Stress is an inevitable part of life, which can be caused by both major crisis and minor challenges. While one cannot always be in full control of their circumstances, they can try to control how they respond to challenging situations. Earlier, Elijah McClain had spoken about how high levels of stress can impact the well-being of a person, and hence it is vital to explore effective stress management techniques. One of the best ways to combat stress is to redirect focus to a creative pursuit. Engaging in creative hobbies can put the mind in a sort of meditative state and release dopamine.
Creative techniques to manage stress don’t have to be expensive or time consuming. They can involve various popular activities that elicit a state of flow, a sense of engagement and letting go, without conscious control. Here are a few of those activities:
- Dance: Dancing releases endorphins or the happy hormones, making the mind and body feel good. There are numerous ways to pursue dance as a hobby, right from learning through free online videos to going to instructed classes. Ultimately one would just need some good music and a little space to get their groove on. Free-form dancing promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and helps release tension by connecting body and mind.
- Art: Drawing, colouring, sketching and painting, all of these hobbies would have people focusing on their creative projects, instead of the stress and hassles of life. Drawing and sketching offer a therapeutic outlet for self-expression. They encourage mindfulness, focus, and a break from intrusive thoughts. No matter whether one is simply doodling, creating detailed illustrations, or sketching from observation, the act of drawing can be meditative and calming. In a similar manner, the process of mixing colors, applying brushstrokes, and creating visual art while painting promotes relaxation and allows for self-expression without the pressure of perfection.
- Writing: Maintaining a journal, penning letters or writing stories can be a good way to ease stress. Writing about their emotions often makes people feel better and provides a cathartic release for stress and emotions. Journaling about experiences, feelings, or creative writing exercises can help process emotions, gain clarity, and relieve mental tension.
- Photography: Exploring the world through a lens encourages mindfulness and a deeper appreciation of the present moment. Photography allows individuals to focus on composition, light, and capturing moments, and helps ultimately promotes relaxation and creativity.
- Music: Playing a musical instrument or engaging in singing can be a good stress-relieving hobby. According to certain studies, calming music may have therapeutic effects, help reduce cortisol levels and improve the feeling of relaxation. Learning to play an instrument or singing along to favourite tunes can be deeply rewarding and calming for many.
- Knitting: Knitting is another remarkably meditative hobby. It also provides people with the chance to do something productive with their time, which ultimately helps them to feel happier and satisfied.
- Gardening: Working with plants, nurturing a garden, or simply spending time outdoors surrounded by greenery can be immensely calming and therapeutic. Gardening connects individuals with nature and allows for a peaceful escape from everyday stressors.
In previous instances, Elijah McClain had discussed that stress-relieving benefits of creative hobbies largely come from their ability to engage the mind, encourage mindfulness, and provide an outlet for self-expression without judgment or pressure. They allow individuals to enter a state of flow, where they are fully absorbed in the activity, leading to a sense of fulfillment and relaxation.