This Always Relaxes Me
You've probably heard this before from other people, but art is a therapy for me. I have what I can only describe as a mind that rushes from one thought to another, and many times it doesn't complete one thought before it rushes to the next. However, when I paint or draw, my thoughts quiet, and all I can see is a blank canvas taking shape.
I am not a trained artist or even a good one, yet I have created some works that are good enough for me to want to try again and get better the next time. Meanwhile, anxiety takes a back seat, and my heart fills with joy. Sometimes, I'm energized when I complete a work I want to show the world, and fortunately, Instagram allows me the opportunity. Eventually, the high of a job well done fades, and I feel a calm that lets me know I can once again start the next day, and that all will be okay.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a What I’ve experienced with art isn’t unique to me. There’s a wealth of evidence showing that art can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and creating a sense of peace. In fact, according to a systematic review published in *PLOS ONE*, anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, ranking as the sixth leading cause of disability. Traditional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy are often moderately effective, but not everyone responds to them. Interestingly, art therapy has been increasingly integrated into mental health care programs to support people with anxiety disorders. (PLOS ONE ARTICLE).
Art therapy (AT) utilizes various art forms—like painting, drawing, sculpting, or clay modeling—as a medium for expressing emotions, memories, and experiences. It aims to facilitate self-reflection, emotional regulation, and the development of coping skills. By focusing on the process of creation rather than the final product, art therapy helps individuals connect with their emotions in a more profound and direct way than they might through verbal therapy alone. This non-verbal aspect makes art therapy an excellent option for those who struggle to articulate their feelings or who feel overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy. (Source)
Moreover, another comprehensive study published in *Frontiers in Psychology* supports the effectiveness of art therapy for a wide range of mental disorders, including anxiety. The American Art Therapy Association describes its benefits as improving cognitive functions, fostering self-esteem, promoting emotional resilience, and reducing distress. Essentially, art therapy provides a safe and structured way to explore one’s inner world, enabling individuals to make sense of their emotions and experiences in a tangible form. (Source).
For me, the act of painting or drawing is more than just putting colors on a canvas. It’s a moment where my mind becomes still, my thoughts become focused, and all the chaos melts away. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about watching an image emerge from nothing, taking on a life of its own. It’s a reminder that even when my mind feels cluttered, there’s always room for something beautiful to come out of it.
Art has taught me that I don't need to be perfect to create something meaningful. It’s in the process, in those moments when I let go of expectations and simply let myself be, that I find peace. I’m able to pour my emotions—whether it’s anxiety, frustration, or joy—onto the canvas, and in doing so, I feel lighter, calmer, and more connected to myself.
If you've ever used art to lower your own stress or anxiety, I'd love to hear about it! What forms of art help you find peace, and what resonated most with you from this article? Please share your experiences and thoughts, as we continue to explore how art can be a powerful tool for healing and well-being. Together, let's inspire each other to find serenity through creativity.hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
