Youth talk

For those of us feeling a bit more strained than usual, good news abound – several studies are drawing parallels between creating art and improved emotional wellbeing. And, the best part is that you don’t even have to be skilled at art in order to reap its benefits.

One example is a study led by Kaimal and Ray that comprised of 39 adults aged 18 to 59 years old. Stress levels in the participants were evaluated before and after they were asked to engage in art making of their choice-sculpturing, colouring etc.

Results show that a significant number of the artists – a whopping 75 per cent – were reported to have lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in their systems.  Interestingly, it was also reported that younger persons were more likely to benefit from the stress-busting activity of artistic expression.

Another study looked at anxiety levels in its subjects twice before and once after a colouring activity. After an initial testing, anxiety was again assessed after asking participants to recall a painful past experience.  It was then found that those who asked to colour in a mandala (a circular design) pattern had a marked lowering in anxiety than those who coloured in a plaid design or were free to draw whatever they choose. Psychiatrist Carl Jung was a vehement advocate of colouring in mandala patterns after recognising its positive effects on emotional health.

It’s no wonder then that sales of colouring books aimed at adults are booming. The patterns in these books are more intricate than the ones marketed at children and promise everything from mindfulness to stress relief. I can attest to this. I own one myself!

Art aficionados have probably known this all along, there’re more to art than just expressing your creativity and this explains the rising prominence and popularity of art therapy. I think we now all have newfound reasons for picking up a paintbrush.