Art as a Tool for Relaxation

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy and lose focus on what really matters. Your own physical and mental health, and those of your loved ones, are at the core of a meaningful life, but caring for them often takes a backseat to the crisis of the day. It can be a challenge to find ways to slow down and realign your priorities, but the effort is worth it. Fortunately, one of the best relaxation techniques is also fun, easy, and accessible. Why not use art to help relieve stress and reconnect with your inner genius?

Art as Respite

Even if you've labeled yourself as untalented or unartistic, you can benefit from creating art. Much like meditation, art takes your mind off whatever is worrying you and refocuses your attention on the here and now. It's hard to ruminate on the abstract when you are working on a tangible creation. You may enter into a state of flow, where your mind, spirit, and body are so absorbed in your project that time and place seem to disappear. This can be an incredibly freeing experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the real world again. Like a high school graduate whose parents are asking why take a gap year before continuing on to higher education or a full-time job, you may question whether an art break is a good use of your time. Studies have shown that taking time out from your normal routine, whether it's a year or an hour, reinvigorates your soul and gives you a new perspective on life.

Art as Resolution

Art can help you resolve emotional pain creatively. For example, if you've lost a loved one and are struggling with the grief process, constructing a memorial to their legacy allows you to reflect on the person while creating a visible tribute. Drawing inspiration from the traditions in many cultures, you could fashion an altar, filled with photos, flowers, seashells, feathers, candy, pieces of jewelry, anything that evokes your loved one's memory.

If you're experiencing conflict with another person and want to be freed from it, consider creating a forgiveness vessel. Begin with a box or a basket or even a single sheet of paper. Clip out or create images and words that represent your feelings about and desires for the relationship, and use them to adorn your piece. As you work, you will become reflective and likely gain new insight into the reasons for the disagreement. While art can't guarantee your relationship will be salvaged, it will help lead you to acceptance of reality, whatever that may be.

Art as Relaxation

You don't need to engage in formal craft projects to reap the relaxation benefits of art. Simply keeping a sketchbook nearby provides an easy outlet for spontaneous thoughts and inspirations. Fill your journal with whatever strikes your fancy: quick sketches, words and images cut from magazines, pressed flowers, snatches of overheard conversations. You may find it helpful to record, by sketching or writing, the little things that bring joy to your day, in effect creating a gratitude journal. Recreating vivid images from your dreams by drawing them in your journal the next morning can help you process your dreams' hidden messages and use them to guide decisions in your waking life.

There are other ways to easily incorporate the beauty and benefits of art into your daily life. An adult coloring book and some colored pencils are the only tools you need for a relaxing meditation-like escape. Losing yourself in the appreciation of art created by others is another way to unwind. You can physically visit a museum or gallery or take a virtual tour online. Finding a piece of art that speaks to your soul can be a transformative experience.

Whether you're creating it yourself or admiring the work of someone else, art can have a profound effect. Take advantage of its powerful ability to both inspire and relax by incorporating art into your daily life.