7 Simple Art Therapy Ideas Used to Reduce Stress Everyday
Do you remember doodling in your childhood? Perhaps you still doodle from time to time as an adult.
With the stresses of adult responsibilities, unforeseen, traumatic events like pet loss, and everything that comes with daily life, you must find a way to help yourself relax.
Art therapy is an easy and creative way to reach this goal. And most often, the tips and tricks used are often low cost or free.
Benefits of Art Therapy
If you find doodling relaxing, there’s evidence that supports your opinion. Several studies suggest that art therapy and other creative activities can positively affect your brain, including stress reduction.
For example, some research has found that making art or visiting an art museum can lower stress hormones like cortisol. Other studies say that sculpting and drawing can increase blood flow to the reward centers in your brain and increase the happiness hormone dopamine.
Working with a trained art therapist maximizes these results.
However, you can also see some benefits from expressing your creativity on your own too.
7 Simple Art Therapy Ideas to Explore
Here are a few simple strategies to take a mental break from the daily stressors in life and reduce anxiety. I have used all of these ideas and found them very helpful and fun. I’ve included a few art tools from Amazon to give you some inspiration. Check out these 7 simple art therapy ideas to reduce stress every day.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the links.
Tips for Using Art to Reduce Stress
1. Have fun.
Your studio skills are less important than your attitude. Pick a project you find interesting and let go of expectations. Try to immerse yourself in the experience. Try scrapbooking or beadwork. Explore something you would usually never try before.
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2. Block out time.
If you sit around waiting for inspiration to strike, your canvas may remain blank. Designate a portion of each day for creative efforts. You could start with 15-minute sessions and work your way up. Journaling is a great way to create a daily habit of exploring self-reflection and creativity.
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3. Design a space.
It also helps to have one place in your home where you can work. Turn a guest room into your private studio or set up a corner of a room with a small table for creating your masterpieces. As you complete your artwork, show off your style. Spruce up your living area with bold color with pieces of your artwork.
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4. Experiment with different media.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by choices? Start with something you liked as a child, explore ideas on YouTube, or visit your local library for ideas. Try something simple like an adult beginner drawing kit or paint by numbers. Branch out when you’re ready for your next challenge.
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5. Take lessons.
You can fight stress by taking art instruction from a professional or enjoy a casual Paint and Sip Night. A little instruction mixed with socialization might increase your motivation and help you to express yourself more fully.
6. Try coloring books.
The market for adult coloring books keeps growing, and it’s an easy way to begin. There’s even some evidence that coloring inside a shape is especially effective for enhancing your mood. There are beginner coloring books available ranging from kids to adults.
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7. Share your works.
Talk about your art with others. Join social media groups for painters and potters. You can give each other constructive feedback and post pictures about what you’re doing.
Here’s an Instagram post of a paint-by-numbers painting I tried with Winnie’s Picks.
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More ideas to reduce stress
- Strengthen your focus. Train yourself to make conscious decisions and focus on one activity at a time. Make your art projects part of your self-care.
- Healthy eating. Choose foods that help to reduce stress and stabilize your mood. Ensure that your diet includes plenty of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids: Limit alcohol, caffeine, and added sugars.
- Sleep well. Stick to a consistent bedtime that allows you to wake up naturally feeling refreshed and recharged. Adequate amounts of high-quality rest make you more resilient too.
- Stay active. Physical exercise is another constructive method for dealing with daily pressures. You may even enjoy some creative breakthroughs while taking a stroll or lifting weights.
- Consider counseling. Simple arts and crafts are a pleasant way to spend your time, but you may need more assistance dealing with significant anxiety or depression. Talk with your doctor about seeking help from a specialist if art therapy alone is not helping.
Final Thoughts
Taking a tiny part of your day to make art a part of your daily life is beneficial. Fight stress with your creative activities or find an art therapist who can help you focus on your personal development and empowerment.
Taking time for self-care through art is a great way to find joy again after pet loss and find comfort when dealing with the stressors of daily life.
Share your experience
Have you tried any of these strategies mentioned above? Are you a creative person? Have you ever taken an art class before? Do you like to doodle, or do you prefer different mediums? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment.
Don’t forget to share and pin this post! And if you enjoyed this post, read my other popular posts below.
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