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by Dr.Meghna varma
ART THERAPY FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
What do you do the end of a long, tiring & stressful day? Watch TV or spend hours scrolling through your social media feed?
Winding down is an important part of self care. How you choose to relax determines your ability to cope with stress & ultimately your long term mental health. So why not explore art to help you wind down?
Art is known to have a calming therapeutic impact. Whether your creativity can give Leonardo Da Vinci a run for his money or you can make nothing more than a random doodle, art is an excellent stress buster for everyone.
Creating artistic works such as painting, drawing, sculpting have the power to consume your mind, taking you to another realm. In fact, complete submersion in your art can offer the same benefits as deep meditation.
How does Art combat stress?
Art in its various forms can decrease impulsive behaviour, promote concentration & increase serotonin levels in the brain.
When you begin to create something, it naturally clears your head & helps you make better sense of your (sometimes overwhelming) emotions.
Creative expression puts you so ‘in the moment’ that you go beyond space & time activating alpha & even theta wave activity in the brain.
Both observing & creating art reduce cortisol levels & releases endorphins - feel good chemicals that alleviate stress & even pain.
Say goodbye to stress with these Art Therapy Activities:
Art lets you make connections, imagine possibilities & see yourself beyond the moment in which you are stressed or depressed. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, pick a paint brush or some clay and bring out the creative artist in you.
