Whenever Sonakshi Sinha goes through a tough time, she turns to art therapy. During a recent conversation with podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia, the Dabangg actor revealed that painting has helped her navigate many difficult phases in life.
“When I used to get sad, I used to paint. My mind used to completely calm down. I used to disappear into a different world. I stopped painting the day I met my husband,” she shared.
Further elaborating on how she hasn’t haven’t picked up a paintbrush since she met Zaheer, Sinha added: “He keeps telling me, ‘I hope you don’t have to be sad to paint again, but you really need to start again because you are very good at it’. It’s been about 8 years since I picked up a paintbrush.”
How can painting improve mental health?
Roshni Bhatia, Art psychotherapist, based out of Bangalore, told indianexpress.com that painting as a hobby improves mental health not only because it is sensory but also allows for visual stimulation in the absence of other things. “Painting improves organisational ability and clarity of mind. It helps get in tune with your instincts, and improves your visual intelligence,” she shared, adding that for kids and even adults who are unable to communicate what they are feeling in words, painting helps sharpen intelligence and articulation.
“Historically speaking, patterns have been aesthetic and helpful in improving a good feeling in the mind. Things like mandalas can be helpful in elevating one’s mood and clearing the mind,” she mentioned.
Sonakshi took to art therapy (Source: Instagram/@sonakshisinha)
If you want to start painting, here are some tips
Trust the process: Enjoy painting without striving for perfection. Let your intuition guide you to add colors or shapes simply because it feels right. This is your space to create freely
Find inspiration around you: Use everyday objects to express your feelings (e.g., “flowy like water” or “grounded like a rock”). Trace their shapes or let them inspire your art
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“If you are unable to spend a significant portion of your day to painting, try to set aside at least ten minutes for practice. Even if you just have ten minutes to practice, it’s still preferable to not practicing at all,” shared Himanshi Bathla, a self-taught artist. She added that painting is not about perfection and more about expression. Even if you begin by sketching your favorite food or flowers, make an effort to enjoy yourself.
Painting or art therapy doesn’t involve buying expensive or specific paints and paintbrushes. Setting up an art station, aka a dedicated space, will keep your habit going and your hobby regular. Start with something as simple as a paper and some pencils, or a stack of paper and paint.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
