Art used as a de stressor.

May 2015. Art used as a de stressor.

Colouring and painting de stresses both the Child and the Adult and has been a favourite past time since caveman days. British painter David Hockney explored the art of finger painting (on an iPad) "These gestures are as old as humans are,"
Long Island University Art Historian Maureen Nappi was reported to say "Go back to cave paintings, they're using finger movements to articulate creative expressions."

We naturally have an ability to draw, though some more advanced and some more creative than others. Where as reading is deemed a learnt human behaviour; we do not naturally have the skills to read. Drawing is innate in us all.

Carl G. Jüng a psychologist in the early 20th century used colouring as one of his therapies. Using mandalas originated from India: these are circular designs with concentric shapes.

We activate different areas of our brain mainly the two cerebral hemispheres.

"The action involves both logic, by which we colour form, and have creativity, when mixing and matching colours."
"This incorporates the areas of the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills; coordination necessary to make small, precise movements. The relaxation that it provides lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected by stress. (Psychologist Gloria Martínez Ayala)

Colouring has a de-stressing effect because we focus on the fine detail of the activity, as we tune into the Art of colouring we tune out from our stresses.  It is also thought that it "brings out our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, a period in which we most certainly had a lot less stressful for most people."

Pablo Picasso once said: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up"

Like colouring, the paper art of origami engages both the left and right sides of the brain at once. Concentration in the creative task lets your brain tune out of the Stressing factors.
"Origami is an example of 'schematic learning through repeatable actions," which is used in both frontal lobe learning and behaviour strategy work. Taro's Origami Studio in Brooklyn proclaims. "For many, it engenders a patience that leads to pride in one’s work, the ability to focus energy, and increased self-esteem" (cited in National Arts Programme).

References:
http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/news/these-12-childhood-art-techniques-can-help-adults-relieve-stress accessed 26th February 2015.
G. Martínez Ayala
P. Picasso
M. Nappi
D. Hockney