Soothing Art Forms To Calm Anxiety
Especially after the past year, we all know just how hectic life can get. When it comes to taking care of your mental health, there are so many different ways to cope with symptoms of anxiety. At Jerry’s Artarama, we love how practicing art can ease anxiety and bring feelings of peace and serenity to an otherwise busy or stressful week.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or are new to learning what mediums and styles you like, we have compiled a list of soothing art forms that are perfect for people who enjoy winding down in the evenings with a fun project.
Calligraphy is the art of lettering and writing with a pen or ink brush. A practice that has been around for thousands of years, calligraphy means “beautiful writing” in Greek and is a great way for people to express themselves through a focused medium that requires more concentration than others. Not only does practicing calligraphy calm and ease anxiety by teaching you to be present and mindful, it has also been proven to enhance cognitive function in older people and provide relaxation along with brain stimulation.
Watercolor is an excellent way to combat anxiety, because unlike other mediums, watercolor is free-flowing and always subject to change. By adding more water or adding more paint, you can create an entire world and then alter it to suit a different vision. A unique medium, watercolor painting leaves room for errors, which can be therapeutic. After all, life isn’t perfect, and neither are we – so why should your art be?
Explore your local Jerry’s Artarama today for all the watercolor supplies you need to get started.
Collage art is fun for people of all ages to explore and enjoy. A mixed-media form of art, you can use nearly anything to create your college. Start with an idea or bit of inspiration, or you can wing it all the way and see what your final product looks like. Collaging is a therapeutic means of working through an issue that ordinarily evokes anxiety or uneasiness. By compiling old photographs, magazine snippets, and any other bits and pieces you have lying around, you can create a perfectly imperfect piece to hang on your wall or add to on another day.
Gather up materials for your next collage masterpiece by visiting your local Jerry’s Artarama.
For people who struggle with anxiety, being present in the moment and mindful of surroundings can be difficult when your mind is preoccupied with worry. Creating wearable art that can be worn as a bracelet or clipped onto car keys like a lanyard can help ground you by getting you to focus on the materials. We often recommend using beads, whether they are ones you purchase or make at home using clay, so that you have something to fiddle with on the strap. When your project is complete, use the bracelet as part of a meditation or calming technique. Each bead can represent a certain affirmation, thought, or meaning, which you then focus on while touching that bead to soothe anxiety and calm your mind.
