As we navigate our increasingly hectic lives, it has become more important than ever to de-stress, feel mentally stimulated and be able to express creativity. While many of us might do this by practising yoga, solving puzzles or playing online games, one artistic pastime is quietly capturing the attention of adults wanting to mentally stimulate their brains as well as have some calming fun - painting by numbers. While painting by numbers is often seen as a beginner-friendly hobby, this uncomplicated and enjoyable pastime has surprising healthful cognitive and emotional benefits, making it a fit for the entire family.

Art Meets Mental Fitness

In essence, painting by numbers is not just a way to add colour to shapes. It is a concentrated, detail-oriented activity, which engages the mind to recognise patterns, as well as visual-spatial perspective and ccolourdifferences. These processes require concentration and engagement of thought, and will effectively exercise your mind. While you are not away or running laps or lifting weights, you are exercising vital thinking skills related to brain functioning; choices, coordination and memory develop while you paint by numbers.

Enhancing Concentration and Focus

The constant notifications, multitasking habits, and information overload have routinely weakened and limited our attention spans. A little-known benefit of painting by numbers is the ability to re-train the brain to be able to consistently focus on one task at a time. Completing a canvas involves observing each numbered area, moving the brush in the right direction, and visualising how the colours and shapes are being built into the final image. Painting by numbers makes it possible to focus on one thing without distraction for a sustained period, and that is an important skill to have in your personal and professional life. 

Supporting Memory and Cognitive Health

Research has demonstrated that creative activities support cognitive functions. Engaging with creative activities, such as painting by numbers, can even delay memory disorders such as dementia. Painting by numbers uses short-term and working memory systems with colour-number associations and patterns. This may have a cumulative effect that improves your brain and clears your mind over time.  In this respect, it is also an informal way for older adults to remain intellectually active through creative modes while keeping low-pressure levels.

Mindfulness in Motion

Painting by numbers fosters a unique experience of active meditation. As your hand moves along the canvas and your eyes match colours to shapes, your mind is transported to a peaceful place of presence. It takes you to a relaxed, mindful state of awareness, which has been correlated with reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and healthier emotional regulation. Most importantly, it enables the painter to unplug from the everyday stress surrounding them and plug into the present moment — a luxury modern life generally does not afford.

Creativity Without Pressure

For many adults, hesitation and avoidance of all art are rooted in the fear of failure or the belief that exercise in creativity must rely on talent. Painting by numbers eliminates these hesitant barriers. The outlines are all present; the colours are all chosen. You simply follow the directions. Having properly constructed outlines and directions, it engages the perfect balance between creativity with direction and allows the participant to enjoy the process without the fear of mistakes or “messing up” artwork.

This gentle type of guided creativity also enhances confidence. It allows people to find enjoyment in doing art again and is usually followed by an increased willingness to try other creative pathways. After completing a few canvases, quite a few participants find themselves creating freehand paintings or using different mediums entirely.

Stimulating the Visual Brain

Colours and images can have a strong influence on the human brain. Each colour that we are exposed to elicits different neural triggers and emotional responses. Blue will often evoke a state of calmness and comfort. Red can trigger feelings of energy or urgency. When you paint by numbers, adults are exposing themselves to various colours and combinations of colours that engage different areas of their visual cortex. Engaging with a variety of colours and combinations of colours is pleasurable and can promote increased visual memory and perception skills.

Fine Motor Skill Development

The other physical but cognitive benefit is improving fine motor skills. Holding a paintbrush, painting in lines, and controlling paint application all involve hand-eye coordination and control. The ability to develop these fine motor skills is often glossed over in youth development, but they can decline with age or with medical problems. Practising painting with numbers can help maintain dexterity and improve coordination, both skills integral to performing integrated manual skills of daily living.

Emotional Release and Expression

Often, words cannot adequately express how you feel. Luckily, art offers a different means of expression — a method of sharing how you feel without using your words. While painting by numbers is structured, you can still create meaning through your emotional response to your painting experience. You make decisions regarding which design you are going to paint, how fast you will paint, and whether or not you like the final image. 

A moment of sadness might create a calm, empty landscape that calms you. A moment of happiness might lead to a bright floral scene that denotes happiness. As many adults report, after consistent practice, their finished paintings represent their emotional 'travels' much like a visual diary.

Building Patience and Resilience

It can take hours or longer to finish a painting by numbers project. There are no shortcuts. Progress is made one colour, one section at a time. This process might develop patience — a trait that is lacking in our society of instant gratification. As that small victory is achieved with each complete section, a subtle sense of satisfaction begins to emerge. Ultimately, the final product is a reflection of persistence, and there's a lot of value in finishing something.

A Social Connection

While it tends to be an individual endeavour, painting by numbers can create community. Adults belong to clubs, take classes or workshops, or simply share their progress online. These connections create belonging and celebration of one another's work. When the conversation is focused on a shared activity, it can become easy and smooth. For those who are isolated, this positive connection can be especially powerful.

Accessible and Affordable

Compared to other engaging hobbies that stimulate the brain, such as photography or playing a musical instrument, painting by numbers is very accessible. Kits are easy to come by online as well as in some stores, and include virtually every theme available — animal, nature, abstract, famous artists, and more! They vary in level of difficulty, so whether you are a novice or a seasoned artist looking for something more laid back, there is probably something for you.

Moreover, the value provided by these kits offers an inexpensive way to keep you busy. A single purchase may lead to days or weeks of mental stimulation!

A Therapeutic Experience

Painting by numbers is being suggested as an element of art therapy by many therapists. The process of painting, even just following a color pattern, has been shown to reduce cortisol (stress hormones), boost self-esteem, and increase serotonin (a mood starter). Whether you are challenged with anxiety, recovering from burnout, or just trying to maintain your mental fitness, this easy hobby provides the opportunity for a patient approach to mental health.

Conclusion

The advantages of Painting by Numbers for Adults go way beyond the final product hanging on your wall. The positives to improved focus and memory skills, emotional healing, and fine motor skills are quite a hobby that stimulates the mind and warms the heart. In a world that often provides little to no opportunity to unwind, relax, or explore creativity, painting by numbers is an easy, enjoyable way to accomplish both in one sitting. 

Therefore, the next time you're looking for something that encourages well-being and expresses creativity - considering picking up a brush and discovering the brilliance in those little numbers.