With winter often comes the winter blues.
As we slowly come out of the cold months, it’s important to remember that preparing for the not-so-winter blues is just as important as keeping your mind active and busy during the actual winter blues.
A great way to do this is by delving into the arts.
When you take part in cultural, arts-based activities, you can get a feeling of joy and happiness. Going to a museum, taking an art class, listening to live music, all can aid in producing positive feelings, boosting serotonin, and keeping your mental health on the positive side.
Not only is taking in art beneficial, creating art is equally fun and positive.
Actively participating in creating allows for self-expression, creativity and the ability to just do.
As humans, we tend to want to plan and have control over every situation. Creating art is something that allows you to rest your mind and go with the flow. Anyone can be an artist and because it is your art, you get to freely decide how to create.
Probably one of the best factors in creating or participating in the arts is it creates community.
Whether building social connections by volunteering at an arts organization or taking a group trip to a local museum, the arts can help build relationships between all ages.
In addition to all the social benefits, creating and participating in the arts can have cognitive benefits, as well. Studies have shown time and time again that drawing, coloring, doodling, etc. for just 20 minutes a day reduces cortisol, the primary stress hormone. In addition to being a stress reducer, studies have also shown that drawing, writing and reading have all been linked to improved memory.
Feeling good about yourself through creativity, increased social interaction and reduced stress are all great benefits to your mental health. Whether you want to learn about history, see live music or even act in a theater production, Lake Country Arts Alliance has an outlet for you.
Lake Country Arts Alliance is made up of 12 local organizations: The Plaza Arts Center, The Lake Country Players, Plaza Alliance for the Performing Arts (PAPA,) Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS,) Festival Hall, Lake Country Chorus, Georgia Writers Museum, Old School History Museum, The Artisans Village, Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, Putnam County Charter School System, and Andalusia.
To get involved with any of these organizations or for more information about the Lake Country Arts Alliance, visit online to lakecountryarts.org.