Benefits of Art Therapy

No one is immune to stress nowadays. Sometimes we are consumed by it, feeling as if there is no way out. Professionals have been experimenting with techniques for relieving stress on a more unconventional level through art therapy.

Many people are afraid of creating art themselves. They think they are not artistic or creative enough. This is a normal reaction. Most people have not created art since childhood. The great thing about art therapy is that do not need art skills or confidence – anyone can do it! Art therapy is more about the process of creating art rather than the result of the project itself. There is no wrong way with art therapy. Intended to bring together physical and emotional care, by assisting the progress of finding creative ways for individuals to express their stressful and traumatic experiences.

Below I have listed the most important benefits from this artistic method for stress relief:

• Since art therapy is not an instructional art class, it can help you discover the yourself freely, without having to follow someone else’s rules that can only lead to more stress and frustration.

• Apart from discovering yourself freely, you will also enjoy the benefits of not being judged. However, if you want to furthermore deepen the relationship with yourself, you can have a psychologist help you interpret the meaning behind it.

• This type of therapy can also include the process of passively targeting the stressful moments on a daily basis, simply by adding art prints in the room you spend mostly your time. It is important for the prints to be dominated by green colour – since it has been proven that this colour calms the nerves.
• It has also been scientifically proven that art therapy can help people that are dealing with depression, loss and other hardships. In addition, it has helped autistic people to express themselves and have a better life.
• Another way art therapy can help you deal with stress (especially at your workplace) is by writing a letter to the person who is the cause of the disruption of your peace. You will never send it, but you will visualise all the aspects and this will have a positive effect on you and help you release some of those negative thoughts.

Picasso once said “Art washes away from the soul the dust from everyday life” and he was on to something. When you go through the process of expressing yourself artistically and use your creativity to describe what are you feeling at the moment, you can help calm your heart pressure and relax your nerves. The beauty of art therapy is that it can be practised for as long or little as you have the time, depending on your needs and wishes. Just 15 minutes of self-driven art therapy can make your day less stressful and let your body create more dopamine, so you will be able to experience more happiness.