June 17, 2016.
According to a study, conducted by researchers at Drexel University in the United States, creating art could reduce symptoms of anxiety.
45 minutes is enough to relieve stress
Taking a moment to do painting, coloring, pottery or any other creative manual workshop would be very effective in combating stress. This is what reveals an American study published in the journal Art Therapy. According to this work, artistic creation would allow, in 75% of the cases observed by researchers, to drop the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. These results could be seen after 45 minutes of exercise.
Participants found the experience relaxing and calming. Still, 25% of participants still had high levels of cortisol. ” It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing “, Tried to reassure the authors of the study. ” A certain amount of cortisol is essential for the proper functioning of the body. “
A gentle therapy with surprising results
This form of gentle therapy is finding more and more followers in children with autism, in prisons, after bereavement, for people with Alzheimer’s disease or for those who are in palliative care. ” We observe it well with patients, especially children confronted with heavy treatments or hospitalization: drawing or visualizing allows them to escape their present reality for a moment. », Explains art therapist Laurence Bosi, in the columns of Figaro. ” To create is first of all to be in a different state. “
Need to relax or calm a restless child? Take some markers and paper, clay or collage materials and unleash your creativity… The results will be surprising.
Read also: All about art therapy
