Remember how much you loved to draw or paint or sculpt with clay when you were a kid? The thought that went into choosing each color. How time would fly while you worked hard to make every piece just right.

Turns out, the creative arts are more than just fun—and the health benefits aren’t just for kids.

In a 2010 study by the National Jewish Health in Denver, children with asthma were provided seven weeks of art therapy sessions. In the study, the decrease in anxiety and improvement in quality of life lasted for six months post-treatment.

In a 2014 study at Drexel University, art therapy conducted for 45 minutes lowered cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in 75% of participants. 

And a study published in February 2018 by Science Direct on The Arts in Psychotherapy found that participating in 50 minutes of art therapy benefited hospitalized people by lowering their pain and anxiety and improving their moods.

So the next time you’re feeling stressed, break out the paper and the good markers, grab a coloring book, or get your hands on some old-fashioned modeling clay.

Spend an hour unwinding with your artistic side! You can even hang your work on the fridge when you’re done. We’re willing to bet that the time is well-spent—even more than you’d expect!

If you’d like to learn more about Creative Arts Therapy, check out this post on 7 ways to celebrate Creative Arts Therapy Week this year!