5 Ways to Use Art to De-Stress (Even If You Don’t Consider Yourself Artsy)

Let’s be real—life is a lot sometimes. Between work, errands, constant notifications, and trying to remember if you actually drank that coffee or just made it and walked away (again)... burnout happens.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a professional artist to use creativity as a tool for calming your mind and lifting your mood.

As someone who lives in a studio full of paint, glitter, and occasionally flying glue sticks, I’ve seen firsthand how art can help people decompress. Here are five ways to try it—even if you’ve never painted a day in your life.

1. Color Like You’re 7 Again

Grab a coloring book. Print a sheet online. Use crayons if you want! There’s something incredibly satisfying about filling in little spaces with color. No pressure, no rules, just zone out and let your brain rest.

🖍 Bonus tip: Want to color with a twist? Try one-line or abstract outline art—it’s simple but way more fun than it sounds.

2. Paint With Your Fingers

Yes, seriously. Put on old clothes, grab some paint, and use your hands. Don’t worry about making anything pretty. Smear, swirl, and squish the paint around. It’s weirdly therapeutic.

🎨 No canvas? Use cardboard, old paper bags, or even a dollar store cookie sheet.

3. Make Something Small and Silly

Not everything has to be a masterpiece. Decorate a rock. Scribble on a mini canvas. Make a magnet that looks like your dog. The act of making is what soothes the nervous system—not the result.

🧠 Tiny wins = big joy.

4. Try Repetitive Art (Your Brain Will Thank You)

Dot painting, zentangle, even pouring little resin molds—anything that’s repetitive and slow helps shift your brain into a calm, focused state.

🌀 It’s the same reason people knit, walk, or fidget. Repetition = relaxation.

5. Join a Paint or Craft Party

Community and creativity? That’s a double win. You laugh, you make something cool, and you leave lighter than when you came in.

💡 No pressure to be perfect—just permission to play.

Final Thoughts:Whether you’re making a custom candle, doodling on a napkin, or just coloring inside the lines—art gives your busy brain space to breathe.

So go ahead. Doodle. Smear. Paint something terrible. You might just feel a little more like yourself by the end.