Whatever Your Skill Level, You Can Reduce Stress by Making Art

Feeling stressed? Paint… A study suggests that engaging in art may reduce stress regardless of your skill level.

A study published in the Art Therapy journal showed that just 45 minutes of artistic activity such as making pottery or drawing lowered cortisol hormone levels in the blood.

Cortisol is also called the “stress hormone.” A stress response occurs as levels of cortisol, produced in the adrenal glands above the kidneys, rise. In other words, the higher a person’s cortisol level, the more stressed that person is.

Previous studies have demonstrated the potential stress-reducing effect of engaging in art. A study conducted in 2010 (1) showed that creative activities such as painting, writing or making music reduced distress and stress and positively affected mood. Experts continue their studies to better understand the biological mechanism underlying these findings.

Cortisol Levels Were Found to Decrease in 75% of Participants Engaging in Art in the Study

The study discussed here involved adults aged 18-59, totaling 39 adults (2), who engaged in an art form suited to their abilities for 45 minutes. Participants were offered various options such as pottery and painting and asked to use their creativity. Saliva samples were collected before and after art-making to measure cortisol levels.

Researchers found that cortisol levels decreased in 75% of participants whose stress decreased. The same findings were observed to remain in participants after the art activity.

Art Has a Stronger Effect on Stress Reduction in Young Adults

In addition, cortisol levels increased in 25% of participants during art activities. Experts said this was expected because cortisol needs to continue functioning. For example, cortisol levels in a person vary throughout the day. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning to give us energy to start the day. In participants making art, cortisol levels are also thought to have become stimulated and activated.

Additionally, the study found that compared with older adults, young adults had a more pronounced decrease in cortisone levels during art-making . One explanation of this finding is that older adults with life experience have found better ways to cope with stress, while young adults are still seeking ways to cope with daily challenges and manage stress.

Ultimately, the study’s findings showed that engaging in art is an effective way to reduce stress. Experts plan further studies to measure how creative activities can psychologically benefit mental health.

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