10 stressbusting reasons why you should make time to create art.
Nov 03, 2020
Stressed out? Make Art! 10 : reasons why you should make time to create art.
So, we're all feeling it.
At the moment we don’t know what's going on from day to day, week to week. With new lock down restrictions coming in this week perhaps we all feel under pressure. From lockdown#2 day (Wednesday 5th November) in what feels like a rather tumultuous month already, is National Stress Awareness Day. How ironic! It’s important to always be mindful of how stress effects different people and why trying to find time to de-stress is so important.
Being a little stressed, for most people, is part of normal life. A little stress or adrenaline helps us to function and to get to places on time, keep appointments and meet work deadlines. Otherwise why would we bother?! But sometimes but it can build up to unhealthy levels. Being overwhelmed and ‘stressed out’ can can lead to mental health problems, poor physical health or dangerous behaviour.
In the words of Bulda Troll from from Frozen (forgive me I’m a Mum of 2 little girls)….
“People make bad choices if they’re mad, or sad, or stressed”….so true! But she helpfully adds “But throw a little love their way, and you’ll bring out their best.” If only we could live in a Disney Rose tinted specs way for a little bit!
But I think there’s actually a lot of truth in those words…..so thankyou Bulda…
Try throwing a little art your way….such as drawing, painting and working with clay.
It’s been clinincally proven to significantly reduce stress in many, many, many studies.
Here are my 10 stress busting reasons why you should create art:
- Art gives your brain a ‘creative corner’ to work through conflicting and confrontational emotions, helping you work through them as you create.
- Art elevates mood, increases well being and has been known to help decrease pain.
- Art helps you relax because it gives you the chance to put anxiety and stress to one side.
- Art can take your mind off the exausting nature and pace of life…..slow down for a bit!
- Art stimulates the brain's pleasure and reward centres.
- Art is an important way of staying connected with the with the world
- Art allows you to imagine a more hopeful future
- Art prepares you for future struggles by preparing your imagination to react ahead of any challenging incidents: neural priming helps you become emotionally resilient,
- Art helps you raise your self esteem and gives you a sense of accomplishment
- Art helps you make friends and become part of a friendly community. Please join my wonderful FREE Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/CreateArtSchoolClub/
This is why art therapy should be integrated into nursing homes, schools and hospitals. It helps you feel better. Creating art stimulates the release of dopamine. You literally feel happier when you're engaged in the process. :)
So I am passionate about helping people find joy through art which is why I have created some amazing resources for you.
How I can help you:
A FREE sketchbook Class once a week on my facebook Create! Art school club
A FREE drawing video course on my website
I’ve also permanently reduced the price on my watercolour painting course to help people find some joy at this bleak time.
I hope you can find a small amount of time, maybe even just five minutes out of your day, to do something really relaxing and really calm. And I hope that it will help you get through the next few days.
Take care everybody.
Helen xx
Want to join my FREE Pen and Watercolour course?
