HEALING THROUGH ART

Research shows that creativity can relieve stress and significantly create a calming effect on the brain and body. Art is a way for students to destress and move through struggles in college and life. In addition, it can help us focus on mindfulness and self-care.

“You know, all the stress and things happening in people’s lives,” said Diana Karageozian, clinical case manager. “So it felt like we wanted to make a space where they could do relaxing things. And then we usually bring up topics, you know, while we’re there. So they’re coloring, and we’ll be talking about, you know, family. While eating and talking.”

Karageozian has created, throughout the semesters, a variety of events for students, faculty, and the community to come and release their frustrations and stress through art. In addition, music and random exciting topics like astrology have become part of the release and healing.

“We take snacks, play relaxing music, do some breath work, and we just enjoy being together. Meeting new people and just sharing like a common goal. Which is to reduce stress and, you know, find healthy ways to deal with things,” said Karagageozian.

Events like this allow students to have a break during the semester from all the homework, projects, exams, and life that they could be struggling with.

“I just feel like the brush sound makes you feel relaxed or just like the feel of it,” said Sydney Nichole White, a business major.

White loves listening to classical music while painting. It gives her a calming feeling.

“Certainly helps me relax now and then,” said Brenda Narciso, an art history major. “Sometimes it causes stress cuz I put too much effort into it.”

Narciso believes creativity is a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Student Health and Counseling Center is holding a Kaleidoscope Kreations on Nov. 10 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Thomas building, room 110.