5 Easy Ways to Relieve Stress Through Art

Alexa's creative workshop each morning!

Life can be stressful at times! Many people handle stressful situations by indulging in decadent sweets, exercising, sleeping, or even taking a yoga class. While all these options provide temporary comfort, it is always a great idea to add balance to your routine; taking an art class, for example, is something not many people try because of the excuse, "I'm not good at art." You don't have to be a professional artist to enjoy an art class and have fun! Design can help you see stress in a different light; many times, beautiful art is produced from stress. What do I mean by this? Well, the first thing we need to understand is that art is created through emotion, which explains why each piece of art is uniquely different. Whether going through a difficult time in life, or just wanting to branch out and try something new -- below are a few ideas to help you add balance to your life through art!

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Stress and anxiety are difficult to handle; I know this first-hand as a college student. Because I love art, I always try to find ways to relieve those anxious feelings by doing what I love. Keep in mind, stress relievers vary depending on what your interests are; however, I recommend a good balance to your every day routine. My top five recommendations are:

1. Coloring books

I know what you're thinking- coloring books?! Yes! Coloring books are not just for kids. Have you ever sat down and just colored the outlines in a coloring book? Time flies by when you focus on completing a task. The best part about coloring an outline is that it is completely open to your interpretation; you can choose your own colors and choose which designs you want to fill in. I know that life can get difficult at times and there are things we simply cannot change. A coloring book is something you have complete control over; it takes the attention away from yourself, even temporarily, and gives your brain time to relax. Coloring design templates is a not a high-stakes project! We can simply color and enjoy. Adult coloring books are available anywhere! Your local retailer sells them, or even online at Amazon if that is easier too. Here are a few links to purchase a coloring book and some coloring utensils!

2. Join an art class

An art class can be compared to a fun social gathering where you can gain support from your peers. Don't worry, there's no competition here! We all have busy schedules but blocking out some time for an art class is a unique way to set yourself free- even for only one hour. An art class is not a commitment! Do not feel pressure that you need to attend art classes consecutively; research open opportunities near you and find what best fits your schedule! Local recreation centers may also offer evening classes during the week. If you're looking to switch up your routine, bring a friend and join an art class!

"We love you to the moon and back"

3. Make a collage

Have you ever tried scrapbooking? Making a collage of photographs, also known as a 'soul collage,' is a great way to clear your mind. Gathering your own photos, or even cutting out meaningful images from a magazine will keep you busy. Not only that, creating a collage of photographs is a great way to discover yourself. Start by collecting photos that represent you. Where are you from? Are you an athlete? What are your hobbies? Next, put the photos together on any background; you can even frame your collage to make a modern home accent piece! Growing up, I would always help my mom put together collages of our family photos; this project is also a great way to clear the photo clutter in your home. As we all know, moms are HUGE photo hoarders! What better way to bond with family than to create a collage together?

4. Knitting

I may be a little biased here, but knitting is truly something I find to be relaxing. Remember those fidget spinners for anxiety? Knitting is another way to keep you busy and calm you down at the same time. There are so many mental health benefits to knitting; reducing stress and anxiety is one of the well-known benefits to this activity. Knitting can bring relief to emotional distress by helping you manage pain effectively. You can also get involved with knitting for the social good! What do I mean by this? Well, take alexa marie for example. For each hand-knit blanket sold, a portion of the profits are donated directly to a charitable organization of my clients' choice. Something so small, like knitting a blanket or scarf, can go a long way. Make the best of every moment! The best thing about building social connections through knitting is that you can help others, while also improving your mental health in the process.

5. Photography

Who says art must be limited to painting, drawing, or crafting? That's right, photography is also a form of art! You would never think that taking pictures is a way to relieve stress, but sometimes capturing the beauty of your surroundings is all you need to feel better. Travel, take pictures, and capture every moment. In high school, my friends and I used to go "sunset chasing" simply to photograph the beautiful colors of the sky. It's amazing how beautiful nature is, yet many people are missing out! Don't be one of them! Take in your surroundings with the people you love. Forget about social media; take a break from your stressful life and capture the moments that count. You will not regret it!

A beautiful day at the park!

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I know that life can be stressful, but don't let it get the best of you! Always know that there are resources out there to help you find peace and manage your stressful schedule. For me, I love to remove myself from high-stress situations and focus on my art. It might be different for you and that's okay. The best way to gain a more positive head space is to try different things and have a good balance. No two days should be the same!

Have ideas of your own on how to reduce stress? Let me know! I am open to your ideas and would love to hear from you!