While many see viewing art as simply a leisure activity that offers little more than momentary pleasure, the truth is that immersing oneself in art can surprisingly enough, positively affect mental health. In an age where stress and anxiety are part of daily life, it’s no wonder that art has become a powerful, though often overlooked, form of emotional therapy.
With over three quarters of adults reporting feeling regularly stressed.
A new study has found a tangible way for the reduction of stress-hormones including cortisol in your body – but it does require putting your phone down for a little while and getting creative instead.
According to a new paper published in the journal Art Therapy, not only does making art – no matter your skill level – reduce stress hormones, it also leads to participants feeling much happier and healthier too.
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In the study, researchers from Drexel University observed the cortisol levels in a person’s saliva after participating in 45 minutes of art projects. Their saliva was taken both before and after their participation, after which point the team searched the samples for biomarkers of stress.
The participants – 39 of them, ranging in age from 18 to 59 – were able to use pens and paper, create clay models, and even put together collages as they wished.
Though many of the participants had little to no experience or perceived skill in art, the results were astounding.
Three quarters of the participants saw a drop in their cortisol levels, with the other 25% actually increasing their levels, with Professor Girija Kaimal, who led on the study, suggesting in a statement that this could be a natural sign of their engagement in their art:
“Some amount of cortisol is essential for functioning. For example, our cortisol levels vary throughout the day — levels are highest in the morning because that gives us an energy boost to us going at the start of the day. It could’ve been that the art-making resulted in a state of arousal and/or engagement in the study’s participants.”
Though the researchers initially believed that different kinds of art materials and projects could have differing effects on cortisol levels, this wasn’t reflected in their findings. However, they did learn that younger participants were more likely to see the drop in cortisol.
“I think one reason might be that younger people are developmentally still figuring out ways to deal with stress and challenges, while older individuals — just from having lived life and being older — might have more strategies to problem-solve and manage stress more effectively” – said Kaimal.
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Importantly, the team underscore the lack of correlation between skill level and stress reduction; in other words, it doesn’t matter whether you’re good at art, just having a go could help you chill in no time.
Art has a positive impact on our mental health
Many psychologists confirm the mental health benefits of art, which can reduce stress in several ways:
1. Art allows the brain to rest
When we engage with art—whether through drawing, sculpting, or appreciating—it helps clear distracting thoughts, giving the brain a break from continuous thinking. It’s much like pressing the reset button to restore a system that’s been working non-stop.
2.Art promotes positive thinking
Art also encourages positive thinking, as the creative process offers a chance to release emotions and feelings through colours, shapes, or sounds. This helps shift our perspective and view the world with a more positive outlook. Research also shows that engaging in art activates the brain’s release of dopamine and serotonin, which enhance feelings of happiness.
3. Art fosters emotional connections
Art creates deep emotional connections, whether with ourselves or others. By expressing ourselves through art or viewing works that reflect our own emotions, we feel less isolated in facing challenges. This sense of connection can significantly ease stress.
4. Art opens up new perspectives on problems
The artistic process stimulates creative thinking, helping us find solutions we may not have considered before. When we immerse ourselves in art, the right side of the brain becomes activated, allowing for fresh connections and creative problem-solving.
5. Art creates a peaceful mental space
Art serves as a safe retreat, allowing us to escape the chaos of the outside world. Focusing on art can lead to a state similar to meditation, known as the “Flow State,” where the mind becomes calm, clear, and deeply focused. This state of mind helps the body and mind truly relax.
