The Westport Library’s Healing Power of Art guide explores how engaging in creative activities like art therapy, coloring mandalas, and drawing can reduce cortisol, ease anxiety, and improve mood in as little as 20–45 minutes, regardless of artistic skill. Drawing on research summarized from sources such as Verywell Mind and Drexel University’s study on stress hormones, it highlights that simple, accessible art-making can meaningfully lower stress for most people and offers a welcoming entry point for anyone looking to support their mental well-being through creativity.
