Healing the Creative Way: Therapeutic Benefits of Art and Craft
- 17 July 2024
In this modern society, finding a way to relax and wind down our mental health is essential. One powerful and accessible method for achieving this is engaging in arts and crafts activities. The therapeutic benefits of art and craft are profound, whether it is painting painting, knitting, or sculpture. These activities provide an outlet for emotions and create a sense of fulfillment and tranquility. This paper shall dwell on personal narratives and scientific evidence explaining how art and craft can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
The Science Behind Arts Therapy
Art Therapy is a well-known area that uses creative processes to enhance mental health. Various studies have shown that participation in artistic activities helps reduce symptoms related to anxiety, stress, and depression.
Reducing Stress
Participating in artistic endeavors has reduced cortisol levels, which cause stress. An article published by the Journal of American Art Therapy Association, Art Therapy, reported that participants’ cortisol levels were reduced after 45 minutes of creative activities, irrespective of their creativity experience or expertise.
Anxiety relief
Art is an excellent distraction from worries and can distract one from anxiety-causing thoughts. Numerous crafts, like knitting or coloring, which require repetitive movements, can help one achieve a state of meditation that promotes relaxation and mitigates anxiety.
Fighting depression
Through art therapy, individuals suffering from depression can express emotions that they find difficult to articulate verbally, leading to emotional release and a sense of control. A study by researchers at The Arts in Psychotherapy found that making art stimulates the production of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain associated with pleasure and reward, reducing depressive conditions.
Being one of the best international schools in India with locations in Gachibowli, Bachupally, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, and Mohali, art and craft activities play a vital role in promoting students’ mental well-being. Engaging in creative processes such as painting, knitting, and sculpting allows students to express their emotions and find tranquillity amidst their academic responsibilities. The school’s commitment to integrating arts into the curriculum has shown significant benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among students. Oakridge International School helps students achieve a balanced and fulfilling educational experience by providing a nurturing environment for artistic exploration.
