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Art Lowers Stress

And 5 Other Fun Facts

Girl at easel painting a picture.

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Art Lowers Stress

Art Lowers Stress

If I say that art boosts motor skills and creativity, you’ll probably nod and agree. But did you know it can do much more? A deep dive into research—including the World Health Organization’s review of over 3,000 studies1—shows remarkable benefits for children and adults alike:

  1. Stress Relief. Even a single art session can lower cortisol (the body’s stress hormone). Many report calm, focus, and relaxation after painting, drawing, or coloring2.

    Application for Homeschoolers: Try 15 minutes of art before the toughest subject this week (rock carving kit before math, for example).

  2. Focus and Attention. Art strengthens executive functions—concentration, planning, and self-control. Children with ADHD who colored mandalas for 10 weeks showed measurable gains in focus and schoolwork3, 4.

    Application for Homeschoolers: Art is not a distraction from “real academics.” It supports them.

  3. Academic Achievement. Students engaged in the arts tend to do better in reading, math, and science; high school participation is linked with stronger GPAs and graduation rates1.

    Application for Homeschoolers: Counterintuitive but true—time in art can correlate with better academic outcomes.

  4. Creative Problem-Solving. Unlike tasks with one “right” answer, art builds divergent thinking—approaching challenges flexibly and inventively1.

    Application for Homeschoolers: Real life rarely has a single correct solution. Practice flexible thinking early and often.

  5. Emotional Well-Being. Systematic reviews show art therapy reduces anxiety, depression, and specific fears in children. Regular art supports resilience and emotion regulation5.

    Application for Homeschoolers: If a child is anxious—or if teaching a subject stresses you—do simple art alongside the lesson to lower stress for everyone.

  6. Trauma Recovery. Meta-analyses find creative arts therapy significantly reduces post-traumatic stress symptoms and helps people process emotions safely2.

    Application for Homeschoolers: For foster or trauma-impacted kids, even basic art skills can become lifelong coping strategies.

Bottom line: Art isn’t just fun—it’s powerful for body, brain, and heart. How will you feature art a little more this week?

References

  1. Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. World Health Organization. Link
  2. Wang, X., Li, Y., Guo, R., Zhou, C., & Li, Z. (2025). Colors of the mind: A meta-analysis of creative arts therapy for PTSD. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. Link
  3. Çelik, M., & Akyol, A. (2023). Efficacy of mandala coloring on executive function in children with ADHD symptoms. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 19, 345–354. Link
  4. Masoumi, R., & Farahani, F. (2023). The impact of mandala coloring on executive functions of children with ADHD. Journal of Child & Adolescent Behavior. Link
  5. Pfeifer, J. C., & Burke, K. (2025). Art therapy with children and adolescents experiencing mental health issues: A systematic review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. Link