It’s not just me that’s found this gratification from paint-by-numbers. An NPR article published in 2020 found that many art therapists have been conducting studies tracking exactly what the effects of artmaking have on our brains. Research has shown that practicing art can improve fine motor skills, activate the reward center in your brain, and lower stress levels.

We have all found ourselves “in the zone”, consumed and totally focused on a task. This “in the zone” feeling is scientifically referred to as being in “the flow”. Frontiers in Psychology, published a study in 2018 which found that being in this flow state shows an increase of activity in our frontal and central areas of the brain. Our frontal brain contains the frontal lobe which is responsible for things like memory, emotions, problem-solving, and motor function. Amazing things happen when you’re in this almost meditative, flow state. Researchers found that due to this activated reward center in our brain, participants showed a faster improvement of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills and a release of emotion.

What are the benefits of painting in the flow state? When in this highly focused state our activated frontal lobe helps us process and release emotions, leaving you feeling relaxed and happier. Painting while in the zone also helps improve your hand-eye coordination which improves your brush control and technique!

Painting or practicing any form of art is proven to lower cortisol also known as the stress hormone. The Journal of the American Art Therapy Association published a paper in 2016 which measured adult's cortisol levels before and after creating art. They found significantly lowered cortisol or stress levels after just 45 minutes of artistic activity The research participants all had varying levels of experience with art but all showed lowered levels of cortisol. This means no matter how talented of an artist you are, practicing art can lower your stress!