In the hustle and bustle of the business world, stress often plays the role of an unwelcome companion. However, what if I told you that there’s a transformative way to navigate this stress, a way that involves the art of self-expression?
THE “CANVAS” OF CALM
Let’s call it the “canvas” of calm, where art therapy becomes a powerful tool for managing stress.
At its core, art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes the creative process of making art to enhance well-being.
So for business leaders grappling with stress, it offers a unique avenue for expression.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND ART THERAPY AND STRESS REDUCTION
You’ll be astounded by how fascinating the science behind art therapy is. But to further understand it, here’s how it happens…
THE “FEEL-GOOD NEUROTRANSMITTER”
When you engage in artistic activities, it triggers the release of dopamine or our feel-good neurotransmitter. It’s a biological dance that counteracts cortisol, reducing stress levels.
Through art, the brain finds a harmonious rhythm.
HOW ART CAN HELP IN THE WORKPLACE
Bringing art therapy into the workplace is a strategic move! Imagine stimulating the brains of people in the room, and imagine everybody’s dopamine getting stimulated or released…
OR…
Imagine a room full of people “feeling good”! How creative can people get, right?
HERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO:
1) HAVE A “CREATIVE CORNER”
Make your office unique and fun. Stand out from the rest of “normal” offices. You can designate a creative corner and then allow a 15–30 minute “creative break” per work day, on top of the regular breaks… because these are healthy breaks that increase creativity, and it will be a win-win situation for your people and the company!
2) HOSTED ART SESSIONS
You may host art sessions once a month. Whoever said that only companies in the art industry can have artsy people? Nobody!
There are no rules in art, so even if your team doesn’t feel like they are creative enough to participate, reassure them by making the art sessions focus on personal creativity and freedom. Whatever works for them works: abstract, strokes, or freestyle art. Make it a form of self-expression, and encourage you to connect it to stories!
3) WORKSPACE PERSONALIZATION
Why can’t it be allowed, right? If you have your own workspace, and you know bright colors boost your creativity, would you want somebody to decide that only dark colors are allowed in your workspace, even knowing that this decreases your creativity level?
I cannot stress enough the importance of allowing your team to personalize their desks (given certain rules against vulgar things), as this not only fosters stress relief but also promotes a vibrant, innovative work culture.
ART AS A TOOL FOR SELF-EXPRESSION AND STRESS REDUCTION
There is no question that art is a form of language that transcends words.
So when words fall short, art speaks!
And that is where “self-expression” comes in. You get to paint, draw, or sculpt your thoughts and emotions. It’s a silent dialogue with the canvas, a cathartic release that eases the weight of stress.
MEASURING THE IMPACT: ASSESSING STRESS REDUCTION THROUGH ART
How do you measure the impact of art therapy on stress?
By observing subtle shifts.
Decreased tension, improved focus, and enhanced creativity are markers.
BONUS TIP
Create a stress-relief gallery showcasing the evolving artworks of your team. It’s a visual testament to the power of art in stress reduction.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH…
In your leadership journey, consider art therapy as more than a creative pastime.
It’s a strategic approach to stress management, a palette where the chaotic hues of stress transform into a masterpiece of calm resilience.
If you want to learn more about how you can utilize Artful Therapy to elevate your leadership, download this Complimentary Guide to jumpstart your stress-less leadership journey.
To your serene leadership,
