It’s no secret that life can get overwhelming. However, it’s important to have outlets for your anxiety that help you manage the emotion, especially if it seems to inhibit you. You probably already know that working out, eating well, sleeping enough, getting outside, and having hobbies are all great ways to naturally relieve stress. Today, we’re going to dive into hobbies, specifically creative ones. We believe art can be medicine, especially in the form of these hobbies that are excellent to try for stress relief.
Five hobbies to assist in stress relief.
Oil Painting
All painting is therapeutic, but oil as a medium is especially soothing. The paints are smooth and buttery, gliding across the canvas with each stroke. Moreover, oil takes weeks to dry, so the paint is very forgiving. If you make a mistake or a mark you don’t like, you can simply wipe or smudge it away.
Additionally, oil painting demands focus, which pulls your mind away from daily worries. Mixing colors and building layers can feel meditative. If you’re new to painting, pick a simple subject like flowers or landscapes to start your artistic healing.
Glass Blowing
The process of making glass-blown art might seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly therapeutic once you get the hang of it. This hands-on art form allows you to focus entirely on shaping molten glass carefully and slowly. Your stress will melt away—literally.
You can easily find a studio offering a class for beginners, and you’ll walk away with unique creations like ornaments or bowls. The physicality and concentration involved in glass blowing make it an excellent outlet for releasing tension and reconnecting with the present moment.
Coloring Books
Coloring books aren’t just for kids. With their intricate designs and endless color combinations, adult coloring books provide a calming escape from your daily routine. When you color, your brain enters a flow state, much like meditation. The gentle repetition of filling spaces with color slows racing thoughts and brings quiet moments of joy.
You can even buy books with themes like nature, mandalas, or inspiring quotes to enhance the experience. Keep a coloring book and some pencils handy for a quick relaxation session whenever life feels hectic.
Collage
If you love visuals but don’t feel confident in your drawing or painting skills, collage could be your go-to hobby. Using magazine clippings, old photographs, paper scraps, ribbons, buttons, and essentially anything else you want, you can create unique, easy, forgiving artwork.
Collaging is a tactile activity and doesn’t need to look like any one thing. This means there’s no way to “mess up,” which adds to the relaxation. Moreover, collaging can help you explore your emotions—what you choose to include can reflect your mood or aspirations.
Photography
Photography compels you to find beauty in the everyday, and it’s an extremely accessible art form. You don’t need to have a DSLR—just a smartphone will do. As you go on walks or stroll around town, be attentive to beautiful, interesting, or hidden things. As you take photos, the act of framing and focusing draws your attention to the present moment and restores a sense of control. You can also consider arranging photoshoots with people since being around friends can boost your mental health, further contributing to your calm.
Creative expression is a gift to yourself, especially during life’s anxious moments. These five hobbies are incredible to try for stress relief, each offering a unique way to nourish your mind and soul. Consider adding one of these meditative practices to your routine and feel the joy that comes from creating with your heart, hands, and imagination.
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