Using Creativity to Relieve Stress

If you’ve never considered using creativity to relieve stress, you may be surprised at how transformative it can be.

Of course, this isn’t news to educators and students at arts-integrated schools. Taking the time to pause and engage in stress-releasing activities through creative activities is a regular occurrence.

And it’s an amazingly effective (and enjoyable) way to manage stress and find the often elusive reset button we all need to occasionally access.

Ways of Using Creativity to Relieve Stress

Creativity is a natural and effective way to diffuse big emotions and relieve stress, making it a valuable tool for both personal well-being and fostering a positive classroom environment.

As you ponder these techniques, you’re sure to find some that speak to you more than others. Of course, as educators, we encourage you to give them all a try at some point. You may be surprised by what you find. Many of our students are!

1. Grab Your Crayons

When is the last time you cracked open a box of Crayolas and hit the coloring books? Coloring is not just for little kids.

It’s a great way to relax and quiet your mind (which children seem to naturally understand). There’s something about the rhythmic motion and working with your favorite colors that’s soothing to your soul and releases stress. Plus, with many intricate patterns available, you’re not consigned to children’s coloring books. Unless you want those, of course.

2. Engage in Mindless Doodling

Modern stress-relieving practices often focus on mindfulness. And that’s great. But there’s something to be said for grabbing a pen or pencil and just letting your hand wander freely on a blank sheet of paper. The clue is to not worry about the outcome. Consider it a release. Similar to coloring, the movement is calming. And as you fill the page with doodles, you’ll see your stress turning into art.

3. Breathe and Visualize

No art supplies are needed for this one. But you will need some creativity.

Often when you’re feeling stressed, you’ve stopped taking deep breaths. Or you may even be holding it. So the first step is to focus on deepening your breath. Once you’ve found a steady breath, visualize an image.

It doesn’t have to be a place or anything specific. It can be a color, or glitter, or whatever brings you peace. When you inhale, breathe in that image and when you exhale, breathe out any dark and troubling thoughts. This is a creative tool you can use anytime and anywhere and it’s remarkably effective.

4. Get Cooking

If you think about it, your kitchen is essentially an art studio. There’s a therapeutic rhythm that comes with the chopping, dicing, stirring, seasoning, tasting, etc. as you soak in the colors, textures, and aromas of your creation.

Stick with an old favorite or try something new. No matter which way you go, you’ll find the process soothing and satisfying. Plus, you’ll have the reward of a delicious meal or treat when you’re done.

5. Take a Walk with an Artist’s Eye

Any time you move your body, it’s always a good way to release stress. But taking a walk with an artist’s eye adds another component that makes it even more relaxing and eye-opening.

As you set out on your journey, grab a notebook – just in case you get inspired. Then soak up all the colors, patterns, and shapes you notice in your surroundings. It could be the color of neon lights, the smell of fallen leaves, the rhythm of a streetcar, whatever is around you.

Taking this different approach to a walk will help you find calm and may also spark inspiration.

6. Feel the Beat

One of the best and simplest ways to reboot and relax your mind is by accessing your inner rhythm. If you’re someone who taps their foot or fingers when you have excess nervous energy, consider creating an intentional beat. Then let the beat grow and take on its own life.

You could use instruments as well, but clapping your hands and snapping your fingers is more than adequate. Whatever works for you. The repetitive motion is a great way to ground you and channel your stress while shifting your mind away from your troubles.

7. Move Your Body

Speaking of getting into the beat, you can add in movement to lift your mood. If you flinch at the word ‘dance,’ don’t think of it that way. Much like the above-mentioned doodling, just let your body do its thing.

The physical component boosts endorphins to release stress and elevate your mood. Even if you’re just hopping around on one foot or gently swaying. You’ll feel refreshed and energized.   

8. Journal with Flair

Writing is one of the easiest ways to release tension and clear your mind. And there’s nothing wrong with taking pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, as the case may be) and letting words do their magic. But you can take it to the next level by adding drawings, pictures, stickers, or whatever moves you. Doing this not only stokes your creativity, but it opens you to a more vivacious and personalized reflection of your inner self while exploring your feelings and emotions.

Would Your Child Thrive in a More Creative Environment?

There’s no denying that the world is a stressful place. Children and young adults are especially prone to this stress.

Using creativity to release stress is a quintessential element of arts-integrated education. And it gives creative students the opportunity to explore their feelings and emotions in a safe and effective way.

If you feel your child would benefit from this educational environment, contact us today to request a tour of our school. It could be just the change your child needs.