Stress is a massive issue in today’s society, and if we step back for a minute and take a look at our lives, it’s not hard to understand why. After all, we spend such a huge amount of time working and consuming, and very little time being mindful or creative. The funny thing is that it’s mindfulness and creativity that energize us, and give us the fuel we need to get through the rest of our lives as well as stay calm and happy. With that in mind, taking up a craft or art activity that can help us beat stress is always a great idea, and the good news is you can read about some of the best ones to try in my post below.
Art journaling
Art journals are a great way to beat stress. This is because it’s an activity designed to allow you to tap into your creativity. Unlike a sketchbook an art journal is less about technical skills and more about exploring your feelings and experiences through a range of materials.
This is good news for anyone who loves getting messy as you can have fun with all sorts of exciting supplies from relief paints to oil sticks. You can also add in found objects and paper, as well as words, poems or paragraphs that appeal to you.
Collage
Another great art and craft activity that can help you beat stress is collage. This is a technique that uses images that have already been created in magazines, books, and digitally to make up works of our own.
One of the best things about college is that anyone can do it because all it requires is that we cut images out and stick them down. This means we can get a very successful result even if our drawing skills aren’t up to much.
You can even buy gorgeous digital collage books that are packed with hundreds of high-resolution images that are waiting for you to use in your latest work.
Crochet
Many people swear by crochet as a great way to relax and de-stress as it largely involves relative movements. It’s also something that can be done in front of the TV while talking to others or even listening to a podcast, and many people enjoy the sense of creating something without having to put too much attention or effort into what they are doing, meaning they can still be successful even if they are struggling with their mental or physical health.
Lots of folks confuse crochet with knitting though, and if you are wondering what’s the difference between knitting and crocheting you can click into the very detailed and expert article to find out. Although, at its core crochet is done on a single hook, knitting requires two needles.
Polymer clay
Polymer clay is also a brilliant craft to get into if you are looking to beat stress. This is because it’s incredibly tactile and you will directly manipulate the clay with your hands and tools, which can be very far from the experience that most people have on a day-to-day basis.
There are so many things you can make with polymer clay as well, including models, jewelry, and even abstract panels. There are also a wide variety of clays on the market, some of which come in very exciting colors and textures such as gold, metallic, glitter, and even opal so you can really let your creativity run wild.
Zentangle
For anyone with a love of doodling, zentangle may be the perfect hobby to pick up to beat stress. Originally developed with this purpose the aim of zentangle is to use simple repeating designs to create a small artwork on a piece of square card.
There is no pressure on your drawing skills, and there are plenty of zentangle pattern inspirations to learn, and master as you design. The original zentangles were done solely on white cards with black pens, but the movement has really grown since then and people add colors and metallic effects too as they let their creativity unfold.
Shrink Jewelry Making
Remember shrinking down chip packets when you were a kid to make keyrings? Well, that is the premise that shrink jewellery-making works on. except rather than using crips packs you can create your own designs on specially made shrink paper.
This paper comes in clear or white and also comes in versions that you can draw on (with regular art supplies like pens and coloring pencils) or print out designs you have made on the computer.
One of the best things about shrink jewelry making is that it’s a relatively low-cost hobby to take up, but it can really still scratch that creative urge. After all, you get to make up your own designs and focus on the creative process, which can provide welcome relief from the day-to-day grind.
Coloring
For a great deal of people, coloring is an activity that they haven’t done since they were a child. However, simple or complicated coloring sheets offer many benefits for those of any age.
Firstly, coloring can be a great mindful activity in that it gives your mind something to focus on, which in turn can allow you to better observe and process what is happening in your body and emotions. Additionally, coloring offers an excellent opportunity to sit down and have some quiet time to ourselves, something that as adults can be rare indeed!
Embroidery
There are many different kinds of embroidery that you can try including cross stitch, crewel and freehand. Embroidery can be very relaxing as again it includes repetitive movements, but also intense focus, which can really help to get us into a flow state.
A great way to start with this creative hobby is to find a cheap kit online that provides you with all you’ll need including the pattern, threads, and needles. Then you can see whether you enjoy the activity and if you do you can graduate to creating your own designs.