Life can stressful, but according to scientists, therapists, meditation experts, and artists from around the world, art can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. So, keeping in mind that art is the focus, we want to share some of these proven and time-tested art activities for stress relief.
1. Coloring in Mandalas, and Even Creating Them
One of the easiest ways to relieve stress in terms of art is through some simple coloring. Basic coloring is fine, but even better is coloring mandalas. Mandalas are geometric symbols that you can focus your attention on during meditation. They are both creative and stress-relieving in nature and one of the great art activities for stress relief.
The intricate patterns you color can be very satisfying. For one, it allows you to feel in control because you can choose precisely when, what, and where to color. Moreover, coloring is a great distraction that can take your attention off the rigors of work and life in general. If you are thinking about coloring, you aren’t thinking about work.
What is super cool about mandalas is that you don’t have to be an accomplished artist – if you can color in the lines, you can color mandalas. Even better is if you want to draw your mandalas because that adds a new level of creativity. In itself, creativity is an excellent stress reliever.
Creating your mandala can be additionally therapeutic because you can include your meaningful symbols and imagery. Therefore, it can serve as a great emotional outlet.
2. General Drawing and Painting
We don’t want to talk too much about drawing and painting, primarily because there are so many other types of art and activities. However, freestyle drawing or painting, whatever fits your style, can serve as a great emotional outlet.
You can draw or paint anything you want and use colors of your choosing. More often than not, the fact that you feel in control when painting or drawing is all you need for stress relief and relaxation. You can choose every single aspect of your drawing or painting.
3. Create a Post Card
Many art therapists recommend that their patients draw, color, and create postcards. This is one of the excellent art activities for stress relief for people who have trouble putting their emotions into spoken words and those who want to say something to someone, such as a boss or loved one, but cannot say it face to face.
Moreover, these postcards are not intended to be sent to the person you are writing to. This exercise is just for you, so you can verbalize your emotions. This allows you to draw something neat that lets you get rid of pent-up emotions, and it will enable you to say things that you would otherwise never say.
4. Dark Drawing
Another art activities for stress relief is dark drawing, otherwise known as drawing in absolute darkness. The point is that you get to draw, express your emotions, and be creative, all without anybody criticizing or judging your work, and yes, this includes you. We are often our own worst enemies and our biggest critics.
If you find yourself criticizing your own work, you will not be able to relax, even with art activities intended for relaxation. Therefore, an excellent way to relieve stress and express emotions without heavy self-criticism is to draw or paint in the dark.
5. Write a Poem or Create a Poem Word Collage
Writing can be seen as an art form, and it can be relaxing and cathartic in nature. Poems can help you express your emotions and words in a way that you might otherwise not be able to. No worries – no one is telling you to go to a slam poetry night and share your work with a room full of strangers, but writing a poem is a fantastic creative and emotional outlet.
If you’re not a fantastic poet, you can find poems that you really like or that mean something to you, and cut out the words and create a collage out of a combination of your favorite poems. Not only does this allow you to create your own unique poem, but it also allows you to observe and analyze the work that others have created and perhaps find inspiration.
6. Fingerpainting
Think about how sensuous paint feels on your hands. Use your fingers or even your whole hands to channel your inner self and apply your paint on a canvas. In terms of relaxation and stress relief, fingerpainting is one of the best things around. There is just something about getting your hands dirty that feels good.
Using your hands to create something can give you an increased sense of accomplishment. Not only is finger or hand painting very satisfying in this sense, but it also acts as a fantastic emotional outlet, not to mention that it is ideal for people of all skill levels.
7. Create a Forgiveness Box
A forgiveness box is something you can do in terms of art to help relieve stress. This box can be made out of anything you want.
The point of a forgiveness box is to allow you to forgive somebody or those you have negative feelings toward, and this can even be yourself. So, make a charming box with words or phrases on it that remind you of the good things about that person.
You can also include drawings, mementos, and anything else that inspires positive thoughts. This is especially good for people who have bosses they don’t like or for people who need to keep working for bad bosses and need to find a way to deal with it.
8. Make a Sculpture or Pottery
Until now, the art activities we have talked about have been relatively simple, usually just requiring some paper and art supplies.
However, if you like being more hands-on and physical, sculpting and pottery can be very beneficial as you can use your hands to release emotional tension. These activities allow you to be in control, they allow for creative and emotional release, and when you are done, they can provide a sense of accomplishment.
Art Activities for Stress Relief – FAQ
Other than Art, What Can I Do to Relieve Stress?
Besides art, many other things can help you relieve stress, including cooking, exercise, a hot bath or using a home sauna, playing with your kids and pets, and yes, sleeping too.
Are Yoga and Pilates Good for Stress Relief?
Besides being fantastic for strength, balance, stability, and flexibility, not to mention excellent for your cardiovascular system, yoga and Pilates are incredible stress and anxiety relievers, particularly yoga.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
Art therapy works by combining the creative process of art with psychotherapy, aiming to help facilitate self-understanding and self-exploration. Images, colors, and shapes are a big part of the art therapeutic process, as art allows people to express emotions that they have trouble putting into words.
Conclusion
Whether you want to make your own mandala, color in pre-made mandalas, sculpt a statue, make some pottery, use watercolors, play music, or anything in between, art is a stress reliever. Just remember that you aren’t making art to sell or to put up in a gallery. It’s just for your own purposes, so don’t worry if your sculpting skills aren’t quite up there with Michelangelo or you can’t shred riffs like Metallica’s James Hetfield. You are not looking to impress others, just to relieve stress and relax.
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