Who hasn’t felt that oppressive feeling of stress? According to the WHO, almost 75% of adults have experienced stress in the last month. Faced with this alarming fact, manual activities are proving to be an effective and accessible solution for everyone. Not only do they divert our attention from sources of stress, they also stimulate our creativity and bring a sense of accomplishment. From painting to drawing to origami, these activities offer a multitude of proven mental health benefits.
| Key points to remember |
|---|
| The importance of manual activities in stress reduction: They enable you to concentrate on a specific task, keeping stressful thoughts at bay. |
| The specific benefits of each manual activity: Each activity has its own benefits – painting encourages emotional expression, while origami helps develop patience and concentration. |
| How to incorporate these activities into your daily routine: You don’t need to devote a lot of time to them – a few minutes a day can be enough to feel their positive effects. |
Paint to reduce stress
Faced with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding effective ways to relax the mind is essential. Among the various techniques available, painting stands out as a manual activity that is beneficial for reducing stress.
Why paint? you might ask. The answer is simple: this creative activity calls on our concentration, allowing us to disconnect from everyday concerns and let off steam. In short, it acts as a form of meditation.
The specific advantages of paint
But how exactly does painting help reduce stress? Here are a few explanations:
- Creative expression: Painting offers a means of expressing feelings and emotions, which can help release internal tensions.
- Focus: When we paint, we concentrate on the present moment and on our creation. This focus helps ward off negative and stressful thoughts.
- Personal satisfaction: Completing a work gives you a sense of accomplishment that boosts your self-esteem.
Finding your painting style
You don’t have to be an accomplished artist to enjoy the benefits of painting. Just get started! You can start by choosing a subject that inspires you: nature, portraits, abstract… It doesn’t matter as long as you like it! Next, choose your medium: canvas, paper or even wood. Finally, decide on the type of paint you want to use: acrylic, watercolor or oil. Each has its own characteristics and will bring a different touch to your work.
And don’t hesitate to follow online tutorials or take a course if you need a little more guidance at first. The most important thing is that you take pleasure in this activity, and that it becomes your bubble of escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Inspiring testimonials
To end this section on an inspiring note, here are a few testimonials from people who have made painting part of their anti-stress routine:
“I started painting during my confinement. At first it was just to keep me busy, but I soon realized how much it relaxed me. Since then, I’ve been painting for a few hours every week and I feel a lot less stressed in general.” – Marie, 32 years old
“Painting has been a real revelation for me. It’s a time when I can give free rein to my creativity and forget about everything else. I really recommend this activity to anyone looking for a way to decompress.” – Paul, 45 years old
Drawing: a therapy for stress
Have you ever thought of picking up a pencil and a sheet of paper to give free rein to your creativity? Drawing is considered a real therapy, and is an excellent ally against stress.
Why is drawing effective against stress?
The answer is simple. When you draw, you put your imagination to work. Your mind is focused on the activity in hand, not on your everyday worries. What’s more, neuroscientists have discovered that the process of creating art releases endorphins in our brains, the famous feel-good hormones that help us feel more relaxed and happy.
How do I start drawing?
You don’t have to be an experienced artist to enjoy the benefits of drawing. Start with something simple. You can try reproducing objects around you, or simply let your pencil wander across the paper.
Drawing to reduce stress: what the studies say
Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of drawing in reducing stress levels.
| Date | Author(s) | Results |
| 2016 | Jane Collingwood | The study showed that 45 minutes of creative activities, such as drawing, can significantly reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body. |
| 2018 | Girija Kaimal et al. | This research concluded that just 30 minutes of artistic activity, including drawing, can improve mood and reduce stress in adults. |
| 2020 | Rachel Eres et al. | The study showed that manual activities such as drawing can help regulate negative emotions and increase positive feelings. |
Do you see? Drawing therapy isn’t just an attractive concept; it’s based on sound science. So what are you waiting for?
Origami: a zen activity to combat stress
You’ve probably already heard of origami, the ancient Japanese art of folding paper to create shapes and objects. But did you know that this meticulous craft is also a powerful anti-stress weapon? Indeed,origami, with its required concentration and repetitive movements, offers a genuine moment of relaxation and zenitude. Folding, unfolding, folding… each gesture invites you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. You’re in your own bubble, far from stress and worries. That’s the charm of this Zen activity.
How does origami help manage stress?
Origami is much more than just a hobby. It stimulates creativity, improves concentration and strengthens patience. And that’s not all! According to several scientific studies, it also has a positive impact on our mental health, and the reason? When we concentrate on a specific task like this, our brains release endorphins – the famous happy hormones – which give us a feeling of well-being and help to combat stress.
First steps with origami: a few ideas to get you started
If you’ve never tried origami before, don’t worry. It’s an activity that’s accessible to everyone! Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
- The star: Easy to make, it’s perfect as a starter.
- The boat: A timeless classic that appeals to young and old alike.
- The crane: A symbol of longevity and good luck in Japan, it requires a little more technique but is still accessible to beginners.
And now that we’ve explored the soothing benefits of origami… why not discover together how our origami kits can make your first steps in this zen activity easier?
Initiate yourself to origami with our dedicated kits
Papercraft-3D.com is your ideal partner for getting started with origami. We’ve designed origami kits especially for novices. Each kit contains everything you need: colorful sheets of paper, a step-by-step guide and even a tutorial video. Origami is more than just a hobby. It’s a real escape, a way to channel your stress and unleash your creativity. So why wait? Discover our origami kits and immerse yourself in this soothing, artistic universe.
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