Creativity Calms the Mind

Did you know that engaging in creative activities, such as coloring, drawing, dancing, and singing, can help you reduce stress and anxiety? Studies show that expressing your creativity can help increase positive emotions, reduce the likelihood of depression, and promote healing.

One popular trend we love is drawing and coloring complex designs, which not only get our creative juices flowing, but can actually invoke a meditative state because we easily become absorbed with the process. And let’s not forget just how much fun it can be! So add a little more creativity to your life and see how it works to reduce everyday stressors and improve your mood.

This Monday, try drawing or coloring to get a creative start to the week:

• Find a place where you can draw or color comfortably without a lot of distractions.
• Take a deep breath and visualize how you want your image to look, then get started and become immersed in filling in the colors and shapes.
• If any distractions or unwelcome thoughts arise, bring your attention back to your image and think of the joy it will bring you and others when it’s finished.

This week, take a drawing or coloring break when you feel stressed either by yourself or with a loved one. See how quickly the creativity and positivity spreads!

Ready to get creative? 

To start coloring in a snap, print out our DeStress Monday coloring pages and let the creativity begin!

Special thanks to artist Courtney Walker for the gorgeous coloring pages of the owl and dreamcatcher