Did you know that adding a little creativity to your life can help ease stress? You do not need to be an artist – you don’t even need to show anyone your projects. But studies have shown that creative expression has many mental health benefits: promoting relaxation, distracting from negative thoughts, providing a sense of self-expression, and giving you a feeling of control over your creation.
The goal is not to try to create something perfect. That would defeat the purpose of relaxation and add another layer of stress. No, the purpose is to just let go of expectations and allow yourself to have some fun, create something beautiful, or maybe something ugly or boring, if that’s what appeals to you at that moment. Just relax, express, and have fun.
There are so many creative outlets to choose from. Let’s review a few.
Writing/journaling
Maybe you’re a gifted writer, storyteller, or poet, or maybe you just want to blow off steam. If writing appeals to you, start with maybe five minutes a day of journaling or brainstorming an idea about a story or poem. Gradually, you may find during the day that your mind turns toward thoughts of writing, providing pleasant thoughts throughout the day.
Painting/drawing
Both painting and drawing draw a person into the creative process, helping them leave the world behind and enter an almost meditative state, as your attention is focused on your creation. If you don’t feel creative enough to draw or paint something original, try an adult coloring book or even a paint-by-number set.
Dancing
Movement is proven to help with mood by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether you dance around the living room to your favorite tunes, join a swing dance club, or take ballroom dancing with a loved one, movement is beneficial both physically and emotionally.
Crafts
There are so many crafts to choose from, whether you choose textiles (knitting, weaving, sewing), woodworking (carving, whittling), clay (ceramics, turning on a wheel), paper crafts (scrapbooking, card making), or jewelry making, the options are almost endless! Take a walk through a craft store and just pick up what appeals to you.
Music
This could include playing an instrument, music composition, going to concerts, or developing music appreciation. Music has also been shown to have a very positive effect on the brain. Playing an instrument is proven to help structure the brain in an orderly manner and aids in memory retention. Music appreciation combined with dancing or movement like tai chi offers double the benefits.
Cooking/baking
Cooking and baking are wonderful outlets because you get to eat your creation! I encourage you to choose healthy options, foods that support physical and mental health.
Gardening
Growing things – whether outdoors or indoors – is very soothing and healing, as you nurture life in living things. Plants also inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, so houseplants make indoor air healthier. The beauty of green growing things and a bouquet of flowers that you grew yourself can offer a sense of satisfaction.
Photography
Photography forces you to focus on something outside of yourself (literally!). Since you are looking for stress relief, pick objects to focus on that build positive feelings in you and create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Clearly, there are many creative outlets, so if you’re looking to ease stress, turn off the cell phone and computer screens and pick up a creative activity. If you are having trouble determining what to do or if you feel you need a little help addressing stress or other emotional issues, and you’re in the New York City area, reach out to see how I can help you take your first steps to developing habits that can help you handle stress with ease.