What is stress even?

So you're feeling stressed and you want to make it go away?

First things first, what even is stress? Simply put, it's the body's response to a challenge or a threat. It's that "oh crap" feeling you get when you're about to give a speech in front of a huge crowd or when you see a a message that says "we need to talk". Basically, your body goes into fight or flight mode, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you prepare to deal with the situation.

Now, let's talk about stressors. These are the things that cause stress. They can be positive, like getting married or starting a new job, or negative, like traffic, financial problems, or relationship conflicts. The point is, stressors can be anything that causes stress in your life.

So, stressors are the cause and stress is the effect. The stress response is designed to last a long time, even after the stressor has gone, to prepare you to deal with future challenges or threats. And if stress becomes chronic, meaning it lasts even when there's no stressor present, it can lead to negative effects on both your physical and mental health.

That's why it's important to not only manage stressors, but also to find healthy ways to manage stress, like exercise, relaxation techniques, and a balanced lifestyle, and of course drawing and creating art!

Drawing can be relaxing in itself, it allows you to focus on the task at hand and forget about other worries. It's a way to be in the present moment and increase mindfulness, reducing stress. It's a creative outlet to express yourself and release pent-up emotions. And, bonus, using your hands to draw can increase blood flow, making you feel more relaxed and energized.

Now, keep in mind that the stress-reducing benefits of drawing may vary from person to person. But, it never hurts to try new activities and techniques to see what works best for you.

So, grab a pencil and start doodling! Trust me, it's a great way to tackle stress and live a happier life.

If you need some inspiration you can sign up to our free weekly art prompts that are designed to improve your mental health.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash