Artistic hobbies: How to strengthen our body and mind

Artistic hobbies promote creativity and strengthen mental and physical well -being. Painting, dancing, singing or pottery are just a few examples that have positive effects. Around 40 % of people worldwide deal with creative activities in their free time.

Studies show that artistic work reduces stress and the brain trains. At the same time, it sensitizes us to deal with the environment and fellow human beings.

Hobbies as an indispensable life routine - why it is essential to maintain a real hobby

The term "hobby" has its origin in English and was originally translated as "hobbyhorse" . Over the years, the importance expanded, so that he now also describes a special leisure activity. Nowadays we understand an activity that we pursue out of pure joy and passion.

A look at the Duden shows the following definition:

As a compensation for daily work, with which someone fills out his free time and which he operates with a certain zeal. ”

In our childhood and youth, hobbies were a central pillar of our lives. They enriched our weeks and formed the basis of our everyday life together with the school. But why are they often forgotten in adult life? Few adults permanently devote themselves to a hobby that they regularly practice. This is unfortunate, because hobbies are crucial to achieve work-life balance fill joy and meaning

Already at the beginning of the last century, the German writer and poet Hermann Hesse in his thoughts collection “Reading for Minutes” :

Making bad poems is much more delightful than reading the most beautiful. ”

So it does not matter whether your creative works find international recognition or are only valued by yourself. The only decisive factor is to develop your creativity and the creation of new things. Even the experience of creative work harbors a creative aspect, as incognito philosopher Tamara Nieler sums up * . Because when reading, listening or looking at you, you are actively involved in the creative process and at the same time promote your own inspiration and imagination.

It is undisputed that a hobby supports children in further developing their skills and bringing them out hidden talent. It also promotes personal development. Many children identify strongly with their hobbies; Successes in extracurricular activities strengthen their self -confidence.

These positive effects do not fail to materialize even in adulthood. Unfortunately, hobbies often find no space in our hectic everyday life. Professional obligations and private requirements take so much time that there is hardly any room “additional activity” It is time in a world characterized by crises and wars to recognize the importance of hobbies and to give them the importance in our lives - for more joie de vivre and personal development .

About the diverse positive effects of an artistic hobbies

01 stress relief and less feelings of fear

When we devote ourselves to our hobbies, we focus our focus from the challenges of everyday life and experience soothing relaxation . Activities such as knitting, painting, writing, density or gardening often have a meditative effect that helps us to become more calmer and centered internally.

Hobbies are not only an effective remedy for boredom, they also make a significant contribution to reducing stress and offer valuable balance to the often hectic everyday life . Many of these leisure activities also promote social bond because they can be enjoyed in community. Similar to childhood, hobbies can strengthen our self -esteem by aware of our talents and give us real moments of happiness through the achievement of personal goals.

02 more energy and performance

Leisure activities that give us pleasure not only benefit our physical and mental health; They also have a positive impact on our professional performance . It is therefore worth choosing a leisure activity that promotes a harmonious balance between work and relaxation and ultimately increases our professional success.

Despite these advantages, many are still skeptical about how important it is to make your free time sensible and not exclusively spend passive on the sofa in front of Netflix.

If you come home after a long working day and devote yourself to your beloved hobby, create an excellent opportunity to reduce stress and recharge your batteries .

Regular and valued activity in the form of creative or sporty hobbies not only enables you to relax physically, but above all to let your mind come to rest. This has extremely positive effects on their professional productivity and supports their general health. In addition, your private life will feel enriched because you make your week more structured and use more meaningful.

03 Way to freedom and self -development

Hobbies not only offer us a welcome change from everyday work, but also give us a deep feeling of freedom . Unlike in professional life, where performance pressure is often the order of the day, you can act in your own ideas in your hobby. There are no rigid guidelines - only the goals you set yourself determine your way.

When you pursue a hobby, you have the flexibility when and where you exercise it. They are not bound to fixed times and can take new paths at any time or implement creative ideas. Here it is not the "failure" , but rather the valuable process of knowledge about your personal strengths and weaknesses - a real profit!

04 social bond and deeper relationships

Practify your hobby in a group or in a team, you also benefit from the opportunity to deepen social relationships. During such joint activities, discussions come about, which are mostly shaped by the joys of the hobby and let the stressful everyday work take a back seat.

Whether we join a painting group, a writing seminar or a music association, we have the chance to make new acquaintances and to build meaningful relationships with people who share our passion for certain activities.

This sociable atmosphere not only enables mutual support, but also creates joy and an opportunity to learn together. In addition, hobbies expand their knowledge and skills, which has a positive effect on mental health and resilience.

05 unleashes creativity

Creative activities play a crucial role in promoting our creative thinking skills.

This not only strengthens our problem -solving skills, but also our ability to think creatively and flexibly in different areas of life.

06 positive feelings and the feeling of happiness

The positive effect of creative processes is actually based on a so-called flow experience , an intense feeling of success that conveys deep happiness and satisfaction, knows Tamara Niebler * . Every time you create something new, you become aware of your own creative strength and slip into the condition of the flows.

But creativity and the experience of flow do much more: artistic activities such as writing, painting, pottery, singing or making music not only help to reduce mental tensions, but also offer a valuable space for processing problems. Each person has the potential for creativity without exception. It is only important to create the right environment and the right environment to develop this potential.

Hobbies and creative activities are therefore excellent means to increase our feeling of happiness and our general well -being. When we pursue activities that give us joy, we dopamine - a neurotransmitter that is connected with positive sensations such as joy and satisfaction.

This distribution can lift our mood and sustainably improve our quality of life.

07 permanent well -being

Creative activities have been shown to have a reducing reducing effect and lead to significant changes in the brain. A research team from the University of Otago * has examined the effects of creative activity on our well -being. "Flows" for our emotions mentioned by Nieler is particularly interesting

The closer look at the different creative activities shows that the specific type of employment is less crucial. Whether making music, knitting, crocheting, creative writing, recipe development, painting or graphic design - the participants tried a wide range of activities.

The results of this study are extremely informative: on days when the participants worked creatively, they experienced significant changes in their mood. They reported an increased happiness and energy. In contrast, positive emotions were shown on the following day without influence on creativity. Nevertheless, positive feelings were able to support the creative activities that took place on the same day.

In this context, the scientists even speak of an "upward spiral" . Creativity not only promotes immediate joy, but also ensures that positive feelings arise the following day . These positive emotions can in turn trigger a creative impulse on the same day. This cycle creates a motivating connection between creative activity and an increased well -being.

Creative hobbies: strengthening psyche and resilience for paraplegic

Creative work - be it through painting, pottery, drawing, handicrafts or handicrafts - also opens up a variety of options for developing their creativity. This impressively showed us a contribution from der-querchnt.de , the information portal of the Manfred Sauer Foundation * .

The aspect of creating gifts for relatives and friends is not in the foreground. Rather, the participants focus on the positive effects of these creative activities on mental health and the resilience of individuals.

People with paraplegia who act artistically experience an increase in their well -being - regardless of whether they paint, draw or design sculptures. Even people with strong paralysis can become active : the intensive viewing and analyzing of images opens up new visual perspectives and stimulates thinking. External visual and acoustic stimuli, such as those occurring in guided image considerations, also affect organic structures and thus support physical and psychological recovery processes (cf. Zäch * ).

In this context, it is obviously important to look at two different aspects: firstly, creativity as a leisure activity, which increases psychological well -being as a positive side effect. Second, the creativity that comes to develop in an art therapy context under professional guidance and specifically exerts its healing effect.

Various ways to be creative in free time

01 Singing: Boost for body and psyche

Those who sing unfold much more than their talent. Singing is a complex art form that requires multi -layered skills - including the production of sounds, language control, hearing, feeling of rhythm , body awareness and self -awareness. This also explains the large number of positive effects that singing on the mood and health of an individual.

Singing promotes a melodious voice, even in old age, helps back pain to prevent, stimulates digestion, strengthens the immune system, improves blood circulation and strengthens the cardiovascular system. In addition, it increases both physical and mental performance.

The creative expression and the experience of flow during singing also have a meditative quality and have a significant impact on our mental well -being. Numerous scientific studies in particular demonstrate the stress -reducing, anxiety -resolution and mood -promoting effects of singing.

In addition, singing opens up space for a profound self -experience, through which you become more aware of your own skills and potential. The buzzing of a melody or singing in the shower already has positive effects. The body is better supplied with oxygen, which promotes performance and concentration.

Health advantages and training opportunities

Online singing lessons offers the opportunity to improve your own voice. These courses convey breathing techniques and voice training to make singing even more effective.

Scientists found that choir singers often have better cardiovascular health. Regular practice also promotes emotional well -being. Singing not only strengthens the diaphragm, but also looks like meditation.

02 Drawing: Design your happiness

As is generally known, drawing offers a wonderful way to develop creative skills. But only a few are aware that it also keeps the human brain active and efficient. When drawing, the right brain is specifically stimulated, which is responsible for pictorial, emotional and creative thinking.

This activation is particularly valuable because the left brain, which is responsible for logical and analytical thinking, is often more demanded in our everyday life. Often the right half of the brain - and thus our artistic and creative talents - remains unused.

On the other hand, if you draw with joy and passion, not only trains your drawing skills, but also promotes your mental fitness overall. Numerous participants of drawing courses report on increased creativity, improved concentration and even increased eyesight.

In addition, drawing has a calming effect and actively supports the breakdown of fears. It is no coincidence that drawing is an integral part of art therapy . In the depths of the creative process, worries and problems lose their importance; You immerse yourself in a state in which spatial and pictorial thinking are required and precise hand movements are necessary.

Use drawing for yourself as a personal way to more zest for life, relaxation and mental vigilance!

03 times: therapy and expression

Studies show that 60 % of people who paint, reduce stress and relax. Colors and shapes promote imagination and strengthen self -confidence. Fine motor skills are trained when painting. Children improve their hand-eye coordination through this activity, while adults benefit from the calming effects.

The importance of painting for our well -being can already be felt in childhood. Painting plays a particularly central role in these early life, especially during phases in which our language skills are not yet fully developed.

In such moments, painting and drawing offers an excellent opportunity for self -expression. This explains why painting workshops are now an indispensable part of art therapy: pictures often convey more than a thousand words. In addition to the possibility of expressing emotions and thoughts that we can find difficult in words, painting also has numerous positive effects on our health - both physically and mentally.

For example, painting promotes fine motor skills because it requires the creative handling of different materials. Brain performance also benefits enormously from painting, since both hemispheres are actively involved while we work in the creative river.

But that's not all: the ability to concentrate is significantly increased by regular painting, which benefits our mental health. Fears are broken down, problems back into the background and a deep feeling of relaxation spreads. As a result, we are better equipped to quickly master challenges and to meet crisis situations more relaxed.

Painting is not only a creative process, but also a valuable journey for personal development and inner peace.

04  Making music brings joy into our lives

Already in early childhood we experience first -hand how profound music influences our mood, well -being and our emotions. For this reason, music therapy now established itself as an integral part of psychotherapeutic approaches.

But what exactly makes music making so happy? Harmonious sounds that we find pleasant stimulate our brain to release the happiness hormone dopamine. This not only leads to direct sense of joy, but also motivates us in the long term.

In addition , not only listening, but also feeling, moving and seeing are actively addressed making music The calming effect of music has a positive effect on our physical well -being: cognitive performance improves, blood pressure drops and the heartbeat finds its balance.

However, there is no universal music direction that provides the best result for health promotion. Everyone has their individual taste of music and therefore reacts differently to different sounds.

What is relaxing and beneficial for some can cause unrest and irritation. The general rule is : loud and shrill sounds have a stimulating effect, while depth and dark tones are felt relaxing and liberating.

05 dancing: movement for body and soul

Dancing combines creativity with physical exercise and has numerous health benefits. It strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves coordination and increases endurance. The rhythmic movements to music also promote emotional balance.

Studies show that dance groups experience a stronger sense of community. Couple dance also promotes the bond between partners. Free dancing, on the other hand, stimulates the imagination and leaves space for individual creativity.

In the truest sense of the word, it allows energy flow and fall off everyday worries. This effect is enlarged if, for example, you dance barefoot on a rich green meadow or jump through puddles or mud as in toddler manner.

06 Writing: Processing thoughts and free the spirit

Writing is a universal hobby that structured thoughts and channeled emotions. It supports self -reflection and helps to better understand complex experiences. Regular writing promotes language development and trains memory.

Diabit letters already help to process everyday life and create clarity. Creative methods such as free writing or writing poems stimulate imagination.

In addition, the letter has been proven to have positive effects on our psychological and emotional health. Numerous studies show that creative writing increases creativity, improves self -presentation and promotes self -reflection. In addition, the letter leads to an increased subjective well -being, reduces fears and helps to successfully master challenges.

07 Töpfern: Learn mindfulness and fine motor skills

Töpfern combines manual skills with artistic freedom. This activity requires concentration and patience, while at the same time it offers an immediate sense of achievement. Dealing with sound and working with your hands promote fine motor skills and strengthen body awareness.

According to studies, creative activities such as pots reduce the stress level and promote dopamine's distribution. The repeating movements, such as shaping and smoothing the sound, have a calming effect and focus the mind. People who regularly report on an increased feeling of satisfaction and improved self -worth.

08 Filzen: Gentle stimulation of the sense of touch

The oldest archaeological finds of felt products go back to the Neolithic period, and some scientists even suspect that this art form is far older. But felting is much more than a traditional craft; It is a profound, creative experience that appeals to all the senses.

The feeling of the soft and coarse wool, the natural fragrance, the warm lye and the gentle sliding of your hands over the fabric create an intimate connection to the earth and promote deep relaxation. Although felting requires concentration and patience - the walk takes time and sometimes requires strength - the joy of the results is immeasurable.

When felting, you will always experience inspiring moments when you are in line with yourself. Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a world full of inner calm and creativity. 

09 sculpture: in harmony with modeling art

The sculpture and modeling art combines manual skills with profound specialist knowledge, but is above all an expression of creative work. At its core, it is about breathing new life into a lifeless material through artistic shapes. A sculptor unfolds the beauty of materials such as stone, wood, sound, concrete, plaster or wax by freed them from their original condition and giving them a unique form through its own deep understanding of art and its individual meaning.

Does it bring luck? Absolutely! Significant artists have dedicated their time to the supposedly "breadless art" and often accepted modest living conditions. The artistic activity actually gives joy and at the same time promotes self -confidence, creativity and the ability to concentrate.

In addition, the hewing of the picture enables us to develop awareness of our own creativity and to discover the endless possibilities that result from it. To be in this creative river not only promotes relaxation, but also helps to reduce fears and to cope with conflicts more easily. Last but not least, the sculpture has a positive effect on the body: it improves both fine motor skills and body tension.

10  Mosaic art: reinterpreted a timeless masterpiece

The art of mosaic laying has an impressive story that goes back over 4,000 years. Even in ancient times, early civilizations used this technique to beautify objects and create lively representations of people and animals.

Also today, outstanding artists such as Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Antoni Gaudí and Niki de Saint Phalle continue the tradition of this expressive art form. They show that mosaics are not only works of art, but also give joy and serve as a creative form of expression.

The term "mosaic" is not for no reason from the Latin "Musaicum" , which "work that is devoted to the muses" . Laying mosaic offers everyone the opportunity to develop their individual creativity. It opens up infinite ways to bring the fascinating variety of shapes and colors to life in your own work.

The use of different materials - from ceramics and porcelain to mussels and mirrors to the stone glass and marble - create exceptional works of art that not only impress visually, but also touch the soul.

11 Glass art: Creativity meets masterly craft

Glass art is a traditional and fascinating handicraft, which has its roots in the 17th century with Italian masters who made it perfection. It is no wonder, because glass is one of the oldest materials of humanity and inspires with its versatility.

In addition to its rich history, the glass bubbles represents an impressive creative form of expression, which requires a deep aesthetic understanding as well as sensitivity, skill, strength, endurance and concentration. This art enables the artist to immerse yourself in a state of creative flows and create unique works that both enjoy the eye and stimulate the mind.

12  Print graphics: sink into traditional processes and create new things

Print graphics represent a fascinating and historical form of illustration, which has made a significant contribution to visual communication in books and newspapers. Originally, visual representations that served to supplement the text had to be created by elaborate procedures such as cracks, cutting or stinging on wood, linoleum or copper. These techniques enabled the creation of impressive illustrations for all kinds of printed products.

The print graphic is one of the visual arts and has inspired many outstanding artists over the centuries. Famous masters such as Albrecht Dürer (copper engraving), Rembrandt (line estate) and Hans Theo Richter (lithography) have put their stamp on this discipline and perfected their techniques. To date, some pressure -graphic processes, such as etching, also apply to contemporary artists and contribute to the variety of graphic work.

13 Forging: Tend the Urmet of Fire

The fascinating game with fire and iron is one of the oldest craftsmanship of mankind. The magic of this art form is to put the iron into the desired shape at a breathtaking speed.

Forging not only requires strength and strength, but also sharpens mindfulness, serenity, courage and patience. 

14 goldsmiths: In the river with the supreme discipline of blacksmithing

The art of goldsmith is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most fascinating craftsmanship of mankind, the roots of which are already documented in the 5th century BC. It is therefore all too understandable that this filigree manufacturing technique also awakens unbroken enthusiasm today.

Gold forging not only requires an extraordinary level of concentration, patience and manual skill, but also a flowering creativity and a fine feeling for aesthetic design. These unique requirements not only contribute to the championship of the craft, but also promote the physical and mental relaxation and strength of the goldsmith.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/