Study says artistic activities reduce stress in 45 minutes

The benefits of art therapy have been proven scientifically again. American researchers have shown that regardless of age or experience, creative pursuits significantly lower stress levels.

Can colouring, drawing, modelling with clay or making a collage reduce the symptoms of anxiety? Researchers at Drexel University, USA, attempted to find out if artistic activities could bring down the level of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, in the body.

For the study, 39 adults between the ages of 18 and 59, took part in artistic activities for 45 minutes. Their cortisol levels were measured before and after the session through saliva samples.

The participants were provided with markers and paper, modelling clay and materials to make a collage. An art therapist was present, but deliberately let the session run as freely as possible so that the “artists” could do what they wanted.

The researchers found that 75% of the participants experienced a reduction in their cortisol levels. There was no correlation between past art experiences and lower cortisol levels. Written testimonies showed that most patients found the test relaxing, with some of them experiencing a drop in anxiety levels in the first five minutes. Others said that they were less obsessed about things that needed to be done, and were able to put things into perspective.

However, around 25% of the participants had raised cortisol levels. The researchers said this could be due to a more alert state and an increased level of engagement.

“Some amount of cortisol is essential for functioning. For example, our cortisol levels vary through the day — levels are highest in the morning because that gives us an energy boost to start the day,” explained Dr Kaimal, who co-authored the study.

Source | Hindustan Times | 21 June 2016

Pralhad Jadhav

Senior Manager @ Library

Khaitan & Co

Blog | http://pralhad-fyilibrarian.blogspot.in/

Best Paper Award | Received the Best Paper Award at TIFR-BOSLA National Conference on Future Librarianship: Innovation for Excellence (NCFL 2016) on April 23, 2016.  The title of the paper is “Removing Barriers to Literacy: Marrakesh VIP Treaty”

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