

These tasks are coloring mandala, free-drawing, and doodling within or around a circle marked on a piece of paper.It has been found that all of the art-related tasks enhanced blood flow to the reward center of the brain, which is the medial prefrontal cortex.

The investigators also reveal that all of the activities, it was doodling that produced the most significant results. It was then followed by free-drawing and coloring. The art activities have been found to work in stimulating the reward system of the brain as well as one’s sense of satisfaction.

In an interview with the Science Daily, Kaimal said that there are several implications of this study’s findings.

“They indicate an inherent potential for evoking positive emotions through art-making—and doodling especially,” Kaimal adds.

According to Carole Lieberman, MD, the more frequently you doodle, the stronger the positive impact on your mood.

Experts suggest that these art activities produce mood-boosting effects may be due to their ability to workout issues that unconsciously bothers a person.

Fran Walfish, PsyD, a family and relationship psychotherapist and author who uses art therapy in her practice.

Walfish suggests that doodling aids in allowing one to wrestle with their conflicts and even expel their feelings on paper.

Nonverbal expression has been found to aid in clearing the space within the brain to process difficult issues, and this in turn produces calming effects.

Art activities have long been identified to be highly beneficial in delivering a range of mental health benefits. There are even many psychiatrists who strongly recommend drawing, painting, and coloring for individuals who suffer from mental health issues.

While more studies are still underway to learn more about the significant benefits of art activities to the brain, it is worth realizing that they have long been linked with some improvements in cognitive function and health.

Individuals who are looking for some helpful art materials may take into account the use of Tadkin Gel Pen Collection.

This amazing set is equipped with 100 pens in 100 different colors (amazon.com/Gel-Pens-Set-Coloring/dp/B01HSGWY1Q).