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Wired for Expression: How Art Therapy Supports Nervous System Regulation

by Danielle Dumont

One of the newer and exciting areas of research today is neuroaesthetics, which explores the connection between art and the brain. Studies show that engaging with art—whether visual, music, or movement—has powerful effects on our mental and physical health. Here are just a few of the benefits:

  1. Activation of the Reward Center: Creating art triggers the brain's reward pathways, making it a pleasurable experience that enhances well-being.
  2. Reduced Stress: Research shows that creating art can lower cortisol levels, a hormone that the body produces in response to stress. For example, 45 minutes of art-making in a studio with an art therapist has been shown to reduce cortisol and alleviate anxiety.
  3. Achieving "Flow": When engaged in creative activities, many people experience a state of "flow," where they are fully immersed and present in the activity. This state has been linked to a reduction in stress and an increase in feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Also, important to note is the activation of the alpha and theta brain waves during creativity. The alpha wave is associated with lower pain levels.
  4. Improved Cognitive Function: Longitudinal studies have found that engaging in artistic activities can assist with cognitive decline, improving memory and mental clarity.
  5. Physical Health Benefits: Research has also shown that activities like coloring can reduce heart rate, lower anxiety, and even improve cardiovascular health.

Through these scientific discoveries, it’s clear that the act of creating has profound effects on the body and mind, making it a powerful tool for healing and emotional regulation.

Art Therapy: A Nonverbal Path to Healing

One of the core principles of art therapy is that it allows people to express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. For those struggling with trauma, grief, or stress, words often fail. Art provides a visual language that bypasses the limitations of speech, allowing for deeper emotional exploration.

Chronic stress and trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, keeping the body in a prolonged state of fight, flight, or freeze. This dysregulation often impairs the brain’s ability to process emotions and verbalize experiences, particularly through its effects on areas like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Art therapy bypasses the need for verbal processing by engaging sensory and motor systems, allowing individuals to access deeper, often pre-verbal layers of experience. Through the use of color, shape, and symbolic imagery, art can help calm the nervous system, restore a sense of safety, and support emotional regulation. This makes it a powerful tool for relieving the physiological impacts of stress and trauma-related conditions.

In my practice, I’ve helped many clients use art as a tool to manage difficult emotions, process past experiences, and work through stress. Art therapy isn’t just about making art; it’s about using the creative process as a means of exploring yourself and fostering healing.

Simple Creative Exercises for Stress Relief

Here are a few simple therapeutic art exercises you can try at home to reduce stress and promote self-discovery:

  1. Bilateral Drawing: Using both hands to draw at the same time can help regulate the nervous system and improve focus. You don’t need to create anything specific—just move your hands on the paper and see where it takes you.
  2. Coloring: If you're looking for a simple, relaxing activity, try coloring pages. Avoid overly complicated coloring pages; instead, choose simple, bold designs that allow you to relax and focus on the act of coloring rather than the end result.
  3. Collage: If you prefer a less "messy" approach to art, try creating a collage. Cut out pictures or words from magazines and assemble them in a way that feels meaningful to you.
  4. Mindful Sketching or Painting: Sometimes, simply picking up a brush or pencil and moving it across the page in a free, unstructured way can be incredibly therapeutic. Let go of expectations and allow your intuition to guide you.
  5. Digital Art: If you prefer something more portable, try using an app like Procreate to create digital art. This is a great option for people on the go, as it allows you to create art anywhere—whether in a waiting room, at home, or during a moment of downtime.

The Healing Art of Expression

Whether you’re coping with stress or looking for a way to feel more centered, art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. It doesn’t require any special skills—just an openness to explore, express, and connect with your inner world. You don’t have to be “good” at art to benefit from it—just start creating, and let the process guide you toward wellness!

Learn more about Danielle's Healing Arts Services. 

 

 

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