Stress can be a real pain, both physically and mentally.
Some level of anxiety is common, but when it goes into overdrive it can have an impact on your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Stress can cause headaches, rashes, brain fog, and even chest pain.
These symptoms get so intense, you might be wondering if stress is actually killing you.
The answer is yes, it can, but don't worry, I can show you some easy ways to restore balance.
My goal is to bring your attention to the early signs of stress so you can take appropriate action before it takes a more serious toll on you. Keep reading until the end for the secret key to unlocking the potential of watercolor painting to combat stress within your body.
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You might be experiencing stress from work pressure, relationship issues, or financial problems. This stress can cause physical symptoms like hives, rashes, and poor digestion. It can also affect your ability to think and process information effectively.
The good news is that you are well ahead of the game in managing your stress. You are a watercolor artist, which, when used correctly, can help you lower cortisol and give you a familiar path to a meditative state.
Today, we'll explore the connection between stress and health. We will also provide you with a plan of action on how to manage and reduce the stress in your life by using your love for watercolor painting.
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The effects of stress are much more than what some might classify as “emotional” … It can cause real heart problems, rage havoc on your hormonal balance, weaken your immune system, and even lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Don't ignore the signs and symptoms of stress, as they can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. Instead, take steps to manage and reduce your stress levels.
The key to managing stress isn’t usually taking the bull by the horns. Rather, it’s finding peace in between the bull fights.
Becoming a peace seeker is essential to your well-being.
Engaging in hobbies you enjoy (watercolor painting!), going for a walk, practicing mindfulness techniques, and engaging in physical movement are some of the ways to find peace.
All these activities can help you relieve the symptoms of stress.
Watercolor painting is a particularly fantastic way to release the pent-up stress in your body, as long as you follow some simple rules.
First, let’s touch on the benefits that watercolor painting has on stress.
You might know watercolor painting as a creative and therapeutic activity but how does it directly impact the stress hormones in your body?
Watercolor Painting combines color therapy, movement therapy, meditation, and more. It also lacks many of the unpleasant effects of other art forms. There is no foul smell, you can’t burn yourself and the cleanup is a breeze. Embracing this creative form of expression can serve as a powerful tool in your stress reduction arsenal.
Watercolor painting has many therapeutic benefits that can improve both your physical and mental health. You get to combine three or more different types of therapy into one activity, all in the privacy of your own house.
Color therapy is a vital aspect of watercolor painting. Colors have a powerful effect on your mood and emotions, and watercolor painting allows you to explore and let your feelings flow out with the color. Selecting colors without judgment in a meditative state you can create free flowing expression of your emotions.
As long as you are able to let go of the pressure towards perfection you will be able to release the negative energy that is holding your muscles hostage within your own body.
Movement therapy is another critical aspect of watercolor painting. When you allow the creative flow to gently move your body you can release tensions you never knew existed within you.
The act of painting itself becomes a form of movement therapy. It engages your hands and arms to create brush strokes and apply paint to paper. When you are in the flow you can really feel the energy flowing out onto the paper. This can have an even greater impact if you are painting on an easel while standing as then the activity includes your whole body.
This can be a calming and meditative experience, allowing us to focus on the present moment and release any tension we may be holding in our bodies.
Meditation is another essential component of watercolor painting.
As you paint, you enter a state of flow where you're fully immersed in the creative process. A state of flow is a type of focus where you zoom your mind into the activity so much that you let go of any distracting thoughts or worries.
This meditative state is incredibly beneficial for your mental health.
If you manage to tap into it you will be able to quiet your mind and reduce stress and anxiety. Practicing active mindfulness (or movement mindfulness) has a positive impact on your mental health, reducing stress hormones and giving you back your joy.
When you use watercolor painting for mindfulness and meditation, you will experience even greater benefits. The act of painting itself can be a form of meditation, as long as you allow yourself to focus on the present moment and let go of any negative thoughts or emotions.
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So what’s the secret? How do you unlock the meditative power of creative expression?
Well,…. There is one key component that MUST be present for you to reap all of the benefits that watercolor painting has for you.
Basically, what I am trying to tell you here is: if you are missing this one KEY component all ofyour efforts will be in vain.
I am not trying to be dramatic here, this is a fact.
The one thing that stops most people from receiving the full, multilevel benefits of watercolor painting is judgment… criticism… expectations of miracles.
I don’t know, you might be the next Michaelangelo, but even if you are, you might still be suffering from this type of stinking thinking.
No matter your objective talent or ability, many of us tend to err on the side of criticism when examining our own work.
Today I am here to challenge you. Let go of your inner Michaelangelo. Release expectations and allow yourself to just play. Spend 10 minutes on the smallest action, feel the joy a kindrergartener feels, look at those bristles and how they move in the paint… Look… Really look. Do they look like little worms under the layer of paint?
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Allow that child-like curiosity and playfulness, allow the attention to the smallest detail and the curiosity to see things as if it was your first time.
Engage in the activity of painting as if it was your first time.
Forget trying to impress others. Remember, that kind of egoic thought is likely behind the stress of your neighbors. Think about that… what kind of a mental prison are they building for themselves by always trying to compare their choices to others?
Your art space is your time. Claim it for yourself.
Don’t allow the concerns of the day to day or the expectations of others to affect how you spend this sacred time. Allow yourself the freedom to enjoy this experience without expectations.
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It's important to remember that managing stress is an ongoing process. It's not a one-time fix, but rather a series of lifestyle changes and habits that you need to incorporate into your daily life.
Watercolor painting combines color therapy, movement therapy, meditation, and self-esteem building, making it a powerful tool in your stress reduction arsenal.
It's important to take action to manage and reduce your stress levels by practicing positive self-talk, being aware of your stress triggers, and becoming a peace seeker.
