Meditative effect of art: creative design for relaxation and well -being

Art goes far beyond mere aesthetic enjoyment. She can inspire, relax and even heal.

In a world of multicise and increasing challenges, people long for a chance to free their minds and come to rest. Creative activities offer a welcome valve here. In addition to classic painting and sculptural works, there are also many interactive art forms with a calming effect. Creative employment that are characterized by constant, repeated actions, such as mandalas, coloring books for adults, painting by numbers, diamond painting and mosaic art are very popular.

All of these relaxing creative hobbies have in common that they at the same time promote concentration, reduce tensions and deliver wonderful results.

A key to relaxation is creativity

Relaxation is an essential aspect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Life is naturally creative. Life is energy - pure creative energy ",

Julia Cameron's bestseller creative guide “The Artist's Way” with 10 basic principles begins. Creativity is a spiritual experience in the author's eyes ( BBC Culture ). Cameron makes it clear that there is no "creative elite" - we are all creative. While she started as a screenwriter and still writes novels, poems and songs, she devoted her life to teach. She teaches hundreds of creative people who come to her with self -doubt, self -criticism or a lack of time or talent.

But how can we relax when life around us is so chaotic? When our children are constantly dependent on us. If our job is overwhelming and we don't find time to take a breath? "

If things appear hopeless, some proven relaxation techniques can be effective refuge. For functioning escapism it doesn't have to be a hit music 😉

At first glance, relaxation and creativity do not seem to have an immediate connection. But people are creative beings. We thrive in creative environments. Many adults do not practice creativity every day. However, if you practice being creative, you can relax, reduce stress and even become more productive.

It has been shown that creative self -expression has been shown to increase well -being. Art not only stimulates the imagination, but also helps to consciously linger at the moment. The normal life disappears from the field of vision and the spirit can cool down during the creative process.

Studies show that creative jobs such as painting, modeling with sound and ceramics or collage design reduce our stress level and produce happiness hormones. In particular, art forms that require methodical approach have a relaxing effect; They enable us to concentrate all around on work and thus to get inner calm.

Design is also fun!

Why do we have to relax?

Relaxation is really important for your mental well -being. Without relaxation, body and mind are quickly exhausted. We are people, not a robot. Our body and mind need time to relax and regenerate. Life has unique physical and emotional requirements ready for us. Knowing when and how we can relax is crucial for our well -being.

If we relax with creative activities, we may also be more productive after returning to the workplace.

How do you find time for yourself?

Time is a strange thing. We often believe that we don't have enough or that it goes out too quickly. Yes, we only have a limited time on earth. And we only have 24 hours a day to do everything we see, do and experience. But how is it that some people seem to do so much more than others at the same time?

The easiest way to take time for yourself is to plan you. Take it up in your schedule and treat it like a visit to the doctor or a telephone conference. Then keep your promise!

When you talk about it, it's a dream. If you imagine it is possible. If you plan it, it's real. "

, according to the world -famous motivational trainer Tony Robbins .

Another idea is to develop daily habits If you pursue an activity every day, you will of course also plan time for it. You no longer have to think about it. It happens automatically and thus releases mental energy.

Why it is important to be creative

If we acquire a creative habit, we can be more open and reactionable. According to Sir Ken Robinson , a pioneer of creative education, it becomes clear:

If you are not ready to make mistakes, you will never think of anything original. ”

By regularly practicing creativity, we allow ourselves to make mistakes in a safe environment. This frees our gray mass in the head of stuck structures and the synapses build new, valuable connections in our brain.

Which types of creative design are particularly relaxing?

01 Mandalas, mosaics and dazzling stones

Mandalas are a particularly popular art form that is used as a meditation exercise. These circular designs are deeply symbolic in many cultures and stand for harmony and infinity. When painting or drawing a mandala, the focus is on the repetition of shapes and colors, which relaxes the mind. The conscious filling of surfaces with color can have a comparable effect such as meditation.

Mosaic art is another creative hobby that promotes relaxation. Small stones, glass splinters or clay shards are arranged in such a way that a larger picture is created. The rhythmic arrangement of the individual elements is not only a means of creative self -portrayal, but also an exam for patience and fine motor skills.

If you want a modern grade, try Diamond Painting , in which tiny, dazzling stones are placed in a certain color pattern on a canvas. The calm, even process promotes concentration and balance.

02 Coloring coloring books

Painting is maybe my favorite relaxing and creative leisure activity. Getting started is very simple. If you find a simple technique, you can stop the inner voice that tells you that you don't have time. Get a coloring book and a few colored pencils. I like to use my niece's coloring books, but there are also many painting books for adults .

Just start coloring! Selecting your colors and filling out the photos can quickly put you in a relaxed state.

03 listen to music

Music is another excellent way to relax and be creative. Simply sitting and listening is a conscious relaxation practice. See what to expect. Do you feel restless? Fidgety? If so, set a timer to 10 minutes and dedicate this time to active music listening.

Setting yourself limits can often help you relax and enjoy the present moment.

Music stimulates areas of her brain, the dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. According to studies, listening to music can help reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain. It can also help you to sleep better, feel more alert and to remember better.

Tip: Then lead a diary to record all ideas, thoughts or feelings that have come to mind.

04 splatter painting

This can be an excellent technique to release stored energy or emotions. Think of Jackson Pollock ! This exercise is best performed outdoors or in an environment in which the color flying around cannot do any damage.

I like to use large leaves of paper or canvas and acrylic paint. You can dilute the color with medium or buy ready -to -eat color. Choose some colors and a brush. Then start distributing your color with energy and swing. Concentrate on covering your side or canvas completely with color!

05 finger colors

The act of getting dirty can be both soothing and liberating. The additional component of feeling the color on the fingers enables them to be more present. Draw circles or simply mix the colors on your paper.

It's not about the end product. It is about experiencing freedom and feeling the textures. Tempera colors are ideal for this project and are easy to clean.

06 flowing watercolors

This is an excellent, careful art practice. You need watercolor paper, color, a brush and water. Moisten the entire paper with water. Then dip your brush in water and a color of your choice. Apply a color line to your color. Keep the paper upright and watch the river. If necessary, add another color and watch how the colors mix.

Another wonderful trick is to mix some food salt into the wet color. This technique creates some extremely amazing effects in color. Breathe in deeply and watch how the color is scattered. Slowly breathe out.

07 scrambled

Also scribbling is an excellent relaxation method that can be carried out anywhere and at any time. Set a 5-minute timer with a sheet of paper, a ballpoint pen or a pencil. Then scribble.

Are you not sure what to scribble? Which picture always comes to mind, it is an excellent starting point. Choose simple shapes and avoid being lost in subtleties. Some ideas include hearts, balloons, stars, vertebrae, tornados, birds, trees, butterflies, sun, moon, snakes and/or flowers. Try filling the entire page in 5 minutes!

08 macrame

Macrame also helps to relax mentally. The repeated movements create a peaceful environment in which your work of art is the only thing there is. If you focus on an activity, your senses come alive and your heart rate takes on an even rhythm. It slowly leads them to relaxation and concentration.

If you find a challenge when meditating, try macrame . It enables you to reach the flow state without feeling overwhelmed. In flow state, you win confidence, satisfaction, increased creativity and improved emotional control.

It has been proven that handicrafts like macramé act as a natural antidepressant. Studies of people with anxiety, sadness, insomnia, and even PTSD show that incorporating crafts into daily life helps these individuals experience fewer symptoms.

Your body is better able to carry out your normal processes while knoting up while the stress level drops at the same time. Learning a new ability creates new neurons and strengthens the interaction between brain cells and receptors. Studies have shown that the exercise of art and craft can help relieve symptoms associated with cognitive decay.

09 origami

The traditional Japanese craft of paper folds - origami - has been practiced for thousands of years. What was once a leisure activity has developed from a creative pastime into a conscious and meditative art that appeals to people all over the world. In addition to the joy of the production of exquisite paper sculptures, origami offers a special opportunity for relaxation, mental concentration and inner calm.

Basically, origami is a meditative technology for forming consciousness. Folding paper requires attention and concentration, which can help find serenity and to free the spirit of distractions. You sink completely at the present moment when you carry out the repeated movements of folding and folding; The spirit reaches a state of flowing, in which ideas and worries disappear.

Additional benefit: artistic housing decoration

In addition to relaxation, creative activities ensure a visual result in the form of a work of art that can contribute to living room design. A self -painted mandala ensures a harmonious wall, while an artistic mosaic makes a table or a vase an optical eye -catcher. Handmade macrame wall hangings and exquisite origami folding gives a room a personal, playful note.

Diamond painting and other methods can set brilliant accents. The small stones reflect the light and thus create spectacular effects that change depending on the incidence of light. Works of art become soothing projects for your own residential decoration.

Who are creative relaxation techniques for?

Regardless of age or experience, everyone who wants to escape everyday life will find these creative design techniques pleasant and helpful. Especially people who are difficult to switch off or who are constantly stressed benefit from the relaxing power.

Creative relaxation methods can also be interesting leisure activity for older people or people with restricted mobility. They promote motor skills and train attention, but do not require physical exertion. They also impart a sense of achievement, thus contributing to strengthening self -confidence.

Even young people are more fun to express themselves creatively despite media use. A practical replacement for digital media are mandalas or filigree design with colored stones and mosaics. When parents, children and even grandparents come together in creative figures, this sociable constellation leads to a great time of deceleration and connection.

Small portion of art as a daily meditation for body and psyche

Whether mandalas, mosaic art or placing diamond stones - creative design is much more than just a hobby. It helps us to clarify our thoughts, to focus on the here and now and to find inner peace. Especially in stressful and challenging times, a conscious, creative break can significantly increase your own well -being.