insideMAN

Feeling stressed? Try doing something creative

by 3 Comments

There are many ways to unwind and relax — taking part in sports or exercise is a great choice, meditation can help combat anxiety, and simply spending time with those who make you the happiest can help you let go of stress.

But if sitting in the lotus position isn’t quite your cup of tea, and getting sweaty away at the gym doesn’t appeal, sometimes the best way to release worry and tension, is to do something that will simply let you see the physical manifestation of what you’ve created. In other words, an activity that allows you to witness the results of your efforts and track your progress.

You might say to yourself, “I’m not creative at all – I can’t do anything like that”, but you might surprise yourself. To some, the idea of being creative revolves around the image of writing lines of poetry or holding a painting on a canvas. Of course, these are good examples of being artistic and expressing emotions, but they aren’t the only ways. There are methods of being expressive and creative that you may not have thought of, yet can still help you to get things off your chest in a positive way.

Blogging

Venting, as the name implies, is all about releasing pent up emotions. As is sometimes all too apparent, for many people social media has become the first port of call to vent frustrations and share feelings across their network of friends, both positive and negative. The problem with social media, though, is that its immediacy can result in public statements that we may regret. Blogging, on the other hand, is much more considered and can bridge the gap between friend and stranger, encouraging a more considered level of communication and offering the chance to build ties with people who have similar experiences, which in turn can challenge feelings of isolation.

Starting out on your own blog adventure isn’t actually that difficult, and once you start uploading blog posts, it essentially works as an online diary. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is hugely beneficial for your mental health; sharing them on an online platform and social media might seem daunting at first, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll feel having people read your words. The idea is for people – no matter if they’re strangers or acquaintances – to empathise with your experiences. Once you share, you’ll be surprised how many people go through similar struggles.

Colouring books

Yes, it might seem very odd at first to suggest picking up a colouring book (something you probably haven’t done since you were five), but be open to the idea. Many people staunchly believe in the concept of colouring books for adults, as they simply allow someone to empty their mind of all thoughts and focus on nothing but the image; somewhat akin to meditation, only more hands-on. Plus, after you’ve completed the drawing, you’ll have something quite beautiful to show for it. Check out these colouring books and see for yourself.

Music and Photography

These might be hobbies you dabbled with as a kid but never really pursued them fully. Perhaps you became bored or didn’t have the time anymore, but now could be the moment to revitalise one or both of these interests. The goal doesn’t have to be anything more than playing for your own enjoyment, or to work towards a set goal simply for the sake of personal accomplishment. Making space for “me time” is what’s important. No one expects you to be Jimmy Page as soon as you pick up a guitar, nor will they expect you to best Ansel Adams after taking your first photograph. Music and photography help you shut off your thoughts for a while, and let you focus on creating something that you believe is good, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Cooking

Finally, the thought of cooking may well bring up images of Gordon Ramsey yelling at you for overcooking the salmon on Hell’s Kitchen, but in reality, cooking is far more relaxing than this. Like everything on this list, the idea of cooking is grounded in having something to show for your effort at the end of it all. You get the advantage of doing something that takes your mind off matters, you learn new skills, and then you’ve (hopefully) got something tasty after the effort. Jamie Oliver’s cookbooks and YouTube series allow beginners to get to grips with cooking, and he’s far more chilled out than Ramsey, that’s for sure.

Image: Flickr/13Moya Photography

  • Groan

    Just a comment about creative. Do include crafts. I work with a Vol org that has a community garden and “shed”. This particular “shed” is not set up as a “Men;s Shed” but is mainly men. I see and here how making stuff and mending stuff for the community really helps men and women to feel more positive about themselves. So don’t forget the creative side of crafts even bike and engines.

  • vfr100

    Interesting article, for what it’s worth I got back into photography around five years ago, just for me. It combines exercise (walking around landscapes and seascapes), technology (modern DSLR cameras are awash with buttons!), creativity (use of light) and of course importantly time to yourself.

    It’s a steep learning curve which in itself is self challenging, but also gives you an opportunity it’s to problem solve – just how will I take that particular shot?

    Never imagined myself as creative, but photography has given me a new lease of life, at least in respect of relaxation.

    Keep up the good work please!

  • paul parmenter

    Apologies for coming to this article a little while after its publication. I have been distracted by checking my privilege, which inevitably took quite a few days to accomplish since I am a white heterosexual male; and, well, those privileges sure do mount up, don’t they?

    But now that I am more or less comfortably reinforced in my patriarchal attitudes, can I add my voice in support of the value of creativity? I have found colouring books, despite the rather childish image, to be a very healthy way of combating stress – or downright boredom. Similarly cooking, which I have always regarded as a vital skill for men as well as women. I believe every man should learn how to cook for himself; it has always seemed strange to me that any man should have to rely on a woman – or anybody else for that matter – to feed him. And we should know that cooking allows for all manner of creativity, most particularly when you can be creative around what you enjoy eating and what you know is doing you good. Create your own good health – it really works.

    The article is correct; you do not need to be producing some grand masterpiece of art in order to derive satisfaction and some measure of inner peace. There are endless numbers of simple outlets for any frustrations or pressures you may feel. Start small, and ideas can soon grow big. It can be a vital lifeline in a world which so often seems indifferent to your well being.