Sep 18, 2025

Art and Stress Relief: My Journey and the Science Behind It

Artist Lisa Ramos hand painting leather flowers for the MONOLISA handbag collection, showing the calming benefits of creative work.

Artist Lisa Ramos painting leather flowers

When I first began creating with my hands, I noticed something remarkable: my stress seemed to melt away. Hours would pass as I worked on a project, and during that time, my worries and mental chatter disappeared. Afterwards, I felt more energized, positive, and ready to face life’s challenges. That experience sparked my curiosity about the relationship between art and stress relief—a connection I’ve carried with me throughout my art career.

In this article, I’m exploring both my personal journey and what scientific research has to say about how art supports mental well-being.

Colorful digital artwork created by California artist Lisa Ramos, demonstrating art as a tool for relaxation and stress relief.

My Digital Art

What Science Says About Art and Stress Relief

Over the years, researchers have studied how creative activities influence both the nervous system and emotional well-being. The findings are consistent and encouraging:

Lowering cortisol (the stress hormone): A 2016 study published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that just 45 minutes of creative activity—structured or unstructured—significantly reduced cortisol levels in participants, regardless of their prior art experience.
Supporting recovery and resilience: Research with stroke patients has shown that incorporating creative art therapy into rehabilitation can improve recovery outcomes and lower depression scores (Clinical Rehabilitation, 2016). More recently, another study reported measurable reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress among post-stroke patients who participated in structured art-therapy sessions (SAGE Open Nursing, 2023).
Helping students manage stress: A 2015 study of college freshmen revealed that a four-week art-making program—including activities such as drawing and clay modeling—led to notable reductions in perceived stress levels (Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts).
Mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT): Programs that combine mindfulness practices with creative expression have been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, particularly among individuals managing serious medical conditions (Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 2006).

Across all of these studies, one theme stands out: you don’t need to be a “professional artist” to experience the benefits.

My Experience with Creative Flow

Even before I knew about the research, I felt these effects firsthand. In school, doodling was my way to stay calm and centered in stressful classrooms.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need to identify as an “artist” to feel the same relief.

Hand-painted metal outdoor roosters by artist Lisa Ramos, a creative weekend project for reducing stress and anxiety.

My painted outdoor roosters.

Art as My Stress Relief During Health Challenges

This past year, I faced a few health challenges that sent my thoughts into overdrive—including ongoing gut issues that are part of my healing journey.

In addition to my regular MONOLISA jewelry and handbag designs, I gave myself permission to explore something new just for fun...

Every Sunday, I painted our old outdoor metal roosters.

The project gave me more than just cheerful garden décor. It gave me peace of mind, renewed energy, and a little boost of confidence when I needed it most.