(PCM) Put down the meds and pick up a paintbrush! Bringing out your artistic side could be just as effective as antidepressants!
A study in The American Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that cancer patients who started painting or drawing reported feeling less pain and tiredness, a happier mood, and even less nausea. According to Women’s World, further research found that painting for just one hour can boost your mood for up to three whole days, and yet another study found painting to be as effective in treating depression as antidepressants. Drawing and painting can help take the focus away from pain, but also release endorphins – the happy feel-good hormone!
So why not get in touch with your artistic side!? Draw out your emotions, distract yourself, and relieve some built up stress; and who knows, you might even end up with some beautiful new artwork to hang on the wall.