The conversation about stress and anxiety can be uncomfortable, but there are many inexpensive solutions to help reduce and minimize stress, including art therapy. Art therapy encourages creativity, allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings. Putting your energy into artwork will help reduce anxiety and boost happiness. Here’s a list of art projects to help reduce stress and anxiety and help stimulate imagination and creativity.
Freehand Painting or Drawing
Sometimes the best way to get out your emotions is by freehand or scribbling on a piece of paper. You can express yourself through artwork, whether you’d like to paint a self-portrait, splatter paints onto a canvas, or sketch with a pencil. You can take your scribbles and sketches and turn them into a recognizable masterpiece.
Create an Art Journal
Art journals are a great way to express yourself through printed media materials. You can use cutouts from magazines or newspapers, stickers, and any other materials that will help you express your inner thoughts. With art journals, there are no limits. You can grab inspiration from anything and create it yourself. After you finish your journal, you will have a unique and creative expression page.
Mandala Art Therapy
In Asia, drawing mandalas is a common relaxation practice typically used as meditation guides during spiritual journeys. Mandalas vary in different sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors because it’s up to your creative discretion. Mandalas help open your creative mind while encouraging wellness and meditation.
Create Art Out of Ordinary Items
If you have many unused items and materials, don’t throw them out; create art! Use your old wooden boxes and turn them into an attractive vinyl record holder or fruit basket. By transforming everyday items into art, you’re being sustainable and opening your mind to creativity and imagination.
Take the time to try these art projects to help reduce stress and anxiety. If you find that art therapy works for you, you should use extra space in your home to create an art studio! Through art, you can express things you’re unable to say out loud or haven’t found the words to say. Remember to be kind to yourself and take your time.