To Better Manage Stress Use These 8 Creative Activities

Introduction

Stress is an everyday part of life, but it can take a toll on our physical and mental health. There are many ways to manage stress, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones. Creative activities can also be a great way to relieve stress.

You can’t help anyone when you always feel stressed out. So finding ways to take care of yourself first before being able to help others effectively is important. Making time for self-care and stress management can improve your overall well-being and ability to support those around you.

Being creative is not about being artistic, but instead just using the creative part of your brain where you can focus on something enjoyable, without the pressure of being productive or trying to be perfect.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links including Amazon Associates affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase after following one of these links I may get a small commission.  There’s no extra cost to you.

Here are 8 creative activities you can use to manage stress:

1. Draw or Color

The first activity is a simple one, but it’s okay if you are not an artistic person. You can draw or doodle anything and everything. It doesn’t have to look any certain way. Just sketching or doodling shapes, using colors, and getting out an adult coloring book, are all creative and can help distract your mind from whatever is causing you to stress. 

The great thing about drawing is that you can do it just about anywhere. You can use a drawing pad but you don’t have to. You can get a journal, notebook, or even blank printer paper, and all you need is a pencil or pen, and you’re good to go.

2. Crafts

Engaging in crafts such as knitting, crocheting, or sewing can be calming and enjoyable. The repetitive motions and focus on creating something with your hands can help distract your mind, promote relaxation, and therefore help you manage stress.

This is another creative activity where you don’t really need a lot of talent to do it and benefit from it. Head to your local craft store and pick up a crafting kit where it comes with everything you need, including the instructions. There are so many things you can craft with simple items, basic instructions, and very little money.

3. Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art to help people express their thoughts and feelings. It can be used to help you with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

This one is for the artists out there! If you love creating art, whether or not you feel you are good at it, it can be really therapeutic for you. Art therapy involves using various art mediums such as drawing, painting, or coloring to express emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It can be a cathartic and soothing way to manage stress and tension, while also tapping into your creative side.

4. Dance your heart out to manage stress

Dancing is a great way to manage stress. It’s a fun and physical activity that can help you release endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. Dancing can also help you feel better, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.

Dancing is an amazing way to express yourself. You can dance freely in your living room, take a dance class, or even try out different styles of dance. It can be a fun and energizing way to manage stress and uplift your mood.

Have fun with it! Get your kids to join in, head to a club with friends, or dance alone in your bedroom to your favorite music.

5. Photography

Taking photos, whether with a professional camera or simply using your smartphone, can be a creative way to capture moments, express yourself, and connect with your surroundings. Photography allows you to focus on the beauty around you, which can help shift your attention away from things that cause you stress.

Learn photography or upgrade your skills while learning “How to reduce stress through Mindful Photography“. You can find opportunities to capture what you love on camera while you manage stress.

6. Creative writing to manage stress

Creative writing is a great way to manage stress. It allows you to express your thoughts and feelings in a safe and healthy way. When you write, you can let your imagination run wild and create whatever you want. This can be a great way to escape from reality even for a moment and relax.

So for writing, you really want it to be some form of creative writing, as opposed to writing for school or work. This might be in the form of poems, song lyrics, or short stories. Maybe you just jot down notes you have for a novel in the future. Any form of creative writing can really help manage stress.

7. Listen to Music

Listening to music can help you relax, manage stress, and improve your mood. When you listen to music, your brain releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Music can also help you focus and concentrate, which can be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed with life.

You can enjoy recorded or live music and playing a musical instrument. This activity can have a profound impact on reducing stress. Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions, change moods, and create a sense of calm. While this is about listening to music you can evoke a sense of wellbeing by singing your favorite songs along with music or on your own. For instance, I really enjoy singing in the worship service at my church. Maybe you do too!

Access music from a variety of sources with an Apple Music subscription or Audio Jungle via free trial to Envato Elements.

8. Work on a Vision Board

Lastly, consider putting together a vision board. A vision board is a collage of images, words, and phrases that represent your goals and dreams. Creating a vision board can be an ideal way to manage stress because it allows you to focus on the positive and visualize your goals. When you look at your vision board, it can remind you of what you’re working towards and give you a sense of hope

These not only give you another activity to focus on, but it helps you look at more positive things and look into the future, instead of dwelling on your current stressful situation. Put your vision board in a prominent place where you will be able to see it often.

You can do an old-fashioned vision board with pictures and words you cut from magazines or print them from internet images. You can also put together a digital vision board with Pinterest or programs like Canva. 

Conclusion

Learning to manage stress takes time and effort. But you’re worth it. These and other creative activities can help you manage stress. Find the right activity for you and experiment to see what works best. You may surprise yourself not only with how well it works but also with how much you enjoy the activity.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By finding creative ways to manage stress, you can improve your mental and physical health and live a happier, more fulfilling life. So get creative and start managing your stress today!

Discover a new way of being — less stressed out. Sign up for Stress Management 21-Day Challenge today!