“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

— Pablo Picasso

What is art? Is it a famous painting hanging in a museum, song lyrics of your favorite song, or a hand-drawn card from a grandchild? Art is an expression that stimulates an individual’s thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or ideas through the senses – so, the famous painting, song lyrics, and hand-drawn card are ALL examples of art.

There are many health benefits to being artistically creative. Studies have shown that expression through art can help with depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, it has also been linked to improving memory, reasoning, and resilience.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Picasso to reap the health benefits! It’s the ACT of creating art that is beneficial, not the artwork itself. There are many ways to get creative, such as through: poetry, painting, pottery, music, and dance, just to name a few.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of art:

• Relieves Anxiety and Stress – Engaging in artmaking can significantly reduce cortisol (“stress hormone”) levels in the body. Why? Creating art is like meditation – it forces the mind to slow down, focus on the details, and block out distractions. Painting, sculpting, drawing, and photography are relaxing and rewarding, and they can leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. Creating art provides a distraction, giving your brain a break from usual thoughts.
• Maintain Fine Motor Skills – Small muscles in the fingers, hands, and wrists are utilized during art creation. These motions, such as holding a paintbrush or pencil, molding clay, or writing poetry, are great for maintaining fine motor skills.
• Socialize and Connect – Art programs provide a community with an opportunity for attendees to share a similar purpose and commitment. You can connect with neighbors over your love of arts and crafts, or your interest in trying a new hobby. If group events don’t interest you, consider getting together with family or friends and work on something together! You get the same benefits, but in a more intimate setting.

Not an artist? That’s ok! Does the idea of a blank canvas intimidate you, but you still want to give art a try? Consider starting off with a paint-by-number or coloring book instead. These allow for creative choices on which colors to choose and allow for artistic independence while providing some guidance.

Art has a positive effect on both the brain and the body. You may find the addition of art into your routine can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. For more information on the benefits of art or to learn more about therapy and how it can benefit you, please contact the Functional Pathways Therapy Team.

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Andy Warhol.

March – The month we acknowledge and celebrate Women’s History across the world. Did you know women were the driving force in creating and developing many aspects of healthcare? Let’s take a look at some of the Who’s Who of Women in our industry…

Nursing

• Florence Nightingale – Founder of modern nursing. Did you know her parents forbade her from being a nurse?!
• Betty Smith Williams – Founding member of the National Black Nurses Association. Did you know she was the first African American to teach at a university in California?
• Clara Barton – Founder of the American Red Cross, abolitionist, and campaigner for women’s rights. Did you know she had no formal training as a nurse but joined the Army to care for soldiers on the front lines of the Civil War?

Speech Therapy

• Dr. Sara Stinchfield Hawk – Co-founder of ASHA in 1925. Did you know she was the first person in America to receive her Ph.D. for Speech Pathology?
• Dr. Jeri Logemann – Founding Member of the Dysphagia Research Society. Did you know she developed the Modified Barium Swallow test?

Occupational Therapy

• Eleanor Clark Slagle – Considered the mother of OT. Did you know she was the first female president of AOTA?
• Teepa Snow – Founder of Positive Approach to Care. Did you know she graduated from Duke with a degree in Zoology before pursuing a career in OT?

Physical Therapy

• Mary McMillan – Founding mother of PT. Did you know she was the first president of the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association?
• Maggie Knott & Dorothy Voss – Developers of the PNF approach. Did you know they co-authored the first PNF book in the 1960s?

Be sure to look around you and celebrate the women in your facilities — both your staff and patients/residents. Take a few minutes and find a “Did you know” about them! They are all a part of Women’s History Month!  

We breathe in, we breathe out, usually without even thinking about it. Most of us probably take it for granted and overlook all the benefits mindful, conscious breathing can bring to our daily lives. 

Did you know??

• Breathing is the only bodily function you can perform consciously as well as unconsciously.
• The average person takes about 8.5 million breaths per year.
• Breathing slowly with longer breaths can reduce food cravings.
• The world record for breath holding is over 24 minutes!!
• Emotions are regulated by how you breathe.
• Everyone can improve how they breathe.

Considering the monumental number of breaths we take, ensuring they are as effective as possible is important to everything we do. Outside of supplying oxygen, effective breathing provides better food digestion, increased immune response, reduced stress and blood pressure, better sleep and mental clarity, pain relief, increased energy, and improved balance — just to name a few! 

To determine if you are a “good” breather or a “poor” breather, try this:

• Put your right hand on your chest and your left hand on your stomach. Take a deep breath as you count to three. When you do this, which hand do you feel moving the most?
• If it’s your right hand (the one on your chest), you’re breathing from your chest. If it’s your left hand (the one on your stomach), you are breathing from your abdomen. You want to do the latter— breathe from your abdomen.

No matter what your activity level, even if you are relaxing in the chair watching your favorite program, take a few minutes 3-4 times a day to be conscious of your breathing and try this exercise: