RELIEF IS ON ITS WAY. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TAKE AN ART BREAK.

For me, art is a way of telling your story, expressing your darkest demons, revealing your brightest light, and connecting with something larger than yourself.
– Lisa Rasmussen, MFA

By– Lisa Rasmussen, MFA
Co-Founding Director of Art is Moving and the Harmonia Institute

Here’s a staggering fact – according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America,  18.1% of United States citizens over the age of 18 suffer from an anxiety disorder.
That’s 40 million people.

I am one of those 40 million.As a hypersensitive young child, I suffered from severe shyness, anxiety, social phobia, and panic attacks. Creating art was my cure. It was a way for me to dive deep into my own inner world. It was a place where I felt safe and could swim in my imagination. Art saved my life. The art making process is a perfect laboratory to express oneself, heal trauma and toxic emotions, and to find a deeper meaning in life.

One of the core reasons I started Art is Moving with Lauren is to share the power of art with the world. We both know that taking an art break daily, if even for only 5 minutes, is a soothing ritual and a tool for positive transformation.

If you need scientific proof there are a zillion studies on the healing power of art. For example, this article Creativity and Recovery: The Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy states that, Studies also show that creating art stimulates the release of dopamine. This chemical is released when we do something pleasurable, and it basically makes us feel happier. Increased levels of this feel-good neurotransmitter can be very helpful if you are battling anxiety or depression.

Basically, Art is a magical tool that provides a powerful emotional outlet.
It takes just a short amount of time to begin feeling the positive effects of taking an art break. After just 15 minutes of drawing I promise you will feel your mood improve. Check out the article here and the research behind it here. 

My life’s mission (and Art is Moving’s mission) is to empower people to create art. Through the art making process one can learn how to dissolve their own limiting beliefs and they can relieve unnecessary suffering.

It can be daunting and a bit scary, but start creating. Try to make something everyday.
Your inner child is yearning to come out and play. Art making is the ultimate self care ritual and it will help you remember who you truly are. Let’s all starting taking an art break to create a happier and healthier world.

Be Inspired Always,
Lisa

Now it’s your turn. Tell us how art saved your life.

Written for my Non-Profit Art Is Moving.
#takeanartbreak