The Whole-Health Benefits of Art

Engaging in your passions is one of the most rewarding parts of life. Whether you enjoy physical activity or moments of silence in meditation, finding your “one thing” is part of what helps you feel whole.

Keep reading to learn more about Erica’s artistic dream and how it was sculpted through pottery.

Erica’s Discovery of a New Passion

Erica Weiss has always found art to be a powerful yet relaxing way to express herself. And after a thoughtful gift from her family, she found what she had been looking for her whole life.

Molding Her Love for Art

Growing up, Erica was drawn toward art. “As a little girl, I kind of just picked it up as a hobby. I was never very good at drawing, and I thought that art wasn’t for me,” explained Erica. “And then I found clay. I’ve taken many clay and pottery classes in my life, but I never got to throw on the wheel. This past year, my husband and my wonderful family bought me a class, and I learned, but I still wanted more. We got a pottery wheel, and now I can do it anytime I want, and I love it.”

After a few years of working with pottery, Erica still finds herself filled with joy every time she sits at the wheel. “There’s anticipation of what the clay will feel like — it’s different every time — and what it will become. As I’m fairly new at it, I try for one thing, and I just let it become whatever it becomes, and that’s a fun process. Sometimes it looks the way I want it to, and other times, I just call that a different shape, and then it’s art.”

The Healing Power of Art

Art has the power to be more than just creative expression — it can nurture your mind more than you may know. Research shows that from early childhood to adolescence, practicing art can help students better cope with their feelings, respond to adversity and increase their compassion and tolerance for others. For adults, studies have shown that participation in various arts is associated with reduced rates of cognitive decline. Other mental health benefits associated with being creative include:

• Boosting your mood
• Helping you cope with loss or grief
• Improving self-esteem
• Reducing stress and anxiety

Erica has experienced firsthand some of the health benefits of art. “I think it’s the perfection of it. Because it’s going in a circle, you get this beautiful, perfect shape. Also, I think it’s very relaxing and meditative. And then, of course, clay being so malleable, the two are just very relaxing.”

Whole-Health Support at Every Age

At AdventHealth, we want to help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit. From primary care to specialty medical services, our teams are here to provide the world-class care you deserve so you can live your life to the fullest.

Discover more stories of people who filled their lives with more living.