{"id":86923,"date":"2021-01-12T09:06:29","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T17:06:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/?p=86923"},"modified":"2021-01-20T10:38:10","modified_gmt":"2021-01-20T18:38:10","slug":"how-photography-can-help-your-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/how-photography-can-help-your-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words: How Photography Can Help Your Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you look at a photograph, what do you see?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pictures have the unique ability to say the words left unspoken, and taking them can be beneficial for your mental health. Even parents on a busy schedule can benefit from snapping a few photos each day to relax. Hobbies offer the opportunity to enhance your life in ways you\u2019ve never imagined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading to discover six ways photography can help your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Express Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Humans tend to bottle up their emotions and lock them deep within. Unfortunately, burying your feelings does not make them disappear. Over time, these feelings influence your mental health, affecting your emotional, psychological and social well-being. Break the habit by choosing an activity that allows you to express yourself, like photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking photos \u2014 whether on your phone or camera \u2014 is a form of artistic expression. The lighting, angles and perspective influence the photo\u2019s depth and show a unique point of view. You have the chance to show the world through your eyes, using the images you capture. Methods of self-expression allow you to channel your thoughts in a healthy and constructive manner \u2014 leaving you feeling more at peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Encourage Mindfulness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a busy parent, how often do you have time to practice mindfulness and reflection? Photography encourages mindfulness because it forces you to be still. In many ways, it is a form of meditation. When you\u2019re mindful, you allow your body to relax<\/a> and decompress. You\u2019ll experience a reduction of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few things can benefit your mental health, like taking a break from overthinking. Parents are constantly using their minds to plan, problem-solve or daydream \u2014 so it\u2019s crucial to find time to center yourself. As you look through a camera lens, your thoughts focus on completing that single task. In a world full of distractions, finding calmness is something you should cherish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Try New Things<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taking photos encourages you to get out of your comfort zone. Maybe you\u2019ll set goals to visit new locations or try unique mediums. Many people decide to learn traditional styles<\/a> of photography like tintypes, cabinet cards or film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In life, sometimes you need an extra push to try new things. By doing so, you experience the opportunity to find hidden passions and gain priceless memories. Scientifically, learning a skill creates new connections between brain cells<\/a> and physically alters the availability of neurotransmitters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography is a skill you can teach yourself, so after weeks of taking pictures, you\u2019ll feel confident and proud of your accomplishments. By continually trying something new, you are overcoming your fears and sparking internal creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Spend Time Outdoors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Landscapes and nature are popular photography muses. It makes sense since there\u2019s an abundant amount of natural beauty on the planet. As such, any photography hobbyist may likely venture outdoors at some time or another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending time outdoors is a pivotal part of your mental and physical health. On average, Americans spend 87% of their time indoors<\/a> inside enclosed spaces. This startling number is concerning because indoor pollutants and a sedentary lifestyle can have massive impacts on a person\u2019s well-being. In comparison, time spent outdoors can decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional outdoor benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n