Artful Stress Relief: How a Daily Art Practice Can Transform Your Health & Well-being

Not only can a 45-minute art session significantly decrease cortisol levels, your brain gets a workout too! One study, "The Effects of Visual Arts on Brain Function: Role of Complexity" (Kim & Kim, 2015) showed that exposure to visual complexity in art stimulates cognitive processes, leading to increased brain activity. So, when you're sketching or painting, you're not just creating art; you're giving your brain a workout, potentially enhancing your cognitive function in the process!

I think a lot of us artists just natually listen to music while creating. In my experience, I feel it really helps get me into the flow much faster. And the science backs up the health benefits!

In the study "The Power of Music: Its Impact on the Intellectual, Social and Personal Development of Children and Young People," (Hallam, 2010) regular participation in musical activities was linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall mental well-being.

So, whether you're playing an instrument or simply enjoying some tunes while you create, you're nurturing your mental health along with your artistic talents.

Art making isn't just a solo journey; it's a communal experience that can foster a sense of belonging.

One of my favorites artists, Brian Rutenberg said it beautifully in his latest video, "Studio Notes 88:"

The best way to access these astounding health benefits is to establish a daily habit of creating art. Let's look at two powerful strategies to help you succeed.

Creating a daily art habit starts with carving out dedicated time, making it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Choose a time of day when you feel most inspired and focused and actually make an appointment with yourself! I think I first heard it from Amy Porterfield, coach and business strategist, that if you don't schedule it then it's probably not going to get done!

Whether it's the quiet hours of the morning or the serene moments after the kids have gone to bed, establishing a consistent schedule will help your mind transition into a creative state more effortlessly.

Over time, you will train your brain to expect this routine and it will become a sacred time and space for your self-expression — a haven that you look forward to — a shelter from life's chaos.

Embarking on a daily art practice can be daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help make it more achievable. Try setting realistic, micro-goals for each session – perhaps a quick sketch, a color study, or experimenting with a new technique.

Even if you don't have a full 45 minutes to spend, any time you can regularly commit will be beneficial, and you can build up over time and as your circumstances allow. Consistency is the key to long term success.

A book that is really helping me shift my thoughts around creating new habits is Atomic Habits by James Clear. He really breaks down how and why certain habits stick and others don't and how, by making tiny changes, we can achieve some really remarkable results!

So I encourage you to celebrate your small victories; you will be surprised how far they will take you over time. By focusing on what you can do now (even if it feels small), you'll find that your creative muscles become more resilient, making it easier to tackle larger projects in the long run.

If you're looking to maximize the health benefits of your artistic practice, here are a couple of strategies that you can try:

Integrating mindfulness meditation exercises into your artistic routine has the potential to enhance the stress-relief benefits of making art and boost your creative thinking skills!

In another study, "Mindful Creativity: The Influence of Mindfulness Meditation on Creative Thinking" (Colzato et al., 2012), participants showed enhanced creative thinking abilities and a reduction in perceived stress levels.

Pairing mindfulness exercises with your visual art activities may contribute to additional stress reduction - here is an easy way to get started:

I originally learned of this pattern from a yoga teacher who was teaching a class on deep stretching. This technique has also worked for me in all kinds of stressful situations to help slow down and center my thoughts.

As you start creating your art, also try to let go of external pressures and just immerse yourself in the creative process. Whether you're sketching, painting, or sculpting, the act of creation becomes a form of meditation, actively reducing cortisol levels.

This beautiful combination of mindfulness and art making not only calms the mind but also has the potential to get you more in tune with yourself and help you create art that you feel more deeply connected to.

Consider incorporating expressive journaling into your artistic routine. This involves not only creating visual art but also expressing your thoughts and emotions through written words. Use your art journal as a safe space to unload stress, fears, and triumphs.

One of my favorite artists who teaches the art of art journaling is Laly Mille. She is a mixed media artist from France who believes, "that art connects us to the deepest, most beautiful parts of ourselves, and that beauty and creativity have the power to change the world in amazing ways." She offers free art journaling workshops periodically throughout the year, and also has some amazing paid classes. Here is a picture from one of her free workshops:

Do you journal or have any favorite art journaling teachers? I'd love for you to share below in the comments!

This dual approach of combining visual art with words and phrases that resonate and have deep meaning to you provides a holistic release, allowing you to process your feelings through both visual and verbal channels.

By building up your art journal over time, you'll really begin to feel the healing power of this practice, creating a symbiotic relationship between your art-making and emotional well-being.

Designate a specific area in your home as your artistic sanctuary. Whether it's the corner of a room, a cozy nook, or a dedicated studio space, make it uniquely yours. Try personalizing the space with inspiring artwork, comfortable seating, and all the necessary tools at your fingertips.

This is something I'm actively working on. I was excited to have finally carved out a larger creative space in our unfinished basement. My husband even hung some additional 'artist quality' lighting for me! However, because I haven't yet taken the time to really make it inspiring and inviting, I've been avoiding going down there. Instead, I continue to drag my supplies upstairs and work on the kitchen table (much to my family's dismay lol) because it's cozier and more comfortable. Guess it's time to make my new space the inspiring art sanctuary I've been dreaming about!

What I've learned is that the psychological impact of entering your special space signals to your brain that it's time to create, enhancing focus and motivation. A well-designed sanctuary becomes an inviting haven where creativity flourishes!

Artistic journeys are more enjoyable and sustainable when shared with others. Seek out like-minded individuals who share your passion for daily art. Join online communities, local art clubs, or even form your own accountability group.

Here are some artist communities that I'm part of that you may enjoy as well:

Sharing your progress, setbacks, and creative insights with other artists that share your interests not only provides valuable feedback but also cultivates a sense of belonging. Having an accountability partner or a supportive artistic tribe fosters motivation, turning the solitary act of creating into a communal celebration of artistry!

So the next time life gets in the way, and you're tempted to push your art-making to the back seat -- remember that your art practice isn't just about creating beautiful pieces; it's also a fantastic way to boost your overall health and well-being!

I hope this post has offered you a little inspiration to establish a daily art practice to keep those creative juices flowing. Every stroke of the brush is an investment in your health with the potential to elevate your mood, crush anxiety, boost your brain power and ultimately help not only ourselves but also those around us to live longer more-fulfilling lives!