Finding a creative outlet is a great way to unwind and distract you from feelings of depression and other mental health issues. Depression can affect people in many different ways. One of the most common symptoms of depression is lacking the desire or motivation to participate in everyday activities. When depression takes a hold of you it can be incredibly draining but there are ways you can help yourself to improve your mood.
Why Will A Creative Outlet Help Depression?
Having a creative outlet benefits you in a number of ways, both with depression and your general mood and outlook on life. Creative activities often have a calming effect on the body and mind. Having a creative outlet is also a great way of expressing yourself. Don’t worry – you don’t need to be artistic or have any special skills.
Let’s take a look at some ideas to help get those creative juices flowing.
Revisit Happy Childhood Pastimes
A great way to get started is to think about what you enjoyed doing as a child. Think of it first as a broad generalization, like drawing, painting, playing music, dancing, really anything that used that creative part of your brain. From there, you can then figure out the specifics. Maybe you liked learning new forms of art rather than sticking to one thing, you enjoyed writing poetry or short stories, or loved coloring.
Anything you enjoyed as a kid could be a sign of what you might enjoy as an adult, even if it’s slightly different. Take it to the next level and give it a try right now. You will reduce your stress and your anxiety will suddenly be a lot easier to manage.
Meditate Through Music and Dance
A creative outlet can come in many forms. You don’t have to be artistic and create something like art or crafts. Music and dance can also be an effective creative outlet for depression. Music and dance both help get you into a type of meditative state. One where all your thoughts float away into the melody and you loose yourself in the movement or sound.
From listening to music during your daily self-care routine to dancing it out in your living room, both are equally effective. If you need more guidance there are plenty of dance videos on YouTube for you to try.
If dancing isn’t your thing then sitting comfortably and visualising happy thoughts to music can help. Let the emotion of the music help you drift away to relieve depressive thoughts.
Learn a New Creative Outlet
Perhaps the best creative outlet for you is something you are yet to discover! Maybe it’s time to learn something new. Is there a form of art you have always been curious about? what about a photography class to brush up on your skills?
Make a list of the different creative activities you would like to try. Maybe you have a fancy camera but you don’t know about all the settings, or you have always wanted to try making pottery or ceramics. There are classes online and in person for just about anything, so let your imagination run wild.
Being Creative Doesn’t Require Being Artistic
Don’t shy away from finding a creative outlet just because you aren’t artistic. First of all, art is subjective, so what you personally love might not be what someone else loves and vice versa. And most people who create things that other deem appealing practiced a lot at it.
Remeber this is about finding a creative outlet for depression, to help you deal with your mood. You aren’t trying to be perfect. You are simply finding a hobby or activity that uses a different part of your brain, helps distract you, and gives you something to do just for you. It’s about putting your self-care at the forefront and helping yourself.
I can’t wait to hear about all your different creative outlets! Please share in the comments below how you relieve your depression.
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