If you're interested in learning more about art therapy and how painting relieves stress, continue reading.
Remember sitting down with your paper and crayons as a child? The freedom of allowing your fingers to flow over the paper was exciting and relieves stress.
As you grew older, you might have moved on to using markers or paint. Either way, the ability to let your imagination create is a cherished childhood memory for many.
Now that you're an adult, work and personal matters probably eclipse mellowing out with art. But did you know there is a form of therapy that uses creativity and relieves stress?
Art therapy is used by millions of people to work out mental health issues and relieves stress.
What is Art Therapy and How Painting Relieves Stress?
Art therapy uses creative activities like coloring, collage, drawing, journaling, painting, and sculpting to help people express their emotions. An art therapist observes and examines the artwork for the "emotional and psychological undertones," according to Psychology Today.
The hidden messages, symbols, or metaphors can lead to a breakthrough and understanding of the behavior and feelings of the person.
Who Uses Art Therapy?
Art therapy is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults who are willing to use the techniques to uncover and work through more in-depth issues.
Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, self-esteem, stress, physical ailments, and disabilities respond well to art therapy. New research suggests people with dementia benefit from drawing and painting, and it might aid in the prevention of the disease, according to Harvard Medical School. But dementia patients aren't the only people who see improvement through art.
Art therapy gets practiced with individuals, groups, or couples in counseling, wellness centers, corrections facilities, senior centers, or private companies.
But don't think you need to leave your home to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. Nowadays, it's simple to buy a coloring book or journal and spend some quality time with yourself.
While it's better to work with a psychotherapist or art therapist to gain the most out of making art, you can work on a project in the comfort of your home too.
How Art Therapy Relieves Stress
A published study by Kaimal, Ray & Muniz, 2016 focused on the advantages of art therapy. During the process of making art for 45 minutes, adults experienced a drop in cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the "stress" hormone, which is how stress gets measured in the body. The fight or flight reaction people sense during moments of dangerous situations happens when cortisol levels increase, according to Psychology Today.
The study used adults ages 18 to 59 years of age, creating art with collage materials, clay and felt marking pens. Their saliva got tested for cortisol levels before and after the art activity concluded. Pre and post questionnaires were completed too.
Seventy-five percent of the participants showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels because of making art. Some people's cortisol stayed the same or increased.
The appearance of the artwork doesn't impact whether a session is successful. The process of making art is essential because it allows the person to relax and get lost in the moment.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
Art therapy is based on the belief that creative self-expression has therapeutic value. Art therapists receive training to "understand the color, texture, and art media" within the therapeutic process. They learn to identify how they reveal a person's thoughts, emotions, and psychological issues.
Psychotherapy gets used with the art activities to offer a well-rounded view of the person's problems and opens the door for changes to occur.
Qualified Art Therapist
A professionally trained art therapist completes a Master's degree program in psychotherapy and visual arts at an accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) college or university.
How To Relax At Home
Not all art therapy takes place within the company of an art therapist. Some people might get assigned a project to complete. Or people might want to learn new ways to relax after a stressful day.
Buying art supplies for your house is an excellent way to increase your relaxation and unwind after work. It's a fantastic way to take your mind off of worries like health issues, financial instability, and relationship problems.
If you have the space in your home, consider setting up an art room or creative corner. Use a table or desk, cover it with newspaper or a washable table cloth, and place your markers, paint, paint brushes, pencils, and pens nearby.
Buy some inexpensive coloring books, blank paper, glue, glitter, and stencils. You don't have to use all your art supplies every time you create something, but allowing diversity could increase your desire to make art.
Others have a preferred method of relaxing, but painting is calming because of the use of color and stroking of the brush.
There's no need to worry if you aren't an expert, because no one expects your work to look like Leonardo Da Vinci's.
What is Paint By Numbers?
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People get intimidated when asked to craft a painting, especially if they never received training. In the world of art therapy, enjoying yourself is crucial. Thus, the way to increase your fun, but decrease your worries is simple. Use paint by numbers.
Paint by numbers is a picture on canvas with each section of the picture given a number to denote which color paint goes in the area. If the painter follows the numbers, they create a lovely painting, and decor for their home.
People can purchase paint by numbers kits that come with the canvas, paint, cup, and paintbrushes. Most kits come with all of these supplies, but not all of them.
History of Paint By Numbers Kits
Dan Robbins, a commercial artist from the Detroit area, is the inventor of the paint by numbers kits. He began working for the Palmer Show Card Paint Company in 1949, according to My Modern Met.
Robbins took Leonardo Da Vinci's system of numbering sections of his canvases for his assistants. The first kit Robbins created was called Abstract No. One. The popularity of the paint by numbers kits encouraged the company to change its name to CraftMaster. They were able to hire more workers.
Consumers loved paint by numbers, but the art world said it simplified painting.
Regardless of how the professional artists felt about paint by numbers, art fans loved the ability to copy a masterpiece and hang it up.
No one knew that years later, a link would be discovered between painting and helping people work through their issues. But, thank goodness Dan Robbin's invention is still around.
How Can I Get Started?
Finding and buying the right paint by numbers kit is easy. Yes, many companies produce paint by numbers kits, but we are unique. Ledgebay paint by numbers kits come with everything you need to begin your masterpiece, and they are affordable.
Our kits come with a rolled canvas, so you don't need to worry about wrinkles or creases before painting: quality paint and paintbrushes, hanging supplies, and a reference sheet.
Browse our online shop, and select your paint by numbers kit.
Buy a Kit
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Our shop is divided into framed and unframed paint by numbers kits. Current framed paint by numbers kits includes Colorful Cat and Colorful Stroll.
The framed kits come with the items mentioned above, but they also come with a handy easel. The easel is small enough to transport, but large enough to help you set up wherever you're comfortable.
The unframed kits offer a more extensive selection. Some kits of interest to you might include Balloons, Beautiful Bay, Boat Reflection, Fall Leaves, Romantic Sunset, or Sunrise Tree of Life.
Take Your Time and Enjoy As Painting Relieves Stress
The beauty of paint by numbers kits is they give you everything necessary to create a work of art, so time shouldn't be a factor.
You're able to sit down and work at your own pace, so there is no need to rush because painting faster leaves the door open for mistakes. Plus, you should allow yourself to enjoy the moment.
Go to a quiet room, because you're less likely to get interrupted. Set up your supplies, turn on good lighting, and play some inspirational music.
Grab your comfy chair, and allow yourself to get lost in the canvas.
Give It A Try
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Now that you understand painting relieves many issues, but especially stress, isn't it time you gave paint by numbers a try? If you enjoyed painting as a child or teen, then chances are the love for it is still within you.
If you want to learn more about our company and what we do, please check out our website.
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