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Stress release: how drawing can calm nerves
Jan 03, 2020
It seems as though no matter what we do, stress is a part of our everyday lives. While juggling all the different areas of our day to day existence - family, work, friends, relationships, money - we find ourselves stressed out, so we snap at people, overeat, oversleep and do lots of other things that are just plain bad for us. But there is something simple and inexpensive you can do for 30 minutes every day to help minimize your stress levels and that is… to draw! Don’t believe us? Let’s go over some of the ways drawing and sketching can work for stress relief.
A Matter of the Heart
Studies have proven that the repetitive motions that come with sketching can help soothe and synchronize various parts of your body, like your hands and eyes. This synchronicity leads to what is called the relaxation response, which can cause:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Slower heart rate
- Lower pulse rate
If you’ve ever been extremely stressed, you remember the rushing thoughts, pounding heartbeat, sweaty palms, and the feeling like you can hardly breathe. The relaxation response addresses all of these stress related symptoms, almost like hypnosis.
The Gift of the Present
Being stressed out usually comes from worrying about things we can’t control; either things that have passed or things that lie ahead. We worry so much about these things we feel trapped by the inability to do something to change the things we want to change. A lot of what calms stress is the ability to be in the present and not let the past or the future infringe too much upon your life.
With drawing, you remain focused on the task at hand. We connect with our sense of sight heavily, blocking almost everything else out. We are hyper focused on shading, texture, shape, colour and are able to let go of the things we are worrying about.
Solving a New Problem
When we stress and worry about things beyond our control, we consistently feel like we are failing to solve a problem. With drawing, you have a singular picture in mind that you are working to create. As that picture comes together, you feel accomplishment. This sense of worth and productivity can help soothe the potential feeling that you are not accomplishing the things you desire.
Not only that, but much of drawing is about perspective. How can you look at the subject to achieve the desired look? How can you shade it to achieve the desired tone? What colour schemes should you use to achieve the desired mood? These problem solving challenges can transfer to other areas of your life. “Translating a problem into visual form or creating a visual analogue is a powerful way to reframe it and to see it in a new light. Creating an analogue can also help us visualize solutions.”
Work at Playing
We learn to draw from when we are very young. Most of kindergarten is spent drawing and colouring after all. Our culture associates drawing with a youthful time of expressing oneself through art. Kids use drawing to understand their world, to learn about shapes and colours and to filter everyday stimuli into images they can understand, not to mention working on fine motor skills.
By reconnecting with this youthful activity, you may be able to reconnect with your inner child. You relax your mind and let your imagination run wild while drawing, which can help relieve stress in ways you never thought possible.
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Strategies for Sustainable Home Design
Making more of less
Depending on your point of view, bungalows are either a cherished affordable house type that allowed homeowners of the 1970s the chance to realise the dream of owning their own home or the result of poor planning and insensitive sprawl, as epitomised by the cookie cutter designs of “Bungalow Bliss” which sold over a quarter-of-a-million copies; roughly one for every second household in the countryside. Times are changing, and as families grow, we increase our understanding of the environmental and financial costs of heating a home, and as lifestyles evolve, the need for additional space and adapting these dwellings becomes inevitable. Adapting these structures and embracing modernity doesn’t mean knocking them down and starting again. The concept of extending bungalows into contemporary dormer houses is gaining popularity. Here we explore the exciting opportunities of extending bungalows on tricky sites, offering a fresh perspective on creating modern dormer houses in Ireland. Utilising Challenging Terrain Ireland's diverse topography often presents architects with tricky sites. From sloping terrain to irregularly shaped plots, these challenges can be turned into design assets. Dormer houses perfectly adapt to such sites, as their design accommodates varying elevations and allows for creative use of space. By integrating well-planned dormers into the extension, architects can exploit the unique terrain to create stunning living spaces that embrace the beauty of the surroundings. Capturing Natural Light One of the standout features of dormer houses is their ability to maximise natural light. In Ireland, where weather patterns can be unpredictable, capturing ample sunlight is invaluable. Through careful positioning of dormer windows, skylights, and glazed walls, we can find ways to bathe the extended bungalow in natural light throughout the day. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of openness and connection with nature. Expanding Living Space The primary motivation behind extending a bungalow is to increase living space. Modern dormer houses take full advantage of this opportunity by offering versatile and spacious interiors. Homeowners can embrace open-plan layouts that seamlessly blend the old and new sections of the house. The addition of dormer windows and vaulted ceilings creates the illusion of more space and fosters an inviting atmosphere. Adapting to Growing Families As families grow, their needs evolve. Dormer houses provide a solution for growing families by offering additional bedrooms and living areas. This adaptability ensures that the extended bungalow remains a practical and cherished home for generations to come. We can strategically plan the layout to provide privacy and comfort, balancing communal and private spaces. Sustainable Design Choices In creating a modern-dormer house, there is the opportunity to incorporate sustainable design practises. By using energy-efficient materials and technologies, we can create eco-friendly extensions that blend seamlessly with the existing bungalow. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, can be integrated into the roof design, contributing to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Embracing Contemporary Aesthetics While preserving the charm of the original bungalow, the extension can embrace contemporary aesthetics. Modern dormer houses can feature clean lines, minimalist facades, and a mix of materials like wood, stone, and metal. The incorporation of natural elements ensures that the extension blends harmoniously with the Irish landscape, creating a visually stunning architectural masterpiece. Conclusion Extending bungalows on tricky sites to create modern dormer houses opens up a world of possibilities for homeowners. By thoughtfully integrating dormer windows, maximising natural light, and embracing sustainable design practises, these extensions can become unique and practical living spaces that cater to evolving family needs. As the demand for more space and modern living solutions continues to grow, the transformation of traditional bungalows into contemporary dormer houses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the architectural landscape of Ireland.