PLEASE NOTE – This blog was written with the help from a new writer that I’ve contracted to help produce more content for my site. You’ll notice little side comments or additional thoughts of my own periodically. I’m a photographer, not a writer. The pictures in all of my blogs are my own, unless otherwise stated.

(According a study by An International Journal of Medicine, mental health problems increased in this pandemic due to general fear and constant anxiety about the COVID-19 epidemic. The media is seen as a significant contributor to this dilemma. In particular, tragic stories about the effects of the virus intensify despair and melancholy.

The study identified several mental health effects that increased rapidly during development, including depression, frustration, anxiety, stress, and anxiety.

How Photography helps mental health

Photography is one of the best and most accessible therapeutic activities. Opposing to popular belief, the equipment required to enjoy photography is minimal. The essential requirement is a camera, and most modern smartphones are already equipped with a camera that produces high-quality shots. (Unless you’re still living in 1995 with your nokia flip phone.)

Photography carries out a positive habit of self-care.

During quarantine, I found myself joining in on the “Take one picture everyday” challenges or the here is a photo prompt, now go create. The new habits that can be formed can really help to motivate you to get out of a creative rut and in turn, helps to improve your overall self-care. The process itself is therapeutic as the brain becomes busy and refreshes psychological well-being.

Photography facilitates interaction with the community

Making valuable connections can greatly improve a person’s well-being. You can meet new people with the same interests by taking pictures and sharing them with communities such as social media groups. Photography is a common foundation for creating conversations, making connections, and ultimately finding support for fighting depression. Now I know this has been quite difficult in 2020, but as the pandemic inches closer to being a thing of the past ( or at least I hope so ) then photography workshops, Instagram meetups, and events, in general, will slowly start coming back and allowing us all to get back together to get creative again.

Photography can help you recall the joys of life

A photo can capture a unique moment. The images you take will help you regain your memories of the past and the positive thoughts that accompany them. “Take a look at this photograph, every time it makes me laugh.” Chad whatever his last name Nickleback is.. lol. but Chad might be right on this one.

Photography can help heal

When taking a picture, the brain works to maintain the cognitive demands of the activity. The creative process becomes a brain movement that helps improve episodic memory and improve reasoning skills. I know when I’m trying my best to put together a product shoot and I’m working with limited space or materials, I can feel like I’m trying to solve the world’s hardest math problem.

Photography keeps you moving

Taking a picture not only trains the brain but also moves the body to burn calories. Photographers are usually looking for suitable subjects. Whenever I’m out and about with my camera, I always find myself moving in all kinds of different positions to get the perfect shot. I might not be burning calories, but I know my hammies are burning after a long photoshoot!

The love of photography

Photographers are usually attracted to something interesting to them. ( Yeah, no shit)  This makes it easier for people to focus and connect to meaningful subjects. Taking beautiful pictures makes it more rewarding. I’ve always found it best for my own mental health to allow myself to do something that I want to do that doesn’t involve an adult responsibility and photography has always been that thing for me.

Appreciate the beauty of hidden things through photographs

Pictures let you see the world with different eyes. Not only for situations and places that might otherwise be impossible to explore but also for the angle of the photo itself. The seemingly dull objects and scenes of everyday life can draw attention. In the photo series, you can approach objects from different angles and appreciate them in every aspect. This parallax perception (viewing an object from different angles and perceptions) is a powerful force in photography.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be an essential element of mental health. Usually, when you talk about it, you will think about meditation and yoga. But I like to say that I find a different level of meditation when I’m behind my camera.

This is the time to evaluate your spiritual landscape. Encourage a state of attention to your surroundings and your thoughts. Whenever you bring awareness to your senses, you are deliberately aware. It’s like pressing the reset button for a moment and taking a breath to pay attention to the sensory experience. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, rumination, working memory, concentration, and self-intuition.

Continue Reading: The benefits of photography on mental health, perspective, and life.

The bottom line

As the pandemic continues, many find it very difficult to enjoy life. It’s good that there are many ways to get out of a depressed mood and keep looking at life positively. What it comes down to is that you just have to keep on keeping on, LOL. If you love photography, then pick up your camera and go take some pictures!

Do you have an idea for a project? Contact me here.

Did you enjoy the blog? Share it with your friends!