We all have our own ways of relieving stress. From eating comfort food and binge watching our favorite movie to playing upbeat music and doing a rigorous workout, there are plenty of ways to make less-than-ideal circumstances seem bearable.
But, did you know that you could also use art as a means of relieving stress? Yes, and there’s actually science to back it up! For the not so artsy, art making may sound like a painstaking activity, but it’s not as burdensome as you might think.
Art as a Form of Stress Release
A recent study has shown that making art can reduce stress hormones in our body, regardless of whether we naturally talented artists or we just like doodling to pass the time.
In the study, 39 adults were invited to participate in 45 minutes of art making. They were handed a variety of crafting materials (markers, modeling clay, paper, etc.) and were allowed to make anything they desired. Of the participants, about half considered themselves amateurs in art making.
At the end of the art-making period, the researchers found that 75 percent of the participants’ stress levels dropped during the 45-minute period.
If you want to try your hand at a relaxing art project, here are three projects that can help you destress while making something beautiful.
Making Art with Pressed Flowers
This is a more intricate art activity, but it’s a surefire way to loosen up and unleash your playful side. Just pick some flowers, make your own flower press with a book, and then use those beautiful pressed flowers in whatever way you want—be it as a bookmark or a wall decoration. If you try this and decide you love it, you can also get a dedicated flower press to keep your creations vibrant and in tact for even longer.
Doodling
You don’t need to be an artist to doodle. Simply grab a pen or a pencil and a sheet of paper, and then just doodle whatever comes to mind!
The best thing about doodling is that it isn’t as strict as most art forms. It doesn’t call for color palettes nor certain line strokes—it’s just you and your thoughts, which means it’s a perfect project for art beginners!
If you find your stress is tied to following rigid guidelines at work or school, doodling can serve as a reminder that you’re allowed to break away from the rules now and again and let your imagination run wild.
Drawing a Mandala
Mandalas have become a trend lately, from coloring in pre-made designs to making them on your own. Unlike doodling, it’s the structure of the mandala that calms and boosts your mood. Surely, being able to color in the lines and come up with your own color scheme is a great strategy to take your mind off of a burdensome problem.
Now, whatever art activity you choose to engage in, remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect. At the end of the day, art is anything you want it to be. It can be freeform like doodling, structured like a mandala, or an entire process like making art with pressed flowers.
Remember that what ultimately matters is that you’re able to create something that reflects who you are and doubles as an outlet for stress.
Meta Description: If you’re looking for a way to de-stress, consider doing some art activities. From making art with pressed flowers with a homemade flower press to doodling or drawing a mandala, these activities will surely help you unwind.
Source: http://www.modernpressedflower.com/products/handmade-flower-press
