Can creative activities lower workplace stress?
Written by
David Nelson
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Creative outlets yield strong stress relief through a change in the brain's mode of processing information. Doodling, as well as working with clay, activates brain pathways that are not otherwise engaged when applying analytical skills. The result is a cognitive distance from stressors while the brain receives a burst of dopamine. You measure psychological repose in minutes without any artistic talent whatsoever.
States of flow in creative work relieve anxiety naturally. Focusing on blending colors or storytelling involves the prefrontal cortex in a different way. This breaks rumination cycles about deadlines. Teams at Pixar participate in group storytelling sessions to manage the pressures of project work. The brain is in restorative modes similar to meditative practice.
Art Therapy
- Reduce cortisol 23% through guided coloring sessions
- Use simple shapes for non-intimidating expression
- Process emotions through color choices intuitively
Group Storytelling
- Build social bonds through shared fictional narratives
- Rotate sentence contributions during lunch breaks
- Externalize work challenges through metaphorical scenarios
Tactile Crafting
- Release muscle tension with clay or putty manipulation
- Create desk sculptures during conference calls
- Stimulate proprioceptive senses for grounding effects
Non-verbal expression accesses emotions that words cannot capture. Crafting or drumming provides outlets for frustration and overwhelm. I have witnessed teams working to resolve conflicts through collective art projects. Through rhythmic movements and sensory experiences, your body also releases tension. The physical benefits can lower blood pressure.
Practice a creative technique the next time you have a break. Have coloring pages in your meeting rooms. Start your team calls with a one-sentence story starter. Watch your breath slow and your shoulders relax. These small
Read the full article: Effective Stress Management at Work Techniques
