Worldwide, and for many ages, art has been used formally and informally as therapy. Think of the psychiatrist who gets a patient to “draw how they feel” in an effort to reflect upon themselves: formal. Recall the tortured brush-strokes of a Van Gogh landscape channelling his unstable mind: informal. But does renovating count as such art? And if so, can it also provide healing?
My opinion is a resounding YES! But only under certain conditions…
Only if it is a DIY project
Obviously, someone else’s work of art can only be therapy for themselves, but for a DIYer, the possibility is there! However, reflection, consideration, meditation: these things can only happen in a relaxing environment. There’s nothing theraputic about dealing with an over-charging builder, a plumber who hasn’t turned up, or a plasterer who’s rendered over the light switches! Do-it-yourself, and reap not only the financial benefits, but the psychological ones too.
Only if it is un-hurried
Forget feeling relaxed and zen if you’re on a schedule. If renovating is to be a peaceful and rejuvenating pursuit, it has to be open-ended. Quite easy when you’re in my situation: having little money and only being able to move ahead when the coffers have filled once more. It’s a win-win.
Only when you are alone
To reach a transcendent state, you cannot be delegating, supervising or commiserating over someone else’s renovating efforts! You also can’t be kid-wrangling, worrying about work, or multi-tasking. Amongst the craziness of updating your home, find one little project that is yours alone, and immerse yourself. Palm the kids off to Grandma, or pop them in front of the tele. Put on some nice music. Pour a glass of wine. And spend a blissful two hours on YOUR form of art: the art of beautifying the home.
I can vouch that a personal project is completely engrossing, satisfying and therapeutic. I only have to recall the joy and grounding effect I feel whenever I mess about with my courtyard mosaic. It’s better than yoga!
So it’s official, as far as my non-medical training can conclude… Renovating has health benefits! Renovating is good for you! It lowers your blood pressure, it produces feelings of well-being, it creates calm. Spread the word! Let this be the newest health-craze, fitness revolution, lifestyle choice! And, most important of all, excuse me while I get back to my project… 😉
What has been your favourite project to work on, that has made you feel invigorated, calm or renewed?
Renovators Dream - blog 
Thanks for the mention. I think you have really hit on something here. I think that working with someone else can be calming, but you both have to be on the same page. Douglas and I never seem to get there, and working with him can be stressful! However, I have worked well on projects with others.
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I think I’d get stressed working with my husband too, if he wasn’t so easy-going. He’s laid back, and I’m a control-freak, so he pretty much lets me dictate the proceedings if we work together on something, and that’s the way I like it! But it’s not the same as when I’m working alone: alone I can get so hyper-focused and deeply engrossed that I don’t notice what’s going on around me at all, and it feels quite meditative. Hours can fly by without me noticing. 🙂
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