How Are You Holding Up?
- christenevanwyk0
- Oct 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Hey there, how are you really doing? With everything happening in the world today—the pressure to keep up with work, family, and even just the constant flood of news—it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it feels like the weight of it all just keeps building. If you’ve been struggling to find a moment of peace, I want to check in with you. Are you taking care of yourself?
In moments like these, it can be hard to find healthy ways to release the tension. That’s where art comes in. You don’t need to be an artist to experience the benefits. It’s not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about letting go, expressing yourself, and finding a space to breathe. Engaging in creative activities—whether it's doodling, painting, or simply playing with colours—gives your brain a chance to slow down. It can even help you process emotions you didn’t realise you were holding onto.
Here are a few art-based activities you can try today, no matter your experience level:
Colouring Mandalas – Mandalas are circular designs that can be very therapeutic to colour. They help with focusing your mind, much like meditation. The repetitive motion of coloring inside the lines can create a calming effect and give your brain a break from overthinking (I shared some ideas on my Facebook page).
Journaling with Doodles – Pairing words with sketches can help you work through what’s on your mind. Even simple doodles on the margins of your journal can bring clarity and calm. There’s no need for perfection, just let your hand move as your thoughts flow.
Paint Your Emotions – Take a blank piece of paper and some colours. Without thinking too much, start painting what you feel. Whether it’s anger, frustration, sadness, or joy, allow the colours and strokes to reflect your emotions. The act of putting it on paper can be a release in itself.
In a world that’s always pulling us in a thousand directions, it’s easy to forget to nurture our inner selves. Art gives us the gift of that moment of pause—a chance to reconnect with who we are beneath the stress. So, how are you really feeling? And, more importantly, when will you give yourself the chance to sit with your feelings and create? You deserve that moment.
We all do.
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