We live from one stress to another. It is impossible to avoid stress but in the meantime, we can do something to reduce the stress effects. Some of the effective stress relief methods that I use sometimes are coloring, drawing and painting. In my experience, these activities have a positive effect on our feelings and mental health.

Mandala coloring

One of the most effective art therapy method is coloring mandalas. I bought a coloring book with different round "mandala" shapes.

It was recommended to me by a friend who has an anxiety problem. This method helped my friend to resolve emotional problems and reduce stress. I am not anxious, but I had extremely stressful situations recently.

Circular mandala shapes symbolize the life circle and we are within that circle, with our family, friends... We need to look at the circle as a society to wich we belong. Circular design symbolizes that life never ends. During the coloring, I feel calm and well. I am focused and I don't think about choice of colors. It is spontaneous activity, driven by instincts.

Coloring helps us to find a way to inner peace. It is a healing tool with meditation effects.

Drawing

Sometimes I like to draw circular shapes in order to relax myself, in the same way as mandala shapes are drawn. Yesterday, I was inspired by Bitcoin cash and I drew this one...

I draw everything that comes to my mind, different shapes, flowers, trees...

Drawing helps me to discover my creative ideas and to use them. I know that paper can put up with everything and won't get mad at me. By drawing, I release my thoughts and transfer them to paper. After drawing, my thoughts are clear and I am calm. It is very beneficial activity. The relief that I find sometimes really surprises me.

Painting

I am not an artist. I am not a painter. I just love painting. I paint like a child but I enjoy that activity. The moment when I prepare everything that I need for painting is so relaxing for me. Canvas, paints, brushes...

It is enough for me to look at all these things and I have already got rid of stress. Recently, I wanted to see the sea everytime when I wake up in the morning and I was inspired to paint this picture...

I enjoy painting and now I also enjoy every morning when I wake up and see this picture. As I said, I am not a painter. I am sure that this picture would have looked better if my son had drawn it. But what matters is inspiration. Inspiration and creative activities relieve us of stress.

Closing thoughts

You don't have to be talented or an artist to do these creative activities. Art therapy encourages people to express their emotions through creative process and helps them to understand better their emotions, but also to be aware of other people's emotions. It is very important to use differnt methods to relieve stress, because the accumulation of stress endangers our health.

Thank you very much for reading.

Article and photos are original and mine.

Best regards to all readers and writers.