Art Relieves Stress Regardless of Skill Level
Art making has always been considered therapeutic, but many people avoid it due to their lack of artistic skill. However, according to recent research, your artistic ability doesn’t matter when it comes to getting results. Art can help you relieve stress even if you’ve never touched a brush.
A study led by Eddith Giriji Kaimal and published in the Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association suggests that the process of creating art, good or bad, is enough to significantly lower the levels of stress-related hormones in your body. The study participants were given markers, paper, sculpting clay, and collage materials, and then asked to create any artwork of their choice within 45 minutes. The researchers found that 75% of the participants had significantly lower cortisol levels. What’s more, there was no correlation between past artistic development and lower cortisol levels. Most people who dabbled in art felt less stressed, regardless of their past experience or skill level. So if you’re having a busy week, sit down and cook something. It doesn’t matter if it’s good and no one should ever see it.
Decrease in cortisol levels and participants’ reactions after creativity | Art Therapy: The Journal of the American Art Therapy Association via DrexelNOW