As the colder months approach and the days get shorter, many of us feel the familiar weight of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) creeping in. The lack of sunlight, longer nights, and increased time spent indoors can trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety, and lethargy. For some, SAD is a yearly battle, casting a shadow over the winter months.
While nature offers an antidote to this through its healing power, art can also serve as a tool for lifting our spirits and managing mental health, especially during the darker seasons. This is where my project, Positive Mental Artitude, comes in, an artistic movement I’ve developed to bring positivity, vibrancy, and light into our lives, even when the world outside feels a little grey.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD is more than just feeling down during the winter; it’s a form of depression triggered by the change in seasons, typically starting in autumn and continuing through winter. The reduction in sunlight can disrupt our biological clocks, leading to decreased serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for regulating mood, and an increase in melatonin, which can leave us feeling sleepy and sluggish.
Despite these challenges, we have the power to influence our mental state, and one powerful way to do this is through creative expression.
The Power of Positive Mental Artitude
I created Positive Mental Artitude as both a personal project and a message to others: art can be a tool for mental wellness. As an artist, I’ve always believed in the emotional and psychological impact that art can have on individuals. But it wasn’t until I experienced my own struggles with anxiety, PTSD, and the effects of seasonal changes that I fully understood the role that creating and surrounding myself with positive art could play in maintaining my mental health.
Positive Mental Artitude is about more than just making art; it’s about deliberately creating and sharing works that are full of vibrant colours, intricate details, and uplifting themes. Each piece is infused with the intention of bringing joy and encouraging positive emotions, both in myself and in those who view it. It’s my way of battling the darker aspects of life, especially when the seasons seem to magnify those feelings.
How Art Helps During SAD
Art offers a unique way to combat the effects of SAD because it engages both the mind and the body in a positive activity. Here’s why art is particularly effective during the colder months:
- Colour Therapy: Bright colours can have a significant impact on mood. The vibrancy of yellows, oranges, and reds can evoke feelings of warmth and energy, while blues and greens can have a calming effect. When creating Positive Mental Artitude pieces, I deliberately use bold, rich hues to lift the spirits. Engaging with colourful art—whether creating or viewing it—can offer a powerful mood boost when the world outside feels dull.
- Mindfulness Through Creativity: Making art requires us to be present in the moment. Whether you’re painting, drawing, or simply doodling, art encourages mindfulness. Focusing on the flow of a brushstroke or the feel of a pencil in your hand allows your mind to escape from worries, which is essential when battling anxiety or SAD. In my own life, art has been a crucial outlet for mindfulness, helping me stay grounded and connected.
- A Sense of Accomplishment: One of the challenges of SAD is the feeling of stagnation—of time dragging on without purpose. Creating art, no matter how simple, gives a sense of accomplishment. It’s something tangible that you’ve made, and this act of creation can be incredibly empowering. Through Positive Mental Artitude, I aim to help others experience this sense of achievement by encouraging them to engage with art, whether through viewing or creating.
- An Expression of Emotions: Art is a safe space to express emotions that are difficult to articulate. For those experiencing the weight of depression, anxiety, or the sluggishness of SAD, art can be a way to release those feelings without needing to find the right words. Sometimes, the mere act of putting paint to canvas or drawing shapes on paper can be a cathartic release, helping to alleviate some of the emotional pressure that builds during the colder months.
Incorporating Art Into Your Life
You don’t need to be a professional artist to benefit from art’s healing power. There are simple ways to incorporate art and creativity into your daily routine to help manage the symptoms of SAD:
- Create Your Own Art: Try setting aside just 10 minutes a day to doodle, colour, or paint. It’s not about the result but about the process of engaging with creativity. Let the act of making art become a form of self-care.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Art: Whether it’s purchasing a piece of art or printing out images that make you feel happy, surround yourself with visuals that evoke positive emotions. Art has the power to transform a space and the way you feel within it.
- Visit Galleries: Even in the colder months, take time to visit local galleries or exhibitions. Viewing art in person can be a therapeutic experience, offering a moment of escape and inspiration.
- Join Art Communities: Consider joining online or local art communities where you can share your creations and receive support. Being part of a creative group can combat feelings of isolation and help you stay motivated.
Art as Light During Darker Days
For me, Positive Mental Artitude isn’t just a project, it’s a lifeline during the colder, darker months. It’s my way of taking control of my mental health, transforming the negative effects of SAD into an opportunity to create something uplifting and beautiful. By engaging with art, creating it or simply appreciating it, we can all find a little more light during these difficult times.
So, as winter approaches and the shadows of SAD loom, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Art can be your companion, your outlet, and your source of hope. Through Positive Mental Artitude, I hope to inspire others to find their own creative paths to positivity, no matter the season.
Sarah.
