By Crystal Smith, Managing Editor
Students frequently get lost in a sea of deadlines and responsibilities in the chaos of academic life. As the spring semester progresses, it is critical to investigate several approaches to stress management and wellbeing promotion.
One such avenue is the world of arts and crafts, a creative escape that not only engages the mind but also offers therapeutic benefits for stress relief. A few forms of arts and crafts activities that one can engage in include candle making, painting, and collage making.
For starters, candle making provides a medium for self-expression. Choosing colors, scents, and even the candle shape can reflect your mood or desired atmosphere. This creative expression allows for a healthy outlet for emotions, contributing to emotional well-being.
Besides this, the incorporation of scents in candle making opens the door to aromatherapy benefits. Certain fragrances, such as lavender or chamomile, are known for their calming properties, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. The scent released by the candle can create a soothing environment, promoting relaxation.
Another DIY art and crafts exercise that can be completed is painting. Immersing yourself in the process of painting provides a healthy distraction from various stressors. By redirecting your focus toward the canvas, it allows you to create a mental space where worries take a back seat, allowing for mental rejuvenation.
Joining painting classes or art groups can provide a sense of community. Also sharing paintingexperience with others fosters a supportive environment where individuals can exchange ideas, inspiration, and encouragement.
“Even though I’m not a great painter or barely even artistic, painting has been one of the various ways that I relieve stress,” said Lauren Cornish, a sophomore majoring in business management.
As candle making and painting are great art and crafts activities that can be utilized by students to relieve stress this semester, they can also utilize the art of collage making. Collage making allows for a wide range of creativity without the pressure of traditional art techniques.
Students can cut and arrange images, textures, and colors to create a visual representation of their thoughts and feelings. Likewise, collages can serve as a visual representation of your goals and aspirations. Create a vision board with images and words that represent your academic, personal, and wellness goals for the semester. Displaying this collage in your study space can serve as a motivational reminder.
As the demands of daily life intensify, creating moments for creativity becomes a valuable act of self-care. Arts and crafts activities offer a therapeutic journey into serenity, allowing individuals to unwind, express themselves, and rediscover joy. Whether through the stroke of a brush, the fold of paper, or the creation of a candle, the world of creative expression beckons, inviting all to find solace in the art of crafting serenity.
