How Art Making Strengthens Neuroplasticity
Create and Forge new neural pathways
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences. Every time you engage in a new or complex activity - hello, art making - your brain creates new connections between your brain cells, and allows old ones to wither, and our brains continue to rewire themselves to adapt to a changing environment at any age!
WHAT IS NEUROPLASTICITY?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences. Plasticity is the capacity to be shaped, molded, or altered; neuroplasticity, then, is the ability for the brain to adapt or change over time, by creating new neurons and building new networks.*
*Psychology Today
HOW IT IMPACTS US
Every time you engage in a new or complex activity, your brain creates new connections between your brain cells, increasing neuroplasticity.
By developing these new neural pathways and allowing old ones to wither, our brains continue to rewire themselves to adapt to a changing environment at any age!
CREATIVE REMEDY
Creating art activates communication between various parts of your brain, increasing your brain plasticity. On the weekends when you may have more time to dedicate to your creative practice, break out your watercolor materials and paint a small still life. Better yet, take your art kit outside to a park, the beach, or your backyard, and create a landscape study. Plan a picnic with a friend or two, and create together while enjoying time in nature!
OUTCOME
- Promote overall brain health
- Improve fluid intelligence and IG
- Increase capacity for memory and attention
- Combats brain atrophy and dementia
Berry Stein
Berry is the founder of Art Life Practice. She's an art educator and has spent the past 14+ years working to broaden access to arts education and daily creative practice.
