Top 8 Ways To Use Art For Stress Relief!

Let's be honest: life can be a bit much sometimes. Between work, social media, the endless to-do lists, and—let’s not forget—trying to remember where you left your keys (again), it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling flaming torches on a unicycle. But fear not! One of the most effective ways to stay sane (and have a blast while doing it) is through artistic expression. Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about everything from finger-painting to freestyle rapping (hey, no judgment here). 

Let’s explore how creating art, in any shape or form, isn’t just about impressing your friends with your “avant-garde” abstract painting. It’s about feeling liberated. And spoiler alert: it’s good for your mental and emotional health too. So, grab a paintbrush or a pen (or your nearest potter’s wheel) and let’s dive into the wellness benefits of artistic expression! 

1. Stress? What Stress? 

When we engage in creative activities, we slip into a magical state called “flow.” In this state, it’s like the rest of the world disappears and you’re so immersed in what you’re doing that even the looming deadlines or the laundry pile growing in the corner of your room seem irrelevant. Whether you're sculpting a clay pot or doodling smiley faces on the back of a receipt, your brain gets a chance to shut off the stressy, overthinking gears and just... be. 

And the best part? Creating art has been shown to lower cortisol levels (that’s the fancy word for “stress hormone”). So, the next time you're about to lose it, try scribbling something that looks like a dog (even if it looks more like a potato with ears). Your stress levels will thank you. 

2. Boost Your Self-Esteem (And Maybe Your Ego) 

We all need a little confidence boost from time to time. And guess what? Your inner artist can definitely help with that. 

Let’s say you’re drawing something that is, uh, not quite “Mona Lisa” material. So what? Artistic expression isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. You’ll get that warm, fuzzy feeling when you realise, “Hey, I made this! I did this!” And trust us, that feeling is contagious. The more you create, the more you’ll realise that you don’t need to be a master painter to feel proud of your work. 

It’s like a workout for your self-esteem—except without the sweat and the stretchy pants. Just give yourself a high five for showing up and creating. You’re a creative genius in the making. 

3. Emotions, Meet Art. Art, Meet Emotions. 

Life is full of emotions—some of them are joyful, some of them are complicated, and others are like, “Why is everything going wrong?!” But when words fail us, art swoops in like a superhero to save the day. 

Art gives us a non-verbal way to express what we’re feeling. Feeling blue? Grab a paintbrush. Mad about something? Do some pencil drawings. It’s like therapy, but with way fewer tissues and way more glitter. When you create art, you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone; it’s just your feelings on the canvas (or in your notebook or whatever medium you’re working with). No judgement, just expression. 

Plus, sometimes it’s a great way to figure out what you’re actually feeling. “Oh, so that squiggly line in my drawing is how I feel about work today? Interesting…” 

4. Mental Health Perks That’ll Have You Saying, “Sign Me Up!” 

So, you’ve heard about exercise helping with mental health, but did you know that art can also be a major mood-lifter? It’s true. 

Multiple studies show that engaging in artistic activities can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. In fact, art has been found to improve mood and help people feel more in control of their emotions. The process of creating something gives you a sense of accomplishment, which can do wonders for your mental health. Plus, let’s be real: nothing feels quite as satisfying as finishing a project (even if that project is just a ridiculous drawing of a llama wearing a bowtie). 

By stimulating various parts of your brain, art can also sharpen your focus and enhance cognitive function. So, you might just find yourself more mentally sharp and ready to take on your next meeting... or, at the very least, that pile of laundry. 

5. Mindfulness, But Make It Fun 

You know how everyone’s all about mindfulness these days? Well, guess what? Artistic expression is basically a superpower version of mindfulness. When you’re lost in the creative process, you’re not worrying about that email you forgot to send or wondering if you left the oven on. You’re simply there. You’re present. You’re in the moment. You’re maybe even singing along to your favourite playlist while painting a banana in a suit (hey, creativity knows no bounds). 

Art forces you to slow down and focus on what you’re doing in the here and now. It’s like a mini meditation session, but with more colour and fewer “om” chants. 

6. Self-Discovery: AKA “Who Am I, Really?” 

Art is like your own personal mirror, reflecting back things you didn’t even know about yourself. It’s like playing a game of “What’s Going on Inside My Brain?” and discovering new things each time. 

Have you ever started drawing or writing and been surprised by what came out? Maybe you thought you were just doodling, but then you realise you’ve created a masterpiece about your deepest desires, fears, or hopes for the future. It’s a great way to get to know yourself in a fun, low-pressure environment. Plus, it can be a little mind-blowing to see what your subconscious has been hiding in there. 

7. You + Art = Instant Community Vibes 

Okay, so you might think that art is a solo thing. But guess what? There are tons of opportunities to bond with others through creative expression. Whether it’s joining a paint-and-sip class, collaborating on a mural, or just sharing your doodles with friends, art can bring people together. 

Creating with others is like bonding over something that has zero pressure and only fun. Who knows? Maybe your new art buddy will become your next BFF—or at least your partner in crime for making ridiculous sculptures out of marshmallows. (No judgment, really.) 

8. The Ultimate Escape Button 

In a world where everything demands your attention 24/7, sometimes you just need an escape—without actually leaving your house (or even your sofa). That’s where art comes in. 

Engaging in creative activities gives you the perfect excuse to switch gears and focus on something just for you. It’s your personal, portable “me time.” You can paint, write, play music, or even get crafty with some glue and glitter (no one’s stopping you). The world may still be out there, but for a little while, you can immerse yourself in the joy of creation. 

Time to Unleash Your Inner Artist (Seriously, You Got This) 

So, there you have it! Artistic expression isn’t just about creating something pretty—it’s about taking care of your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re drawing, singing, crafting, or making who-knows-what, art can reduce stress, boost your mood, improve your mental health, and just generally make life a lot more colourful. 

And remember: you don’t have to be the next Michelangelo (unless you want to, in which case, go for it). The goal is to have fun, get messy, and discover a side of yourself that’s been patiently waiting for the spotlight. 

So, grab that sketchbook, that guitar, or that lump of clay and get creating. Your mental health—and your creativity—will thank you. 

And you never know, channelling your inner Picasso might just save your sanity… but we can’t make any promises.