Growing up, I was always the artistic sort. I was never very good in classes involving Math or Sciences, but I excelled in Art Class. Painting, sculpting, and writing poetry all came easily to me. As a child I wanted to be a world famous artist. I wanted people to see my sketches or paintings and think, “Wow. This girl is going somewhere.” Well, that never truly happened. My art took me exactly nowhere, and for a long time was abandoned. I grew up, got married, had a couple of cute kids, started college, and tried to find my way to a career that would give my family a solid foundation while still allowing me to follow a passion. But, undoubtedly, whenever life becomes stressful I will turn back to art as a way to de-stress.

It’s 1AM and I can’t sleep. Why can’t I sleep? Maybe it’s the fact that money is tight or that college will be back in session soon and I’m worried how I will maintain schoolwork, a job, my kids, my articles, and my sanity all at once. Life in general is stressful for everyone and I have found that art is a calming outlet for me. Instead of dwelling on things that I can’t change, I pour all my concentration into making sure this one line of paint is straight, or that the colors I’m using transition in a beautiful way, I am able to keep my mind off of what is out of my control for that short period of time.

“The underlying goal of art therapy is to improve or restore a client's functioning and his or her personal feelings of well-being.”

More people these days are realizing the benefits of single-minded artistic pursuits through Adult Coloring Books. Concentrating on coloring in those small lines gives your mind a break from the stresses of everyday life.

Art Therapy has been known to help people who are experiencing anxiety, depression,PTSD, and a number of other mental and physical ailments. This sort of artistic stress relief is certainly not limited to painting; sketching/drawing, coloring, sculpture, dance, writing stories or poetry, music (either listening or playing), singing, and other artistic hobbies can all be a source of stress relief. While at-home-art is not as effective as actual Art Therapy provided by a licensed Therapist.

So when I am stressed, out comes a cheap Walmart canvas bought on clearance and a big set of acrylic paints that was given to me as a gift on my last birthday. What comes out on the canvas often has nothing to do with how I feel at that moment. I am not trying to spill my emotion onto the canvas. I am simply trying to feel better by creating something beautiful. Lately, I have been stuck on the beauty of the octopus and have tried to form something ethereal on the canvas. It hasn’t worked for the most part, but I still enjoy seeing the results of my time.

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Think you’re not an artist? Who cares? You’re creating something for yourself and your mental well-being, no one else. Don’t limit yourself to what others think. That is not the way to be happy. Express yourself and create your own peace.