2 Life Changing Benefits of Art - Erika Lancaster (2025)

There's no doubt that developing your technical drawing or painting skills can be incredibly rewarding, but have you ever considered the positive impact that taking up an art practice can have on your mental health and other areas of your life?

In today's fast-paced world that's full of constant distractions, focusing on a single task for more than 15 minutes may seem almost impossible to some.
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This is why now, more than ever, it is essential to make the time for hobbies or activities that allow us to practice mindfulness and focus.

Any type of art practice, whether it's drawing, painting, sculpting, music or writing, requires focus, intention and a connection with yourself on a deep level.

In the video below, I talk about how art has been a lifeline for me throughout my life which has saved me from countless downwards spirals.

Once I started drawing/painting with the intention to develop my skills and eventually do this professionally, the positive impact of having made art a constant in my life became more apparent to myself and those around me.

In my 39 years, I simply haven't found any other activity that has brought me this level of happiness and peace.

I want others to experience this as well and this is one of the main reasons why I do what I do.

If you enjoyed this video and found it helpful, make sure to subscribe tomy YouTube channel.I share a brand new video every week with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials and mindset/productivity tips for artists.*Subscribe HERE

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​For a full list of my current favorite art supplies and books,go here.

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With today's constant bombardment of media and input, it’s easy to feel distracted and overwhelmed. Planning relaxing activities is crucial, and art is an excellent way to slow down and release or make sense of thoughts/emotions.

Not to mention, artistic activities demand presence and focus, offering opportunities to grow these skills which are so rare now-a-days.

Key Benefits:

• Stress Relief:Artistic activities help manage anxiety by encouraging mindfulness and presence. It's essential to be in the here and now if you're lookingto experience creative flow.
• Joy and Peace:Appreciating and creating art brings a sense of peace, which is essential for overall wellbeing. Experiencing creative flow is unlike anything else.
• Flow State:Creating art immerses you in a flow state, making the world’s noise fade away.Time stands still and it's just you and your supplies.I talk about creative flow in this video.

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Tips for Managing Stress through Art:

• Schedule Artistic Activities:Proactively plan art sessions to avoid burnout. Schedule these sessions on days and times that make sense for you. Keep things doable and practical.
• Focus on the Process:Enjoy the act of creating without worrying about the final product. It's not about creating perfect masterpieces, but about finding joy, and yourself, in the process.
• Explore and Experiment:Give yourself permission to explore and play. Find what works for you.

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With social media, it’s easy to lose track of where you end and other's influence begins.

The constant multitasking and stress can also make it difficult to reconnect with yourself, to the point that you can forget who you really are.

An art practice provides space to

​Each piece you create reflects your inner world, showcasing your strengths, quirks, and personal tastes.

Key Benefits:

• Self-Discovery:An art practice fosters self-awareness and you're able to uncover new (or old) parts of yourself. No one else in the world is exactly like you and this is a beautiful thing.
• Confidence Boost:Creating something beautiful that feels like an extension of yourself builds confidence. Seeing how your skills develop over time is also very rewarding.
• Meaningful Progress:Setting goals that are meaningful to you and working toward them is incredibly fulfilling.​

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Tips for Self-Discovery through Art:

• Embrace Your Uniqueness:Celebrate your uniqueness by creating art that is your own. Make your own choices and do what you enjoy.
• Stay True to Yourself:Build your drawings and paintings from scratch, using your own concepts, reference photos or things you have around you. From time to time, try avoiding external influences to see what comes out. You might be pleasantly surprised!
• Enjoy the Journey:Focus on the joy of creating rather than perfection.Remember, the journey of art is about self-discovery and growth, not just the final product.

​Art has taught me to be still, to value my uniqueness, and to find beauty in the everyday things that so many people take for granted.

For all of this, I'm incredibly grateful.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey.

​If you have your own stories or ways art has improved your life, share them in the comments below.

​Enjoy your art practice and see you soon!

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