While creating art is usually an act of productivity, this month I want to focus on its ability to be a from of rest. Does that seem contradictory? When our brains tire of one task, we still have capacity to engage and be attentive in something else.

Think of a the child who can’t possibly manage another math sum, but can immediately run off and enthusiastically engage in imaginative play. Or the adult who feels they can’t possibly reply to one more email, but can dive into a gripping novel. In both these situations the brain is still very much at work, but the change of focus has resulted in an instant feeling of refreshment.

It's a simple concept, but it gets muddied and forgotten when we add screens into the picture. Most screentime (for children and parents) offers itself as a much-needed break from mental effort. But instead of leading to refreshment through change, it results in the dulling of the brain. It leaves children disregulated and adults disinterested. 

This is where art can step in as a powerful refreshment. Whatever your (or your child's) day is full of, there will always be a form of art to engage with, to act as the "brain break" that actually refreshes.

So instead of seeing art as "another thing I don't have time to do", try to reframe it as a means of refreshment and you will see how powerful a creative habit can be.