Painting to Cope with Anxiety

[jy76]

On the show, The Joy of Painting, the late famous painter Bob Ross had a soothing voice and attitude to accompany his really mellow paintings. Does anyone think that the whole painting scene with Bob Ross could be a useful therapy tool for anxious or angry people? Of course, what I'm saying might sound comical to some, but I really think painting and possibly the playing of music are great therapy tools.

 

[Alexandoy]

Cory Aquino turned to painting when she had finished her term as president of our country. Since she is a celebrity, her paintings were valued at a high price although she didn't sell her artworks. She said that painting is a good hobby that relaxes her. Aquino even advised in one of her interviews that we should take up painting when we retire. I am recently retired but I cannot come to terms with painting simply because my hands would not cooperate. I am no artist and I don't want to waste time and effort on that subject. What I prefer is an activity that involves action like sports. But for an old man, sports is not much of a choice anymore.

 

[Alex]

Most arts are relaxing, and people take them up also as a means of expression. When people feel there is a purpose to an activity and an end result it can help them as it's a little like a routine. It is much harder with writing though; when a picture is finished you can tell, when a song has been sung, you know when it's ended, but with a story, you have to choose when there is an end

That's why many people turn to reading, writing or the arts when they have anxiety as it can help them to relax, but also there is an end result.

 

[tyche]

Anything that can divert your mind from stress and anxiety like painting is always a good choice. But like what has been said, it's not for everyone, because not all people can draw or be artistic enough to create an abstract painting. And it is a hobby for those who can afford the materials needed, so those who are suffering from anxiety but are short on funds won't be able to paint. They should just choose another hobby, lol.

 

[jy76]

Any kind of art including 3d art, my hobby, can be relaxing. However, note, any kind of art done well is going to be a challenge. For instance, a huge learning curve is needed for software used for sculpting, painting, photo-editing etc.

 

[to7update]

I have a cousin who suffers from anxiety problems and art definitely is something that helps her a lot. One, she can do an activity that occupies her time in a productive way that doesn't stress her out. Two, she gets engaged in social activities while doing it and ends up interacting with other people and talking about something she loves. So painting or any sort of artistic activities are a big plus for people suffering from anxiety.

 

[Jasmin Cottontail]

I agree. Painting is a good tool to express your emotions in a healthy and creative way. Years ago, I myself do paint whenever I feel like to. When I have an idea or feeling inspired or just simply having a bad day, I express it all through painting. However I stopped since I got busy with work stuffs that I don't find the time to do it. But I would definitely love to paint again as it relaxes me and it is a good stress reliever

 

[janemariesayed]

On the show, The Joy of Painting, the late famous painter Bob Ross had a soothing voice and attitude to accompany his really mellow paintings. Does anyone think that the whole painting scene with Bob Ross could be a useful therapy tool for anxious or angry people? Of course, what I'm saying might sound comical to some, but I really think painting and possibly the playing of music are great therapy tools.

Painting is a great way to relax. You don't have to be the best artist in the world to benefit either. Even a simple colouring in book can help someone to relax and forget their anxieties for a while.

I used to paint years ago and keep meaning to get myself the equipment and take it up again. I always found it a great way to relax and it really helps to give focus.

 

[misszerable]

I honestly don't have the talent for it and I might just get more frustrated with the result. I think it would work for people who have interest in painting and can create satisfying results. For the past five months, I've taken up a weekend class on automotive mechanics and it has been a great diversion from my office work. I lifted car batteries and injection pumps, I did valve clearance check and spark testing, and set ignition timing of gasoline engines. Those Saturdays took me to a world that was completely alien to me. I should say it's painting for some and it's automotive mechanics for me.

 

[janemariesayed]

It has to be whatever works for you @misszerable. If painting would cause you to be stressed and make you feel worse then you need to find something else that tickles your fancy. It sounds like you've found the perfect thing with learning mechanics.

I've been thinking recently to do a class in something but I haven't been sure what yet. As I enjoy painting I may do that. Your mechanic idea is a good one as you will be getting out and meeting people. Which is great for social anxiety.

 

[pwarbi]

As others have already said, anything creative can help a person relax, painting being one of them. You don't even have to be any good at it, as it's just simply something to do to put your mind at ease and give it something else to think about. Writing stories, even growing plants and gardening can help a person relax but depending on who you are and what you like as a person, I think it's just a matter of trying to see which one suits you the most.