We are constantly looking for new ways to relieve our stress and relax- when the answer may be as simple as a piece of paper and a pen.
We’ve all wished we could live stress-free lives at some point—some more than others. What if there was a way to further cut down on our current stress levels?
There is, and it’s one that people very often overlook, wrongly thinking that it’s not worthwhile without “skill”. It’s art—painting, sketching, sculpting, anything. Just art.
Multiple studies, including one from Drexel University, support the conclusion that art can reduce hormones associated with stress. At its core, the reasons aren’t surprising: art allows anyone to express their creativity and/or emotions, as long as they’re in a supportive environment. Furthermore, the effects of art therapy are in no way related to experience-level.
Researchers discovered that 75% of participants’ cortisol levels were lowered after only 45 minutes of doing art. Cortisol is a hormone that can be measured through saliva samples and serves as a biomarker for stress. The levels were lowered noticeably—so much, in fact, that the participants could definitely feel it.
“It was very relaxing. After about five minutes, I felt less anxious. I was able to obsess less about things that I had not done or need [ed] to get done. Doing art allowed me to put things into perspective.”
The type of art materials used or style of art created do not cause or correlate with stress levels either. So, what works best? Whatever floats your boat!
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