Art for Stress Relief-Not Just for Artists

Art for stress relief is not a new thing. People (other than artists) have been doing it for ages. And naturally, it’s been a go-to for artists. Every time I work on a commission, it might also serve as a stress reliever. In many ways, art for stress relief and art therapy are similar. I would say the main difference is that under the term art therapy, one would focus their art specifically on healing some type of trauma under the watchful eye of a licensed art therapist.

Every day stress can really wreak havoc on our overall health. Art for stress relief can help lower cortisol levels. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 31733833 Copyright: Antonio Guillem)

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In a previous post, Art Therapy Ideas, the idea was more attuned to addressing a particular trauma or heartache and particular methods to deal with them. When one turns to art for relieving day to day stress, it’s more of a relaxing activity that allows the mind to release general feelings of stress or anxiety. It works very much like when one loses themselves in a good book, gardening, meditating, or assembling a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an activity that allows your mind to relax and wander.

In fact, researchers have discovered that up to 75% of a small group (39 adults) studied showed decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone after a 45-minute art session.  Constant elevated levels of cortisol is bad, folks. Makes you lose sleep, increases your blood pressure, and get fat.

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Everyone could use a little relief from daily stress. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 25208635 Copyright: alphaspirit)

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There is no specific art form that is beneficial in reducing stress. It’s more the act of creating that does the job. You could choose adult coloring books, drawing or painting (even commission work), sculpting, knitting/crocheting, collage, arts and crafts of any sort, and the list goes on.

The really great thing about this is, you don’t have to be an artist to take part in using art for relieving stress.

Art for fun and relaxation has no rules per se. So, don’t get hung up on “doing it right.”

You want this activity to relieve stress, not add more towards what you’ve already got. It’s about putting marks down in a sketchbook, flinging paint at a canvas, or shaping modeling clay into an army of little creatures. There’s no limit to what you do as long as it takes you somewhere away from your stress.

The method you choose is entirely up to you. If you’re a bit timid about it, start off with a coloring book. Or take a walk through an art store and see what piques your interest. If you have a Michaels or Hobby Lobby near you, those would be excellent starting points. The point is to lose yourself in something pleasurable and fun.

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