The stress of everyday life is normal for anyone. There are so many factors that affect people as they go about living. From home to work, certain situations can trigger stressful emotions. Still, we manage to cope somehow. Just the same, there are many unable to handle their stress, which can be harmful to both your physical and mental state. Thus, it becomes necessary to find a way to release tension and lower your stress levels. One of the most effective methods to reduce stress is to bring out your inner artist and get into wood carving.
As an art form, wood carving is composed of various sculptures created by the carver in wood, whether they are tiny or life-sized figures, decorative or practical, as with furniture. It takes talent and skill to produce beautiful carvings that are rich in artistic details. It requires complete focus too, and like other art forms, is a natural healer. The time you spend wood carving is time well-spent, enriching your life and helping you maintain physical and mental well-being.
Wood carving enhances physical health
When you see a woodcarver in motion, you will soon notice that while they are hard at work, there is a calm aura surrounding them. They are oblivious to the goings-on of the outside world and are focused on what you are working on. There is a feeling of relaxation as the wood is slowly being transformed into a unique piece of art. The tools of the woodcarver work in unison with their hands and imagination. They are at peace. When you are in this state, your stress is significantly reduced, and your blood pressure levels are normal. Your heart beats at a steady rate, and you experience an overall good feeling.
It keeps you mind active and healthy
All of the concentration you put into wood carving does wonders for your mental health. The tiniest detail is carefully carved into your medium, requiring you to concentrate. A mind that is always focused is alert and active. You can compare it to meditation, where you are concentrated on your breathing and in your most relaxed state but present in your surroundings. Because it is self-expression, your creations are a means of releasing the emotions you have inside you that you need to let go of. When you are calmer, you will find that you feel much better physically too.
It helps develop new relationships
There is a select group of people who patronize or create wood carvings. These are people that share the same love for this art form. These are the people you can connect with, a new community of like-minded individuals who can support each other. New relationships like this can make your life more meaningful, and contribute to your happiest feelings. Happy feelings have already been proven to improve your health.
Wood carving is an art that connects you to your natural environment. You create beautiful sculptures and carvings utilizing nature’s gift. As your creativity is displayed, you are reaping more benefits and enriching your life in many ways.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/craftsman-cutting-shaving-from-wooden-board-5974280/
2nd image from https://unsplash.com/s/photos/wood-carving
