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Stress Got You Down? Just do Art!

Art in any form, whether it be viewing, creating, teaching or just playing, feeds the soul and empowers the psyche. For this very reason, art is one of the greatest stress busters of all because
The beauty and concept of Art surrounds us on a daily basis. Mother Earth, the greatest artist of all, fills our hearts and souls with her mountains, forests, lakes, sunsets, snowflakes.

But sometimes, life seems so busy, we hardly have time to notice the wonders around us.
As an art educator, I have heard many people say "I've always wanted to do art but I can't even draw a straight line." The truth is everyone is an artist in their own way. Just being human is an art form. Decorating our homes, coordinating our wardrobe, arranging flowers or cooking a meal are all art forms which create the lives we live. When approached as such, the act of creating becomes non-threatening.
When we were children, art belonged to everyone. Maybe it was a coloring book that became a joyful activity or making a greeting card for mom. But, as we grew older, many of us became too busy or maybe felt that "art making" was better off being left to the "experts." Maybe it's time to just do art.
What would happen if you picked up a crayon or a colored pencil and started to make art? Maybe in the beginning things might not be so easy because of adult judgments we place on ourselves. But just keep creating. You don't have to show anyone your work. The process is just as healing as the product.
There is not a lot of empirical evidence as to why art heals and reduces stress. My concept is that making art brings us back to our center and in so doing, balance is restored to the soul. The world is full of wonders that we often don't see until some part of our brain and soul is reawakened. The act of creating brings you moments when you drop your cares and feed that part of you that needs nourishment from the beauty of the world around you.

Learn more about this author, Judith Campanaro.
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