5 Surprising Ways Art Can Help You Feel Happier and Less Stressed

16 Jan

Hey there friend,

Life can feel so overwhelming sometimes, can’t it? Between the endless to-do lists, daily pressures, and those moments where our minds won’t stop racing, it’s no wonder we feel stuck. I’ve been there more than I care to admit, especially on days when stress and anxiety creep into every corner of my mind. But you know what’s helped me through those heavy days? Art.

Art has become a lifeline for me, a space to release, reflect, and rediscover parts of myself that get lost in the busy-ness of daily life. And before you say, “But I’m not an artist,” let me stop you right there. This isn’t about being “good” at art or creating a masterpiece. It’s about how the simple act of making or experiencing art can help you feel happier, lighter, and more connected to yourself.

Here are five ways art can positively impact your mental well-being and help you find some peace amidst the chaos.

1. Escape into a World of Your Own Creation

Art is like this secret doorway to another world, one entirely of your own making. When I lose myself in the act of creating something, time seems to melt away. This escape doesn’t just provide relief; it gives our minds a chance to rest. It’s as though, even for just a moment, we’re transported to a reality that we control… a world that’s entirely our own. In this realm, we can be free from judgment, expectation, and worry.

Try this: Set up a cosy little art space in your home. Gather materials that inspire you - colours, textures, brushes, or even just a favourite notebook. Let your imagination guide you to your own private retreat.

2. A Safe Space to Process Emotions

Sometimes, words aren’t enough to describe what you’re feeling and art has this incredible way of letting you say what words can’t. For me, creating is translating my inner world into something visible. It feels like giving those emotions a safe space to live outside of me. Art gives us permission to feel deeply, helping us acknowledge and work through those feelings without fear of judgment. A reminder that it’s okay to feel deeply, even if it’s messy.

Try this: Pick an emotion you’ve been trying to bury or avoid. Grab a pen, paint, or anything at hand, and create something that represents how it feels. Don’t worry about technique or skill, just let it flow. This is entirely for you, and you only.

3. Reignite Your Curiosity

Too often, we become bogged down in what’s “practical” or “adult”, but remember when you were a kid, and you’d get lost in drawing or crafting, not caring about how it turned out? That joy, that freedom, is still inside you. Art can bring that spark back. It’s a chance to play, to dream, and to explore without the fear of doing it “wrong” because in art, there is no right or wrong. Let yourself play, experiment, and even make mistakes. It’s those so-called “mistakes” that often lead to the most unexpected and beautiful discoveries. Art reminds us that not everything has to be practical or polished to have meaning.

Try this: Experiment with a new medium - maybe colour pencils, clay, or even finger-painting (yes, really). Let go of expectations and just see what happens. Play with it, be curious, and allow yourself to experiment freely. Allow yourself to be surprised by the process and see where curiosity leads you.

4. Small Wins, Big Confidence

There’s something incredibly empowering about finishing a creative project, no matter how small. For those of us who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the weight of daily life, finishing a small project, like a tiny painting or a quick sketch, can remind you of your resilience and ability to create something meaningful. Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful, it just has to be honest. When you look back on what you've made, you’ll be reminded of your resilience and ability to create beauty in this crazy world.

Try this: Give yourself 30-60 minutes to complete a small piece, whether it’s a doodle, a collage, or a quick page in your art journal. Celebrate that moment of accomplishment, knowing you created something purely for yourself.

5. Finding Connection and Community

Art has this magical way of connecting us with others. When we share our creations, we open ourselves up to finding people who see the world the way we do, who understand what it feels like to pour your heart into something. Whether it’s through an online art group, a local class, or simply sharing your art on social media, finding people who understand and appreciate your creative journey can provide support and encouragement, and even inspire others to start their own journey.

Try this: Join an online art community or even start one yourself, as a way to share your journey. Keep sharing your progress and watch how your story connects with others. Who knows what it may lead to?

Art isn’t just about creating beautiful things, nor am I saying it will magically erase all your worries, but it can help you breathe better, feel lighter and reconnect you with what makes you feel alive; it’s about nurturing our mental well-being, connecting with others, and finding calm within ourselves. So, why not give it a try?

If you enjoyed reading this and found it to be inspiring, I’d love to extend an invitation for you to join my newsletter. By joining, you’ll receive exclusive art updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my artistic process, where the magic unfolds right before your eyes. Sign up here.

Until next time,