Creative Healing: How art can help relieve stress and anxiety

'It has been a real transition in terms of unwinding and being different in the world and thinking a little bit different,' said fibre arts student, Kim Alvarado.

Until recently Kim Alvarado worked in administration at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ont.

But after working during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the long-time nurse decided to retire, putting an end to her 36-year career in health care.

“I think I did burn out,” said Alvarado. “There were nursing shortages, we were doubling up patients in rooms that were meant to be single rooms, I hadn’t seen anything like it in my career and it really did take a toll.”

Now, for a change of pace, she is enrolled at Fleming College Haliburton School of Art & Design in the fibre arts program to decompress from pandemic stress.

“It made me realize that I needed to do something for myself,” she said. “It has been a real transition in terms of unwinding and being different in the world, thinking a little bit different. It helps to relax me and just to create, and that creative aspect is very fulfilling.”

And she isn’t alone. Enrollment at the school is up, certificate programs are full and second terms have been added for both ceramics and artist blacksmith courses.

DeAnn deGruijter is an instructor in the expressive arts program. It’s a course that encourages self-exploration through art – aimed at individuals, or professionals in fields like psychology, education and health care.

“It’s not therapy, but it is very therapeutic,” she said. “You can pick up an extra invaluable tool for healing and self-discovery and joy.”