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Creativity
Engaging in creative activities is a healing process, it leads to more energy, excitement and enthusiasm tomorrow.
The arts can help you to lower stress and anxiety, feel calmer and more relaxed, and can give you a sense of accomplishment while allowing you to explore your emotions.
You do not need to be a professional, don’t worry about the final outcome, just enjoy the process of creation and start today. Why not join one of the University of Bradford Union of Students societies, get creative and make friends!
Here are some ideas to get your art on:
Art
Whether you’re drawing, painting, sculpting, or expressing your creativity through another art form, it can be rewarding and productive. When you’re making art, you’re more likely to concentrate on the task at hand, helping to let go of your worries and troublesome thoughts. All you need to do is watch a video of Bob Ross to know the soothing power of art.
Music
Depending on the type and style, music has been proven to reduce stress, induce a meditative state, and even relieve symptoms of depression. When you listen to your favourite songs, endorphins are released, your heart rate and breathing can be slowed, and your levels of stress-inducing cortisol can even decrease. Why not create playlists for different moods and take time to just sit and listen when you need to escape.
Dance
Dancing, whether serious or silly, is a positive outlet for our emotions. Even if you have no rhythm at all, dance connects your mind and body in a really unique way helping fight depression and improve your overall mood. Aside from the benefits of movement and music, dancing also allows us to become more connected and social. Don’t be self conscious or insecure, why not create a routine with a friend for Tik Tok.
Colouring
Colouring books are no longer just for children and are now seen as therapeutic for adults. Research suggests that colouring can aid all round mental health and helps relieve stress, anxiety and depression, while improving your sleep and focus by inducing a meditative state allowing the mind to rest.
Crafting
A craft is an activity such as weaving, carving, or pottery that involves making things with your hands. The activities have a meditative quality due to their repetition, but also require focus and attention, which can provide healthy distraction from other stresses and allow us to engage in mindfulness by keeping us in the present moment.
