The majority of individuals are stressed to the max. Eight out of 10 americans are “afflicted by stress,” according to Gallup. Smart phones, increased screen time, and poor work-life balance all contribute to stress.
The Many Effects of Stress
The effects of stress can be annoying at best and debilitating at worst. The Mayo Clinic said that stress can cause:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension or pain
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Lack of motivation or focus
- Tobacco use
- Social withdrawal
- Exercising less often
Stress can seriously lower your quality of life, but art can reduce stress. According to Gateway to Mental Health Services, “Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias.” Read on to discover some cool ideas for improving your mental health using art.
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3 Ways to Increase Your Mental Health Using Art
Art is and always has been a catalyst for health. To improve your mental health, give these tips a try:
1. Create something — The simple act of making a piece of art, whether you think it looks or sounds good or not, can improve your mental health. “Drawing, painting, or molding objects from clay has been scientifically proven to help people to deal with different kinds of trauma,” stated Medical News Today.
To start creating art, go to your local art supply store or even a large chain store or dollar store to purchase some inexpensive art supplies. Start with play dough and colored pencils if you have to. The important thing is to get your hands on some supplies and get started creating.
2. Surround yourself with art — Ensuring you are surrounded with pieces of art that calm you can reduce your stress levels. According to SmartArt Art Consulting, “Art design can play an immensely important part in stress relief. That’s just one reason why artwork can be found in many healthcare facilities and office environments.”
Is your house or apartment home to several art prints that you love? If not, it’s time to find some art masterpieces that speak to you on a deep level, and then hang them in areas you see multiple times per day, such as near your bed, in the kitchen, or beside your desk.
3. Find an art therapist — Art therapy has been around for many years and has helped increase the mental health of many. This type of therapy can be a helpful aspect of a mental healthcare strategy. Enlisting the services of an art therapist is a more serious step toward improving your mental health and reducing stress, and it can be very effective. Use this art therapist locator to find an art therapist near you (if you are in the U.S.).
Art promotes mental health and reduces stress. How have you personally used art to improve your mental health?
Read More Segmation Blog Posts:
- How Color Affects Brain Functioning
- Can Depression Change the Way People See Color?
- The Color That Promotes Attraction
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