Meditation. Journaling. Long walks. There are countless recommendations of ways to make improvements to your mental health, but one of the simplest methods is unexpected: creativity.
According to Forbes, “A creative act such as crafting can help focus the mind, and has even been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body.”
While not everyone may not be artistically inclined, you don’t need to be the next Picasso to reap the benefits of being creative. In fact, there are countless unconventional methods to harness your creativity.
Adult coloring books:
If coloring was your favorite activity as a child, adult coloring books might be the way to go. Coloring is a great way to relieve stress, and according to WebMD, “Coloring for 20 minutes or more is an effective way to lower your heart rate and decrease feelings of anxiety.” Coloring books for all levels of focus and creative expression exist, from cute cartoon characters to intricate mandala patterns.
Diamond painting:
When wanting a more focus-driven activity that results in gorgeous artwork, diamond painting is the way to go. Diamond painting kits come equipped with pre-illustrated canvases and a tool which is used to press small resin diamonds onto the frame. Since these diamonds are incredibly small, diamond painting can be an incredibly time consuming yet rewarding process, perfect for doing while watching TV or a movie.
Scrapbooking:
Scrapbooking is the perfect creative way to preserve memories. Whether it’s photos, ticket stubs, letters, or notes, you can use all sorts of items to create a keepsake in the form of a scrapbook. You can use a formal scrapbook or a large journal alongside stamps, stickers, and tape to decorate your pages. By working with friends or family, scrapbooks can bring people closer together by acting as a collaborative effort.
Pressing flowers:
Regardless of whether you have a green thumb, pressing flowers creates a memento which can be used in countless other projects. With just flowers, paper, and a heavy book, you can press flowers in a week or less. With mod podge or resin, these flowers can be preserved for even longer and used in other projects like scrapbook pages.
Tie-dye:
For those who love colorful clothing, Tie-dye is the way to go. This typical summertime activity can be done any time of the year with hoodies or any white item of clothing. There are countless patterns you can dye, from swirls to skulls in whatever colors suit your closet. Due to its messy nature, tie dying is the perfect activity to do outside on a sunny day with friends.
