It has long been held that art is good for the mind and the soul. A new study published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association offers compelling evidence that making, and not just viewing art, plays a role in stress reduction regardless of artistic talent or experience.

The researchers recruited around 40 adults, ages 18 to 59, to make art for 45 minutes given materials and no instructions. Before and after art making, the participants were tested for their blood cortisol levels—a hormone that rises during fight-or-flight responses to stressful events—and were asked to complete questionnaires about their mindsets during the activities.

After analysis of the results, the researchers found that almost 75% of the participants experienced reduced cortisol levels, while the other 25% experienced unchanged or even slightly raised cortisol levels. The questionnaire results reflected the lowered cortisol levels of the majority of the group, who overall reported increased levels of relaxation and ease after the activity.