Can Making Art Help with Chronic Anxiety?

[@willawanders]

Check out my super popular Watercolor for Relaxation class on Willa Workshops: willa-workshops.teachable.com/p/watercolor-for-relaxation

[@TheCommanda13]

Wendy, this link doesn’t work

[@willawanders]

@@TheCommanda13 Fixed it! Thank you so much for your help!!!!

[@ireneurban3599]

I am working as a psychotherapist for about 40 years and I totally agree with your conclusions! Creating connects us with the right side of the brain, where we are present with our senses, not our thinking and often worried mind, which in my opinion and personal experience helps a lot with regulating our emotions and thus our nervous system. Thank you sincerely for sharing your personal story! And these pages look beautiful😍

[@willawanders]

Oh my gosh! Thank you for adding to my bank of knowledge about this! So it is about sensation and touch and sight . . . gotta touch those materials that you are drawn to!

[@ireneurban3599]

@willawanders dear Wendy, a very valuable book on this topic is: Whole brain living by Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist who suffered from a stroke in her thirties when the left part of her brain stopped functioning for several years. With medical treatment and the help from her mother she regained these functions and wrote her first book: My stroke of insight, very impressive!

[@carolyngreen6816]

I had a stroke 2008 which took my right side. I made cards before, I’m semi paralysed down right now, I’ve no movement in my right arm. I can draw with my left arm and I can do mixed media. I’ve joined the Fodder School 24/25 I’m really enjoying it. 😁

[@willawanders]

You are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kristinaperinot7544]

Thank you for sharing 😊 as a fellow anxiety sufferer, i too can attest that creating is a wonderful way to calm your mind. LOVE ❤your work

[@revCMF]

This really mirrors my life. I went to pharmacy school because it was a defined “job” that was something people made good money doing. And my immigrant Dad was 💯 for it. I dropped out and switched to plain biology, even though I really wanted to do something creative. Art saved me in my late 20s/early 30s. Even when I went to seminary, art was there (although in limited time and space). Now I use art as my spiritual practice.

[@willawanders]

I totally connect with what you are saying about art being my spiritual practice! I think most artists will agree with that!

[@maremacd]

I have suffered from anxiety since I was a very small child. It has impacted my life in innumerable ways. My physical symptoms were different, so I can’t relate to the IBS (it must’ve been awful), but waking up already in flight or fight, absolutely! There have been so many times in my past that I lived in constant terror of something bad happening or of making a critical mistake. For me the anxiety was cyclical and would come and go, but was sometimes very dire. I used to call it going down the vortex. I was able to retire a few months ago and have put many stressors behind me. I have finally given some real thought to the things that make me happy. I am brand new to creating art, and I’m not sure I’m any good, but that’s not really the point. I have always loved looking at other people‘s work and took many art history classes in college. It’s time for me to give it a whirl. Your work is beautiful, and I am glad that you figured out early that you needed to allow yourself to create. That is a tremendous gift. Thank you for this video. I’m sure it will help many.

[@willawanders]

It is a wonderful gift to yourself to allow yourself to create!

[@judyk.657]

Agree. Me too. Definitely therapeutic for ptsd 💐

[@karenwarren4498]

Yes, yes, and yes! Thank you. So many of us have found the same to be true, art heals.

[@willawanders]

I'm so happy to know that you're finding healing through art!

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

@@karenwarren4498 it certainly does 💚💜

[@bohohippiebySonja]

I felt this ENTIRE video, so TY for sharing this. Nice to know there is a a whole community out there who know exactly what you are saying & get it! Art therapy is a REAL "thing".

[@marisastadtherr9547]

Thank you for sharing your story! Looking forward to taking more of your classes!

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Dear Willa, everything you said in your video resonated with me! Especially where IBS is concerned. Like you I was also diagnosed with IBS many years ago (early 2000s? Perhaps 1990s), very little was known about it then but I had a wonderful GP who knew what caused it. Very knowledgeable and wise. He also connected it to certain childhood traumas. I have always been creative and it was creativity that helped me over the years. Ironically (maybe not so ironic I guess) it was during the pandemic when I realised that art and creativity was instrumental in easing my anxiety and stress during a very difficult period. I am most grateful for this ability to create ❤ (I have also slow stitched, knitted/crocheted, created handmade books etc...) it is the process that matters, the act of doing...because it gets us out of our heads.

[@jeanieferretti4203]

Yep every morning. I’ve been creating most of my life. Thank you ❤

[@willawanders]

It is a powerful tool.

[@SueHarton]

Thank you for sharing this. You have helped me and I will be trying to create more often. I too have suffered from anxiety most of my life from circumstances that I could not control. I will spend more time in the creative arts. You have inspired me.

[@conniejohnson5398]

Thank you Wendy for sharing a bit of your personal story! You are an encouragement and inspiration!!! Blessings on your new year ((hug))

[@willawanders]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me.

[@dedriquillin2626]

Yes you are so right about everything in this video. You speak for so many of us. Thank you! I’m currently taking the Watercolor class and it is fabulous!

[@alinesanchez1699]

Thanks a lot Wendy for sharing! I definitely feel art helps me being less stressed, anxious. But only when I am able to focus. Unfortunately, most of the time I feel paralyzed, unable to choose which project to start or what materials to choose. So many options and inspiration and very little time to create. (maybe some ADHD here 🤚)

[@willawanders]

It helps me to put blinders on and not get involved in too much stuff. I basically can handle the project in Fodder School each month plus watercoloring in my journal when time permits. Knowing that these are the things that I have committed to actually helps me to stay focused and get a lot of stuff done, even with ADHD.

[@alinesanchez1699]

​@@willawanderslearning to say no to get more things done. Need to try this for 2025. Thank you!

[@loiseldridge5701]

I came upon this video yesterday. Timely, as it was my 88th birthday and I need all of what you have said and done …and probably more. I have become almost frozen in place from PTSD, anxiety, blood pressure spikes, IBS, diverticulitis, neuropathy and so on…after a lifetime of trying to prove myself. I will look into your other videos soon. Thank you. 🙏

[@mariastarr10]

What a wonderfully inspiring video! Thank you so much for sharing those words of wisdom and you experience!

[@Karenfree2202]

Wow, this really hit home! Also love the painting

[@willawanders]

It’s wonderful that the video resonated with you!

[@AngelaHugginsmakesdolls]

It most definitely can help. I just completed my BA in Art Therapy

[@willawanders]

Will you try to find work in that profession? That's so exciting!

[@AngelaHugginsmakesdolls]

@willawanders i hold small classes here and there. It is wonderful!

[@marisameier9035]

Hello! Thanks a lot for this video.I learned a lot about myself what I never thought: I am crafting all my life (embroidery, knitting, painting, zentangle and so on) .Since the last 25 years I have a really difficult time and today after listening to your story I understand how much my craft helps me to support my life. I am not really good in it, but it always makes me happy.

[@willawanders]

It so does not matter about being "good" at it or not! And really, who is the judge of what is good or not good? Does it even matter? All that matters is that you go into flow state!

[@leanewton6758]

Very much enjoying the KZbin content! Thanks for sharing. I so agree. ❤

[@willawanders]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you find it helpful!

[@mommerang]

Thank you Wendy! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story.

[@willawanders]

I appreciate that, and I hope it helps others.

[@33percentburnt]

Wow Wendy, this was such an insightful and educational video. Thankyou so much for sharing your story.

[@willawanders]

I'm so glad you found it helpful.

[@loriemarchant5109]

I am truly enjoying your courses! I discovered art as my relaxing hobby during COVID. I battled anxiety and mild depression for most of my life. I wqas blessed to find a career which I loved...teaching kindergarten. For many years singing was my creative outlet, but as I aged my voice wasn't good any more. Teaching Bible journaling keeps me grounded with being in the Word and doing art in my Bible. I also depend o9f a good probiotic to avoid IBS. Thank you fo sharing youtr story!!

[@magdaleenjacobs3172]

Thank you Willa for sharing your life story with us, I so resonate with it! ❤

[@JanPanteraMan]

Hi, I have had anxiety & migraines all my life, even when little. As I grew older I found the world of fibers. My greatest love in the fiber world is authentic rug hooking But I want to also learn to paint. I’ve never picket up a paint brush & paint a land scape, flowers anything..I was lucky to find scrapbook revolution 2024, I think that was the name. Anyway, watching you & others paint has opened a whole new world to me. But as far as the anxiety & migraines, I find when I go to my very small studio, all my illness just float away Thank you for your story. Paula Taraszkiewicz, Southern CA

[@SewHealthy8]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I particularly agree with what you say about the importance of physically touching the materials whatever you use, not just watching others making. And, the colours you painted look beautiful

[@veronicastewart1112]

For me, art brings me into the present moment and keeps me sane. My mother and grandmother talked me into teaching. In my 4th year of college, i did my internship in a high school and I HATED IT. I did teach off and on for 15 years and was actually a good teacher, but it didn't make me come alive. Now I'm retired and making art...so our destiny finds a way.

[@willawanders]

I totally agree! Our destiny does somehow, miraculously, find a way!

[@babadeedee214]

Now I love you even more! So grateful I discovered you 🙏🏻💕

[@willawanders]

Wow, thank you!

[@LynnLBE]

Thank you so much for explaining this in public. I think we become susceptible to anxiety when too little is expected from you too.

[@upstateLisa]

Thank you for this. I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 12 at a very stressful time in my life. No one then (in the 1970s) said anything about it being related to stress but at some point I found comfort and joy in working with my hands but have never thought about how it affects my gut etc. Food for thought. Thanks

[@willawanders]

It’s a crazy coincidence that you mentioned the 1970’s because nobody really knew about the gut-brain connection then!

[@upstateLisa]

Right They put me on a low sugar high fiber diet and sent me on my way Sometime, a few years later a psychologist called my IBS symptoms “psychosomatic” Again thank you for this video !!!

[@ruthwatt5267]

I love to watch you paint - so soothing. I am working on my technique but ive got a ways to go. I agree that watercolouring is very relaxing. Thanks for sharing your practice!

[@JoguaG_7633]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m struggling with anxiety and PTSD. I have bought all the materials to get started but just have procrastinated. This was just what I needed to hear.

[@beckyleslie4091]

Thank you for sharing your experience. There is no better way to 'slow way down' than to do art and be creative. I discovered Zentangle which was the way my art journey was kick started.

[@clairekawahara9675]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Yes art and handwork is very healing for the body and soul. Keep doing what you do!

[@debzehr3244]

Thank you for sharing your story as well as your beautiful process. I’m looking forward to taking Watercolor for Relaxation in the near future. 💖💖💖

[@willawanders]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it! I can't wait for you to start my course!

[@JacquelineMcgowan-d1n]

Your painting is beautiful, thankyou for sharing, and thankyou for being honest ❤

[@judithrocklyn4375]

12 months ago I also experienced waking up to the Flight or Fight as soon as I opened my eyes-and nausea to make it more interesting! A year later and my desire to create is back and bringing so much joy.

[@willawanders]

Ohhhh, what are you creating now Judith?

[@judithrocklyn4375]

@@willawanders I joined Fodder School for the first time 😊

[@JournalJourneys51]

Wow. Oh so true! Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@maramakesjournals2319]

You’re right! 💜💜💜

[@susanbrittain1774]

Love the paper you are working on. Would love to learn more about your book binding and paper use etc. All in all having anxiety myself I can identify with everything you say. This has been a very relaxing video

[@willawanders]

It is a big topic that I cover in my online courses and have a whole lot to say about!

[@lenawretmanberglund-ir4ce]

My answer is YES!

[@TerryJ950]

Thank you for sharing your story. You did an amazing job of explaining your journey. Honestly, I could have listened for another hour!❤

[@willawanders]

I will keep sharing with support from folks like you!

[@carolyngreene8401]

Thank you for sharing this part of your story. I’m still in the midst of my own thoughts and feelings in response to it - so words are hard. So, for now, thank you.

[@willawanders]

If it makes any difference, read the comments to this video and please, please try to share with me what you are thinking and feeling. It helps me so much to develop my own bank of knowledge about this subject.

[@NessaWolfeMuller]

❤

[@julienotsmith7068]

I really needed to hear this today, thank you. 😁💖

[@Fuj109]

As I’m watching and listening to your video, I’m happily knitting away and enjoying my Sunday. I have a daily routine of doing watercolor in my journal and have really enjoyed watching your painting videos these past few days. I’ve taken your classes, and they never disappoint. Doing the watercoloring along with collage has been another way of working with my hands. I’m positive these creative endeavors are perfect for keeping me happy and healthy everyday for years now. Thank you for sharing these interesting videos this new year…I have thoroughly enjoyed them. 🤗💕🙋 Sue

[@willawanders]

I love that you are knitting while watching!!!!! YAY!

[@martakavaliauskaite4566]

Totally when I am working with art it relaxes me / it helps me express my emotions / calms me / makes me feel better / it give me courage to bee sociable / as person on spectrum with autism disorder it can bee hard / thank you for sharing your story your art is verry beautifull

[@willawanders]

I think I have ADHD, and I think that managing myself in this world does contribute a lot to my anxiety. Everything really does feel connected.

[@martakavaliauskaite4566]

@willawanders thank you so much for your honesty / not long ago I finally got my diagnosis asperger syndrome with autism elements / it helped me a lot to cnow what I have and i don't have to blame myself anymore that I am bit different in other people opinions either I am too calm / either I feel to much sametimes it's hard to faund balance but art 🎨 relaxes and help me and helps me with self confidence too / have nice day /

[@willawanders]

@@martakavaliauskaite4566 we can totally be ourselves with our art

[@martakavaliauskaite4566]

@@willawanders totally agree

[@Sunione]

Also on the spectrum and totally agree with your observations.

[@blt4502]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@willawanders]

You are so very welcome.

[@jlrice571]

Watching this and watching glue books, relaxes me beyond belief. I don’t feel the need to actually feel the materials. Your work is beautiful..

[@willawanders]

I'm glad to hear that! And I would love for you to try ripping/cutting paper and gluing it to the pages of a journal. It doesn't cost much! Low risk! I have a feeling that you will take your level of calm to a completely new place. Let me know if you give it a try!

[@judygroves6385]

Thanks so much for this💝

[@karenwilliamsonsmith2299]

nice talk! I agree with you.

[@willawanders]

aw, thank you Karen!

[@denisealekseev6518]

I was diagnosed with IBS in 1997 - same thing, high anxiety, no cure or solution… fast forward to 2023, anxiety over surgery, was given Low FODMAP diet, really helped! When anxiety/stress went away, I didn’t need the diet anymore (it was pretty restrictive)

[@willawanders]

Isn't that interesting! Doctors think that IBS is from the food we eat, and maybe it is-who am I to say? But for me there is a direct correlation with anxiety and my nervous system, and not the food that I eat.

[@tenshizara5557]

Art really helps me with stress and anxiety,it relaxes me a lot . Your painting is beautiful love your book did you do it yourself ? Thanks for sharing 💕

[@debbiebowman8490]

I’m so happy you found art to help heal you. What kind of paper are you using? Looks like fabric. This is awesome ‼️❤️

[@juliegroganhorsesandyou]

Love 💛

[@Sunione]

23:40 Hi Wendy, This video was extremely well timed for me and I appreciate your candor immensely. I am dealing with constant anxiety, which is partly fueled by the guilt I feel while using art as therapy and relaxation. Having grown up with parents who could never see the value in creative pursuits unless they were going to involve monetary recompense, I continue to struggle with allowing myself to paint or do other types of art even though it’s the only thing I still enjoy doing. Coincidentally I’m convinced that trying to be something I never could be was a contributing factor in developing Crohn’s disease which started out as IBS in my youth. Perhaps you could follow this up with your thoughts about finding a personal philosophy to counter the negative connotations that linger from childhood and beyond, due to societal and or family pressure to follow a more “practical” route in life? Thank you for helping us to give ourselves permission to be what we are! Sounds like your online courses might be just the thing ❤ Suni

[@willawanders]

Oh my gosh Suni!!!!! Please please please enter my world of online classes. I hope you find something that interests you. What kind of art are you drawn to? I inhabit a world of people who are making art just for fun and flow. There is no other reason required. You were put here on earth to enjoy your experience and partake in all that is good . . . fine food, good relationships, etc. and creating what you find flow with!!!!

[@willawanders]

I just want to add to what I wrote. There are tears welling up in my eyes thinking about you. I will make a video response to your comment. I do have a lot to say about your experience.

[@dorianadesanto4158]

Amen, Wendy! (Also, I chuckled at “When the 💩 hit the fan”! 😂)

[@willawanders]

when I listened back I was thinking "Op! I wonder if KZbin is going to bury this video because it includes that word?" Well, too late to bleep it out now . . .

[@AutumnHathaway]

That's a great story. Thankfully you didn't become a Lawyer Thanks for sharing.

[@babadeedee214]

Zentangling has really helped me through widowhood and chronic pain!

[@willawanders]

It's a perfect nervous system relaxer!

[@jezza_wut]

❤❤❤❤

[@jayneelinor]

Beautiful journal you are working in, I assume the paper is hand made cotton? I agree wth you about the connection between stress and art. Art heals for sure, its magical!

[@christinarogers5933]

Great talk!

[@willawanders]

I'm so glad that you liked it!

[@pamjohannes303]

I enjoy watching you paint and create, as well as, listening to you. Your watercolor journals are beautiful. I know you make them, would you share what is the brand and weight of the watercolor paper you use? Thank you!

[@willawanders]

Thanks Pam. All of that information (and so much more) is available within my course, Watercolor for Relaxation.

[@sherriheare8425]

Is this handmade paper in this journal? Also, I know for sure that creating with my hands helps my mind. I suffer from seasonal depression. This year, I decided to shift my mindset. I made more gifts for Christmas and I am making more things following the holidays. It has definitely helped me so much! I am definitely going to be spending more time on art and making in the new year. It's definitely not going to make it worse.

[@susansmithey5317]

To anyone who may benefit from this information, I highly recommend Therapy in a Nutshell online free Anxiety course.

[@doriszilberstein4057]

Happy that it worked out for you ! I love your art. I also love working with my hands. Is this considered the Mother method? Also, did you add in black watercolor to your palette? Thanks!

[@willawanders]

This isn't how the Mother Method works traditionally, but this is how I use the idea of it and make it work for me to easily create color harmony. There is a black paint in my palette.

[@doriszilberstein4057]

@ thank you ! I’m currently enrolled in a few of your classes!! Loving them🌺

[@natasjabrouwers5152]

Thank you for sharing your story in this Great art video 🙏🏼

[@CelticHeartsDesire]

Hi, love this video! How can I get a journal (or make one) just like this one). Love the paper!!

[@willawanders]

willa-workshops.teachable.com/p/willa-journals for the journal making course and willa-workshops.teachable.com/p/watercolor-for-relaxation for all the details about the paper that I use and how I prepare it.

[@79carolinagirl]

What kind of paper and paintbrush are you using? Beautiful artwork, Wendy.

[@willawanders]

Paintbrush is Yasutomo Fusion brush. Paper is one of the things I reserve only for people who take my class Watercolor for Relaxation because it is not a simple explanation!

[@AngelaHugginsmakesdolls]

I had to become a teacher or nurse. I started with law too.

[@willawanders]

Was it your parents who told you that you had to become a teacher or a nurse? Or society?

[@AngelaHugginsmakesdolls]

@willawanders my parents lol. My father was a nuclear physicist lol. We either get married or choose those professions. All my sisters are teachers. I became a nurse but I wanted to make dolls. My father thought that was funny. We all did get married and had children. I went back to college at the age of 59 to pursue my art dream. I take almost all of your classes and just enjoy myself.

[@willawanders]

@@AngelaHugginsmakesdolls I would love to see the dolls that you make Angela! Send me some photos if you have some saved on your computer! [e-mail]