Block Printing & Mental Health. Why Should You Try Printmaking? Review Of The Effort-Driven Reward Cycle

I get asked a lot how I got into block printing, and I think the answer has something to do with the topic of this blog post. I’m an anxious person, not to mention an overthinker, and when I started creating block prints I had no idea of the benefits that this art form will do for my mental health. Let me explain:

Anxiety and screen time

My start with block printing was in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic, a stressful time for us all. Some time has passed since then, but it truly was a very scary time. In addition to that, my job as an animator was rooted in computers, so I spent a lot of time in front computer monitors. And even when I doodled for fun, it was always on a tablet. I got so used to it, that I forgot that there are other ways to be creative. But once I started expressing myself in a more hands-on way, in an art form that demands my full attention and forces me to exist outside of screens, something started to change.

In an age where digital screens dominate our lives, the simple act of engaging in hands-on activities like block printing offers more than just a creative outlet—it can be a significant benefit for our mental health. This benefit is rooted in a concept known as the "effort-driven reward cycle", a principle that explains how activities requiring manual effort can lead to increased feelings of happiness and reduced stress. 

As an overthinker and anxious person, I can tell you from personal experience that it worked for me, or should I say "working" because it's all one big process.

What is the Effort-Driven Reward Cycle?

The effort-driven reward cycle is a psychological phenomenon where engaging in effortful, hands-on activities leads to an increase in endorphins and other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This cycle suggests that the physical effort we exert while crafting, gardening, or even kneading dough can actually make us feel happier and more relaxed.

Science backs up this idea. Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities not only lowers stress levels but also improves mood and anxiety. For example, a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who engage in creative projects report feeling more relaxed and happier in their leisure time. 

How block printing fits into this?

Block printing, with its hands-on approach to creating art, fits perfectly into the effort-driven reward cycle. The process of carving designs into linoleum blocks, rolling out ink, and pressing prints, requires focus and physical engagement. This not only distracts the mind from daily stresses, providing a form of meditation, but also leads to the rewarding feeling of having created something tangible with one's own hands.

Moreover, the act of block printing can be particularly absorbing, often described as being in a state of "flow." This mental state, characterized by complete immersion in an activity, can significantly boost well-being, enhance creativity, and reduce stress.

I can attest to that from my own personal experience. Many times when I felt irritated and anxious, I can truly say that after some block printing time I felt much better. It took me some time to even connect the two together, and realize that just working with my hands is the reason for the improvement in my mood.

The science of satisfaction 

Neurologically, when we engage in hands-on activities like block printing, our brain releases dopamine, known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. This release not only makes us feel happier but also motivates us to continue engaging in these rewarding activities, creating a positive feedback loop.

Additionally, the tactile experience of working with materials, feeling the linoleum carve away under the chisel, and the texture of the paper as you press it against the ink-covered block, stimulates our sensory experiences, further enhancing this rewarding feeling.

This principles apply to many forms of crafting, not just block printing.

What does it mean for you?

Incorporating hands-on activities like block printing into our lives can offer highly rewarding benefits for our mental health and cognitive well-being. The effort-driven reward cycle explains why these activities are not just hobbies but essential practices for fostering a happier, more fulfilled mind. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, consider giving it a try. I don’t even think the subject of your art matters that much, just choose something you like, even abstract shapes will do the trick.
Not only you might create something beautiful, but you'll also be taking a significant step toward enhancing your mental health, one print at a time.