How Does Creativity and Art Help with Anxiety and Well-being?

In 2023, I began to draw. I was never creative before that and suffered from anxiety, low self-belief, and depression. Picking up a pencil and letting colours flow across the page has given me a way to quiet the noise of anxiety and increase my self-belief. Art is more than just an activity; it’s a lifeline, a way to express emotions that words often fail to capture.

How Art Helps with Anxiety

Anxiety can be overwhelming, making even the simplest daily tasks feel daunting. When I create, however, I step into a different world—one where my worries take a backseat. The act of drawing animals, focusing on their movement, their freedom, and their spirit, allows me to connect with something larger than my fears. It’s a reminder of the beauty in the world, a space where I can breathe freely.

Art provides a mindfulness-like experience. The repetitive motion of shading, the careful attention to detail, and the immersion in colour and form create a meditative state that helps to calm the nervous system. Scientific studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can reduce cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, and increase dopamine, which enhances feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

A selection of art supplies including vibrant watercolours, coloured pencils, a wooden mannequin, a craft knife, and a black Fabriano sketchbook, ready for creative exploration.

How You Can Use Creativity for Well-being

You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from creativity. The key is to allow yourself the freedom to explore without judgment. Here are some ways you can use creativity to support your well-being:

1. Doodle Freely – Grab a pencil and start doodling, without worrying about the outcome. Let your mind wander and see where your hand takes you.

2. Colouring for Calm – Adult colouring books are a great way to engage with creativity in a low-pressure way. The repetitive motion helps to ground your thoughts.

3. Journaling with Art – Combine words and drawings to express how you feel. Sometimes sketching an emotion can be more powerful than writing it down.

4. Create with Nature – Step outside and gather leaves, flowers, or stones to arrange into patterns or use as inspiration for your art. Being in nature while creating adds an extra layer of relaxation.

5. Try Something New – Whether it’s painting, pottery, or even music, engaging in something new can break negative thought patterns and open doors to fresh perspectives.

   
   
   
   

Embracing Creativity Without Fear

Many people hesitate to create because they think they’re “not good enough.” But creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression, about feeling, about letting something inside of you come to life. When you let go of judgment, you open yourself to a world of healing possibilities.

Through my own journey, I’ve learned that art is not just about the final piece—it’s about the process. Every stroke, every colour choice, every moment spent immersed in creativity is a step toward healing, a moment of self-care, a breath of fresh air in the midst of anxiety.

If you’re struggling, I encourage you to pick up a pencil, a paintbrush, or even a piece of clay. Let your hands take over, and see where creativity leads you. It might just be the lifeline you didn’t know you needed.

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