Yes- I think art CAN reduce anxiety. Art has reduced my anxiety and depression. According to a study by Johns Hopkins, 1 in 4 adults will be diagnosed with mental illness a year.
Art can definitely have a positive impact on Mental health. Art can contribute to feelings of happiness or contentment.
7 Ways Art can help you:
-
Calm Your Body and Mind:
- Engaging in artistic activities such as painting can promote relaxation by diverting your focus away from anxious thoughts and into the creative process.
- Activities like deep breathing while creating art can also physically relax tense muscles and reduce overall stress levels.
-
Create Beauty from Wounds:
- Art provides a safe space for individuals to express their emotions and experiences, allowing them to transform pain or trauma into something beautiful or meaningful.
- Through artistic expression, individuals can gain a sense of empowerment and control over their narrative, turning adversity into opportunities for growth and healing.
-
Interrupt Worry:
- Immersing oneself in an art project provides a temporary escape from constant worrying thoughts, offering a much-needed mental break.
- Focusing on the creative process requires concentration, which can help disrupt the cycle of rumination and anxiety.
-
Renew Purpose:
- Painting can reignite a sense of purpose and passion in life by providing a creative outlet for self-expression and exploration.
- Setting goals and working towards completing an art project can instill a sense of achievement and satisfaction, boosting overall mood and motivation.
-
Enjoy the Present:
- Engaging in painting encourages mindfulness, as it requires individuals to be fully present and attentive to the creative process.
- By focusing on the present moment, individuals can temporarily let go of worries about the past or future, experiencing a sense of peace and contentment.
-
Increase Self-Esteem:
- Accomplishing artistic goals, no matter how small, can boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Seeing tangible evidence of one's creativity and skill development can affirm one's abilities and value as an individual, promoting a positive self-image.
-
Discover Something New About Yourself:
- Artistic exploration allows individuals to discover hidden talents, interests, and aspects of themselves they may not have been aware of before.
- Trying out different art forms or techniques can lead to self-discovery and personal growth, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and one's emotions.
Art in many forms either by viewing or doing can help.
Check out my Youtube Channel here:
Or Grab one of my complete art kits!
Art won't magically cause your symptoms to disappear but the process of creating can reduce your symptoms and put you on a path to thinking in a more positive way. Creating art gives you the tools you can use to manage your mental health everyday.