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In response to SD, I agree that art can itself become something that can be stressful, but I think it can also be a different type of stress and is very dependent on the person. Personally I stress when trying to finish a painting but I also get into a trance while painting that releases everything around me and I just forget all my stresses.

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I wrote something in here before but it looks like it only saved my initials?
I think that art is the most expressive form of self release, while exercise or other things may work for some people, I think arts are more readily accessible in anymore. Music, drawing, painting, singing. They're all outlets for release and self expression and I think that's something every human being needs more than anything in today's society.

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SD, I think the difference here is between those who pursuit art as a career and those who make art as a means of therapy or relief. Art has been a means of therapy for a long time and when you take the professional aspect out of it, you free yourself to the whims of imagination and creation, taking away the pressures of deadlines or value, which are the real causes of stress in art.

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Staying in healthy indicates both mental and physical welfare. Good physical health can improve brain and metal functions, reduce anxiety and depression. Also strong ties with community and family can also be an indicator of being healthy.

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With response to SD's concerns. There is a balance that needs to be hit when it comes to relieving and causing stress. For some, Art may be their income source. Which I believe shows this balance the most.
Making enough to live on would be a great weight lifted from one's shoulders. However, an even greater weight gets placed if you fall behind on commissions or get sick.

Everything comes in pairs.

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..something that is adding more stress than necessar

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In response to AN, I agree that art can be a double edged sword in that it can create stress as well as alleviate it. It's important to self monitor and realize when art is becoming

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I think that being healthy should be one of the most important things that we as humans should aim for, both physically and mentally. It is very important to take care of yourself, and I think that being involved in the arts in any way can make you a lot more self aware and can encourage you to take better care of yourself. For me, art is a great coping method for dealing with anxiety, and has made my mental health a lot more manageable, and I feel like it can help others in this way and

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in response to JGG comment "you cannot be healthy if you are unhappy" this is partly true because being healthy includes mental well being, but i would also add that there is more to being mentally well than just happiness. for example, some people may feel "happy" but may also be very unstable mentally.

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TM, That is true art does not help everyone. But what art is to one person sports is to another person, or camping, or shooting its all a way to let things out and help you find a balance in your life.

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DB I agree with you about how art is a form of personal and expiration and discovery. You can tell a lot about how's someone is feeling or what someone is going through by there art.

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Arts help contribute to a well balanced life in both physical and mental states. Art helps as an escape to some, helps release emotions and feelings that may not be able to be released elsewhere. Art is a way for people to let a part of themselves out to the world. Arts also require physical well being as well. Often people forget to function as anormal human being while divulged in art as I find myself doing often. It's important to stretch and take breaks and prepare your body for the strain different types of art can have on your body. Dance is also another form of art that keeps your body moving constantly and therefor contributes to well being.

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There are basic things that a person needs to sustain life(food, air, water, etc) the quality of these things are what determines a persons physical health. The quality of a persons mental health although no less important is something that is harder to measure. I think that arts contribute to a well balanced life because things like art, music and social connections(love) are not required to survive but these are the things that give quality to life and make it worth living.

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DB, definitely a thing to watch out for! Stretches are usually a good idea, especially for the people who use their wrists a lot. Also, making sure stuff is labeled so you don't accidentally poison yourself.

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Staying healthy can be a bit difficult as an art student, specifically.  Keep in mind the body needs water and food to function, so forgetting about these things while making art is common.  Just try not to  forget to keep water to drink nearby and take breaks for food.  Also take breaks to stretch because physical breaks are good as well.
Art is also somewhat of a double edged sword. While it may help soothe the mind and spirit while creating, it can also cause stress. That is mainly for deadlines and pressure put upon by others, or the creator's own mind against them.

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@ANC: When I think about a well-balanced life, I am thinking one side is work and the other is relaxation. We all think that art relieves stress. Why do we work hard and save money? One may say for education, for emergency and bills. But then there are other reasons like for example: to go watch a Broadway show, to go to Hawaii and enjoy the food, music, and the view or to buy nice antique painting, which are all products of art. We can't just work, work, work. We work to live life. Great post!

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In order to stay healthy, one must practice a well-balanced lifestyle. Exercise the mind and body and know the importance of relaxation. What is great about the arts is that it can do both for us. When we do something creative, it involves thinking and movement, and at the same time we are able to let go of any stressful thoughts. I think art is nature to humans. It’s like love, difficult to exactly define what it is in words, but for some reason, we humans understand. Also, as adults, there are so many things that we do, that we don’t want to do, but we should do. Going to see Broadway show, a concert, taking photos of beautiful scenery, learning painting in our free time, etc., these kind of creative things that we do because we want to do them are essential to a well-balanced lifestyle.

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In response to TM:
I totally agree about the mental aspect, it is often overlooked in discussions about health and wellness.

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Health is all about balance, and happiness, I am convinced that you can not be healthy if you are unhappy, despite your physical condition. Art is a great way to increase your happiness quotient, the act of creation decreases stress and helps people relax. In addition, art increases the aesthetic quality of ones surroundings  which can improve ones state of mind.

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AC,
Unlike you I find it hard to just take a break and draw for instance. But when I do I am thankful but I rather do it when I am stuck somewhere and can't do anything else.

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LT, You bring up a good point. That staying healthy is not a selfish act. I think students who have a lot of people who depend on them outside of school have the hardest time with this. Students with children, students who take care of their parents, or even students who hold several jobs while carrying a full class load may think that they can't take a break and enjoy doing their art

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DB,
I like that you stated psychological health. I think one could be in the best shape possible but if the mental health is not right its never going to be a balanced life

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Staying healthy will only contribute positively to anything you are doing.  I think most students forget that it is more than just eating right, exercising, and getting sleep.  One should also do something because you simply want to.  Art or hobbies can be a great way to de-stress the body and enjoy life.  Art contributes to a well balanced life because we all know how it feels to be unbalanced.  Too much work, or too much play causes chaos eventually.  Depending on the medium one has to be disciplined enough to keep your brushes, paints, camera, or other material in good condition so you will have it when you need it. It is sort of working at a job you hate but making the best money ever, or working a job you love with okay money.  One has to find balance and determine priorities and what is important.

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In response to LT,  I agree that "me time" is defintely a good thing.  I know that for a lot of Romanticism writers, they enjoyed the idea of self and one with nature.  Being by yourself is certainly a good way to recoup yourself mentally and socially.

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Everyone should strive to be healthy.  Being healthy helps with being both physically and mentally strong and sharp.  For physical strength, it is better to be active and to keep moving rather than keeping in one spot. Eating healthy is also just important as well as getting enough sleep. Being mentally healthy and sharp takes on another aspect of upkeep. Art has been a constant companion in my life and it has helped me be mentally strong. With art, one can express feelings or emotions in any form rather than having to talk it out. It really is a balance to keep though. To continue being mentally happy with working on projects, one must keep up with eating healthy and being physically strong.

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DM, I agree with what you're saying. There is to much stress and pressure for people to maintain connected on a constant bases.

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Something to remember about staying healthy is to remember that taking time for yourself is not being selfish. Your mental health is important, and you only live once so why not live it positively. Furthermore, the arts contribute to balancing out ones life in many different ways. For instance, certain tones of music can help an angered individual calm down, while others can fuel their rage. In addition, the act of creating something with your own hands gives a sense of euphoria, success and accomplishment that will all around help one to cope with whatever is distressing them.

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I agree DM, technology/social media does play a huge role in today's society to staying connected with friends and family members. I think technology is a bittersweet thing. It has it's downfalls as well as its perks.

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In response to BE, I agree as well with you that art reduces stress. These last couple of years I've definitely found art as a way to express myself and feelings.

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In response to DM, I definitely agree with the fact that todays generation is drawn towards technology more than the generations before them. I think that you pin pointed it exactly that art allows a person to slow down, experience and engage in an activity and be in the present moment.

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Staying healthy is making a conscious effort to stay balanced physically and mentally. It comes down to what works best for them. For me personally, art has always been a stress reliever whether that's, drawing, dancing or painting. It has been my healthy get away.

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Staying healthy is a day by day choice that includes eating healthy and staying active and keeping the mind at ease. Different forms of art can definitely assist with the well being of ones self such as mental health. Art can assist to relive stress or be
a form to express yourself.

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BE, I totally agree that it varies from person to person and I know that art doesn't help everyone but it should still definitely be a resource!

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Art can contributes to a well balanced life in mine ways. I really all comes down to the person though. It can be a healthy way to reduce stress by giving you a way to let out your feelings and Express your self in what ever medium you prefer.

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DB, I think that's a great perspective on why the self-reflective aspect of creation can help with mental health.

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Tristan, I agree that staying healthy is both a mental and physical effort, and that art in its many different forms is great at engaging both!

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In this day and age, I think there is a pressure to stay constantly connected to the world around us, especially with the rise of technology being a part of our daily lives. Producing art provides a way to slow down and engage in an activity that requires one to be in the moment more.

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However if you are a dancer your body will reflect the work.

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I'd agree that art contributes a lot toward mental wellness, but I don't know about the physical side so much. Depending on what medium you're in, you might end up poisoning or injuring yourself.

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Art is a form of personal exploration and discovery, and thus is essential for maintaining psychological health. The better you know yourself, the better balanced your life will be.

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Staying healthy is just as much a mental effort as it is a physical one. The arts have a way of engaging both and can even engage a person spiritu

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Wellbeing happens in both mind and body. engaging in the arts can keep both aspects healthy.