Although art therapy is its own field, you can also use self-directed art to express your creativity, reduce stress and stay connected to your feelings. Most of us have intuitively understood the power of art since we were young: almost all children know the fun of sculpting things with plastic, drawing things with fingers or drawing with crayons and other materials.
In addition to random noodling in the blank spaces of the page, if you are like most adults, you may not express yourself in art like you did when you were a kid. You may not think you have any "talent" in artistic creation, or you may not believe it's worth your time, but art is really a valuable pastime. Even for those who don't think they have artistic tendencies, there are many reasons why art is an excellent stress-reducing tool. Therefore, this article highlights how creating art can help reduce stress.
1) Self-Care
Sometimes, because of the responsibilities of our daily lives, we forget that we need and deserve alone time and self-care. Spending a few minutes regularly to focus on a hobby can give you more needs in the field. With art, you have the added benefit of leaving something beautiful (or at least interesting) on display.
2) State of Flow
Some psychologists describe mobility as an activity addiction. Similar to meditation, flow can enhance performance and reduce stress levels. When you practice musical instruments, do sports, garden, write, draw or paint, you may experience flow.
3) Mind Clarity
Creating art can clear your mind off of whatever is stressing you, at least for some time. Also, it's difficult to keep contemplating on your problems, especially when you're focused on creating art. If your issues stay with you, incorporate them into your artwork. Once you are done, you should have a clearer mind with which to tackle your problems again.
4) Sketchbooks
Maintaining a sketchbook is the easiest way to relieve stress. It could be a form of journaling, and like journaling, it can be purifying, stress-relieving and creative.
5) Gratitude
Some people keep a gratitude journal to write what they are grateful for. Therefore, personalize your gratitude journal by sketching the faces of those you love, places you like, or other things that you are thankful for. The process of drawing can be a great stress reliever, and revisiting the creations can also bring you some peace for the future.
In conclusion, if you are still overwhelmed by stress and it starts to obstruct with your daily life, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a therapist who can offer support and techniques for managing the stress.