
Mind
Art gives us access to our mental landscape. It asks that we question our inner critic and other mental habits that do not serve our greater good. Art gives us the opportunity to express our unhealthy thoughts and feelings and make room for new ideas and ways of thinking. Art making improves memory and attention span (Collie, Backos, Malchiodi, & Spiegel, 2006). Externalizing thoughts and feelings through art can help us evaluate what we want and don’t want in our lives. Art can help connect centres of the brain and promote neurological development for all ages. It’s never too late to make change.

Body
Seeing and touching the art materials helps us remain present in the here and now.
Introducing art to your regular routine “can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve well-being and enhance the way we fight infection” (NIH, 2008).
On top of these physical-emotional health improvements art making also increases eye-hand coordination and dexterity! (Collie, Backos, Malchiodi, & Spiegel, 2006).

Spirit
The artist gets to decide what they want to focus on and what they feel they need to change.
Art making helps us remove energy road blocks and helps us let go.
With a greater mind, body, and spirit connection, art makers can reach greater levels of health and happiness in all areas of their lives.

Related Links
What is Art Therapy?
“Defining Art Therapy in the 21st Century”
Art Therapy in Psychology Today! Check It Out!
“Arts in Healthcare: Creativity for the Health of It.”
References
Collie, K., Backos, A., Malchiodi, C., & Spiegel, D. (2006). Art therapy for combat related PTSD: Recommendations for research and practice. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 23 (4),157-164. Download a copy of this article here at ERIC database at http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ777008.
McNiff, S. (1992) Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination. Boston, MA: Shambhala Puclications.
More than a Feeling: How the Arts Affect Your Health (June 2008). Accessed Jan 2015. http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2008/June/docs/01features_01.htm
Steele, W.,& Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Trauma-informed practices with children and adolescents. New York: Taylor & Francis. – See more at: http://www.cathymalchiodi.com/about/recent-publications-on-art-therapy-expressive-arts-therapy-trauma-and-more/#sthash.NMsZJARE.dpuf