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  • Writer's pictureMichelle Baker, MA

Using Art to Relieve Stress


stress and painting.jpg

“I am so stressed out!”

Most of you have probably uttered this phrase a number of times. While exercising, trying to focus on the positive and deep breathing exercises are all helpful in reducing stress, you might want to try something a bit different this year like art therapy.

If you are about to stop reading this blog post thinking you don’t have a creative bone in your body, then we would like you to know that you don’t have to be an artist in order to embrace the benefits of art therapy. All you need is a piece of paper, a bunch of art materials and a willingness to try something new.

Here are some easy ways of using art to ease out those inner knots and relieve the tension that tends to build up this time of the year.

Do a doodle a day

We get it, you’re busy. Most of you might even find it difficult to squeeze in some art therapy sessions into your daily routine. You know what’s easy? Taking a few minutes a day to break out from your daily routine and scribble out a little weirdness.

It’s amazing to watch as those wiggly lines meet with unidentified shapes and blossom into a beautiful caricature before your eyes; thus, making it hard for you to stop drawing.

Coloring books

If you’re feeling stressed, you might want to close your laptop for a while and bring out a coloring book, along with a box of crayons. You may think of it as an activity that is intended for kids, but this is proven to reduce stress.

Finger painting

Finger painting is a great way to incorporate art into your self-care routine. And since kids do enjoy this activity, you can even use this as a bonding activity with your little one while relieving stress. Talk about hitting two birds in one stone.

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