Mindfulness Art Practice

Is stress invading your life?

Stress is a natural part of living, sometimes protecting us from serious situations. The toll of chronic stress, however, can negatively impact emotions and physical health, from heart disease to depression, digestive distress, poor immune response, and much more. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace situations, poor communication, debt, discrimination, and the cost of health care are all significant triggers for stress.

Since the beginning of time, the arts have played a significant role in stress reduction, offering moments to calm the mind, connect with others, and express oneself—lowering cortisol and reducing heart rate. As stated in the article, The Art of Destressing: How Creativity Creates Less Stress, “The power of creativity to reduce stress is multifaceted. From providing outlets for self-expression to inducing meditative flow states, creative pursuits offer a diverse number of stress-reduction benefits. They enable us to reframe perspectives, regulate emotions, and engage in calming practices that ground us in the present moment. The beauty of using creativity for stress reduction and management lay in its accessibility and versatility.”

Today, in honor of National Relaxation Day, started by nine-year-old Sean Moeller in 1985 and observed each year on August 15th, Prairie Music & Arts offers four Mindfulness Art Activities to build a creative practice that provides rest, relaxation, and emotional support during stressful times. Sean was a pretty smart kid, and we hope you take his suggestion to find space in your day to relax.

-Activities provided by Madison Jagemann, Prairie Music & Arts teaching artist