Stress management drawing

Source: © Circa 2001; "Stress in the Boardroom," doodlings by Cathy Malchiodi, PhD A recently published pilot study (Kaimal, Ray & Muniz, 2016) proposes that adults may experience a measurable reduction in their cortisol levels after a 45-minute art making session. Cortisol is often defined as a “stress hormone” that is correlated with levels of stress in the body and what is commonly known as the fight-or-flight response to threatening or dangerous events. The current study involved 39 adults, ages 18 to 59, who were asked to make art of any type using a choice of collage materials, modeling clay and/or felt marking pens. The participants’ saliva was tested before and after to evaluate cortisol levels and they were also asked to complete pre- and post-questionnaires to generate additional data on their experiences. In brief, the study reports that nearly 75% of the participants had lower cortisol levels after art making than at the start of the session. For the remaining participants, cortisol levels remained about the same or were elevated. Prior experience did not seem to matter in the outcome—in other words, it may be possible to experience a reduction in stress despite any knowledge of art materials or processes. Future more comprehensive studies that include a control group (in this particular study, there was no control group) for comparison will likely help tease out additional data on these initially positive results. If art therapy is indeed defined as a “relatio...

Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Many people who are artistically inclined say that the creation of their art is a wonderful stress reliever. The creation of art can provide a catharsis for difficult emotions, a distraction from stressful thoughts and experiences, and a chance to get into a state of "flow" that can be restorative in many ways. Plus, it produces a beautiful piece of art in the end. Even those who are not artistically inclined can still benefit from artistic creation. Studies that examine the effects of art on stress and mood don't analyze the talent of the subjects or the quality of their creations—just the effects on how they feel afterward—and these effects are highly positive! So if you're looking for a great way to relieve stress, you may want to try delving into an art activity anyway. Here are some great ideas to get you going. Cultura/Liam Norris/ Getty Images Studies show that art therapy, coloring mandalas, and drawing in general can minimize anxiety and combat Most of the studies have people drawing or coloring for about 20 minutes, so it’s really not necessary to be a gifted or serious artist for this stress relie...

Share on Pinterest Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images Ever catch yourself doodling during a tense moment, perhaps while on a frustrating phone call or waiting for an appointment you weren’t looking forward to? You may not have realized it, but you were using a simple form of art therapy. Art therapy refers to any use of art for a therapeutic purpose, including relief from Drawing and coloring can be a helpful tool for anyone seeking new ways to manage anxiety symptoms. Not an artist? That’s OK — you don’t need any special skills to give art therapy a try. Since its introduction in the mid-1900s, art therapy has helped people address a range of mental health symptoms. “The creative process promotes new perspectives that lie beyond the structure of language,” Lynch says. “Art uses metaphor, symbolism, and dynamic thoughts to represent the human experience in a way language cannot. This is particularly important for people who feel out of touch with their Here’s how art can help: It can help reduce stress A constant undercurrent of anxiety threading through your day-to-day activities can leave you in a regular state of unease. This can start to affect everything from your sleep schedule to your appetite. Putting pencil to paper allows you to give yourself some space from unwanted, often uncontrollable, can control. You decide what to draw and what colors to add to your design. While focused on the creative process, you aren’t giving energy to your anxiety. There’s also some research ...

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”– Pablo Picasso Art therapy is a broad term used to refer to the practice of creating as a way to heal wounds of the mind or spirit. While art therapists are employed with increasing frequency at hospitals, nursing homes, in schools, and in treatment programs for a wide swatch of ailments, the rejuvenating, stress-busting results of such a practice are something we can all benefit from. Invite your creative side out to dance with these 20 art therapy ideas you can pursue at home: Design a postcard. • • • • • Have something to say? Give your words extra dimension by literally decorating them yourself. Writing to a person who caused you pain? Consider burning or otherwise destroying the postcard when you’re finished, as a symbol of your decision to move forward. Have the need to send it, but don’t want to invite them back into your life? Mail your anonymous thoughts to Give thanks with cards of your own. • • • • • Focus on words and thoughts of gratitude, of your own design. Pick up a stack of blank cards and envelopes at a paper or craft store, or simply embellish a pre-made card. Consider offering thanks to those helping you through current troubles, or those who have helped you in the past. Already said “thanks” in person? A card is nice way to let folks know that they made a lasting impact. Cut and paste a collage. • • • • • Not sure what to do with those advertisements and circulars scattered around the house? Ta...