How art can help you relax after a hectic week

There is no denying the fact that we are living very hectic lives. Work-home divide has blurred, we are in lesser contact with our family & friends and, there is uncertainty & anxiousness all around. On top of it all, we are consuming morbid news and negativity on social media. It is natural to feel helpless, tired and drained out.

Well, our work and responsibilities can’t be ignored but we certainly can take out time for ourselves during the weekends or whenever we have a moment away from work.

Practising art can help de-stress and unwind. It’s like yoga for the mind, as it helps you slow down. When you are involved in doing art, you become mindful and your mental energy gets focussed on the present moment. The colours, patterns & smells bring a sense of relaxation.

I understand that not all of you think of yourself as an arty person and may refrain from trying art relaxation. However, art relaxation is for everyone if you practise it with the right intention.

Here are 5 tips if you are new to practising art:

1. Plan ahead

Decide what you will paint before you start. Keep it simple. You can paint just random shapes or doodle scenery. The more basic it is, the better. Try painting happy little things that you like.

2. Explore ideas and recreate

Take inspiration from someone else’s artwork. There are so many inspirational artworks on the internet, find the one that you’d like to re-create with your own twist. This saves you from experiencing creator’s block. 

3. The colour therapy

Use your favourite colour combination. Bright and happy colours can uplift your mood any day. Pick your favourite colours and feel the joy in the creative process.

4. Add-ons for the process

Music and a warm cup of tea or coffee will help you relax even more. Light some candles, play your favourite music and just immerse yourself in the activity.

5. Do not stress

Do not worry about how your work will look. Remember your intention when you started was for relaxation. Stressing on the future of your work will only make you nervous if you are a beginner.

These are just a few basic suggestions to remember when practising art to unwind after a hectic week.

It’s high time we prioritise our mental health. We need to slow down a bit from time to time to let our brains nurture and thrive from the high amount of activity it is involved in on a daily basis.

Give practising art a go! Hope you enjoy it and can see its relaxing benefits.

Want to practise art relaxation?

If you want to start at a basic level, download and print these colouring sheets and take out some time colouring them.

You may also give ‘Paint By Numbers‘ activity a try. You don’t have to worry about the art supplies, you have fun painting it and the end result is always great.

If you are interested in a more advanced art challenge, you can try mandala painting for mindfulness.

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