More than art, mandalas also help manage stress and mental health (includes video story)

Making mandalas is not just an artistic endeavor but also a therapeutic tool. When painting, coloring, or designing a mandala, individuals can immerse themselves in a state of concentration and mindfulness, releasing accumulated tensions and worries.

Mandalas are used as a form of art therapy that helps reduce anxiety, stress and depression. They have also shown benefits in reducing pain and blood pressure.

The individuals at Westend Shopping Center organize free events and extend their support to the community, including teachers who conduct complimentary classes like mandala drawing, yoga and professors. These initiatives help people share, alleviate stress and explore forms of art and self-expression.

“You can use the mandala as a tool that you have right next to you. You can use it to slow down the anxiety, fight the stress and you can have it right next to you,” said psychologist Claudia Giron.

The repetition of patterns and choice of colors can provide a pathway to process emotions and free suppressed thoughts.

Abdul Djabbour is a Digital Communications Media and Journalism with a Social Media and E-Marketing minor student at Florida International University. He has a passion for the media, he’s a writer for PantherNow and he would like to be a TV anchor or reporter to inform and give a voice to his community.