These days, who also has time for a hobby? You are either buried in work or lost in endless scrolls of social media reels. Squeezing in an occasional holiday looks like a luxury, so have a regular hobby? Almost impossible.

But here is the case: hobbies provide more than just one pastime. They help calm the noise of everyday life and bring a feeling of calming. The only grip? Most hobbies require skills. No more, not at least when it comes to painting.

You do not have to be an artist to take a brush. Art therapy is gaining popularity for its soothing, almost meditative effect on the mind. From the paint-by-number kit to the diamond painting set, you just have a desire to sprinkle a pre-crushed canvas and some colors.

Originally, art therapy is a way to make a better feeling by making art. You do not need to be good in painting or drawing, anyone can do it. The idea is that making art helps you express your thoughts and feelings, especially when it is difficult to keep them in words. Feeling stressed, worried, sad, or overwhelmed after a long day? Just do some art therapy.

Why so popular?

A psychiatrist, a Ahmedabad -based psychiatrist. According to Sarathak Dave, there is a lot of pain in the world, and there are countless ways to reduce it and ease it. Nevertheless, so many people still struggle to get relief. So more and more new methods are discovered that can help them feel better.

“Art therapy is something that has come out after that. It is easily accessible and not very expensive. It does not always require any other person from your side and gives you place to make mistakes. It is one of the safest and healthy ways to deal with your feelings,” he said. Today India,

For this, Dr. Aarti Anand, Senior Advisory Psychologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, says, “Art therapy is becoming increasingly popular as it aligns with increasing awareness about overall and expressive remedies, which addresses both mind and body. Many.”

Mental health through art

Experts believe that art therapy is beneficial in promoting mental health and well -being.

“Art therapy gives you enough opportunities to work on yourself, recognizes your qualities, strength and weaknesses. There is also a feeling of happiness and mastery that you can experience on the manipulation of creative art media, which promotes well,” Tanushree Sangma, Expressive Arts-based Physicians and Counseling Psychist, Fortis Hospital, Fortis Hospital.

In addition, Dr. Dave mentions that some people are not so good in talking or writing, or may feel that what they are saying or writing is not doing justice they are feeling. For them, feeling and expressing your feelings through art is a better way.

Doctors say that art therapy also helps with stress and anxiety. “Generally, the presence of anxiety or chronic stress puts a human in a fight-or-flight mode. Continuous fight-or-rage mode pushes them into a weak position. They start working in survival mode. Their system reduces the extra load and reduces their symptoms, reducing their nerve.

Dr. Anand, meanwhile, shares that beyond emotional expression, art therapy can improve cognitive work, motor coordination and problem-solution skills. It also enhances mindyfulness and emotional regulation, both in treatments such as DBT (dialectical behavior therapy).

It also supports neuroplasty, the brain’s ability to create new nerve connections. Digerate creative functions, such as colors, planning, attention and sensory integration can stimulate brain areas.

Creating art can be a calm, careful experience that encourages relaxation and mindfulness. This helps you to slow down and be present, offering very important brakes from daily stress. Completing a piece of art can also promote your self -esteem, which can give you a sense of achievement and help you re -connect with your creative side.

Is art therapy right for you?

You do not need to be ‘artistic’ to benefit from art therapy. If you find it difficult to express emotions with words, then you often feel overwhelmed, or want a calm, creative outlet to process your thoughts, art therapy can be worth searching.

It can be a good way to start trying a simple activity such as using a paint-by-number kit. If it helps you feel calm or more, it means that you are in the right direction.

Dr. According to Dave, like any other therapy, if this result starts showing, if you start touching the base, it is quiet, it means that you are recovering. Social-business dysfunction that was due to constant anxiety or stress, when it begins to resolve, begins to improve both your behavior, social and professional. When you know you are getting better.

Team up or fly solo?

“Whether you want to do art therapy solo or depend on therapeutic goal with your partner/friends. Solo art therapy allows for introspection, privacy and deep personal processing, which is ideal for those dealing with trauma, identity or self-esteem issues,” says Dr. Anand.

For this, Sangma connects that art therapy, when done in a group, a kind is designed to work towards the general goals and concerns of the group. Group sessions create a location for shared support, reduce isolation, increase social interaction, and mutual skill formation.

It all depends on what you are seeing. If you just want to rest after a long day, then the painting can be a great way to relax on your own. But if you are expecting to strengthen your relationships or join others, then a group art medical session may be a better fit.

Is there a negative side?

While art therapy is generally safe, some may be downside. It can reveal deep or buried feelings. For some, it may feel acute or uncomfortable, especially if you are not ready to face some emotions.

People sometimes feel self-conscious if they feel that they are ‘not good in art’, which can catch them back. It is important to remember that it is about expression, not about talent.

Art therapy can be powerful, but it may not be enough in itself for serious mental health issues. It often works best with other forms of therapy or support.

Before you take art therapy …

• Allow perfection and remember that it is not about creating extraordinary art, but expresses itself honestly.
• It is important to focus on the process and not the end result.
• Stay continuously, with any other therapy, it takes time to show the results. Be sure to set small goals.
• You may feel burnt out; In that case, take a short break. Learn to make it a part of your routine and give it priority.
• The art can bring buried ideas or feelings on the surface. This is fine, this is part of the healing process.