A creative outlet can be the difference between sinking or swimming, they can be helpful tools to channel our anger and frustrations and sadness into something else, whilst increasing our skill of something we enjoy. The sense of achievement I feel after writing a post I’m really proud of can be enough to drag me out of a depressive slump and get me feeling productive and motivated again.
I’ve always been a creative person, so I’ve tried most of the things on this list at some point, but if you don’t know where to start, or would like to try something new, here are some ideas:
- Drawing
Even if you can only draw stick men, this is a fairly easy and inexpensive hobby to pick up. No matter your style or skill level, most people can easily pass the time doodling. And if you’re really no good at it, there’s always colouring books.
- Painting
Like drawing, this can be such a release, but this is something I’ve never been good at, although I wish I was. Luckily I follow a very talented painter who shares her amazing work online. You can buy Jemma’s art here.
- Making Music
I’m not musical at all, but my boyfriend plays the guitar and it always cheers him up when he’s feeling a bit low. My brother taught himself how to play the guitar and in just a year his progress is pretty impressive. Even just listening to music can drastically change your mood.
- Scrapbooking
I can’t mention this without thinking of Leslie Knope, but it is a hobby I’ve always wanted to try. It’s a great way to relive memories such as family holidays, and keep them forever in a pretty little album.
- Journalling
You can rant about your day, make lists, or maybe try some bullet journalling to keep you organised and self aware. Journals can be great to look back through in years to come. Hang on to them.
- Writing
Are you an avid reader who dreams of writing their own book one day? Creative writing is so therapeutic and you can write anything you want: short stories, long epics, mystery, comedy, poetry – you won’t know what you’re good at until you try it!
- Sewing/Knitting
As well as being a valuable life skill, it’s also incredibly calming and rewarding once you have a finished piece, and once you’ve got the hang of it you can knit scarves for everyone on your Christmas list.
- Photography
I love going for long walks and taking pictures of nature, and the bonus is that it encourages me to go outside which is so important for good mental health. There are an abundance of photo challenges out there if you lack inspiration, and as almost everyone has a smartphone now, this is one of the easiest hobbies to start today.
- Filmmaking
I love film; I’m obsessed with all the aspects that go into making one but I’ve never ha a go at it myself. You could go it alone, or gather a couple of friends and make a fun day of it. You could make a silly short film, a gripping thriller, or a thought provoking documentary. You’re the director!
- Makeup
Makeup is an art. I follow the incredibly talented Adele and I have no idea how she draws such intricate lines on her EYELID. There are plenty of tutorials out there to get you started – why not take that unloved palette out and give it a try?
- Cottage Crafts
Jewellery making, soap making, card making, the list goes on. You’ll be the best gifter at Christmas!
- Woodworking/DIY
This is a great skill to learn if your depression has a tendency to make you feel useless. You can craft some really beautiful and unique items once you’re skilled enough.
- Programming
You could create mods, apps, games, anything! If you’ve got a tech brain, this one’s for you. What would you create?
- Cooking/Baking
How therapeutic is cooking? Not only is it an important life skill you should definitely know how to do, but you get to eat as well! Check out The Anxious Cook to see really amazing recipes from someone who uses cooking as an outlet for their anxiety.
- Youtube/blogging
And finally we get to my main creative outlet – you’re on it right now! There are blogs and videos about anything nowadays: Lifestyle, fashion, travel, gaming, the list goes on. If you’re passionate about it, you can talk about it. You can even start a blog or a channel about one of the many hobbies listed above!
Did I miss any? What’s your creative outlet?
Great post with so many neat ideas. I accidentally picked up photography a few years ago when my hubby got me a camera that I really didn’t want. 😀 Now I just love nature photography especially. I’m met some awesome people out on the trails, and it takes me outdoors in the fresh air. A few months ago I took up drawing and find it to be very relaxing and focused. I took it up with the hope of leading me to painting, and just last Saturday did a painting class and finish my first piece of art work. Eventually I would like to paint my own photos that I take out in nature ….. all much fun along the way. I think most human beings if they really admit it, is depress or have some issues at one time or another in their lives. When I have been depressed, what has really worked for me is my faith in God.
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Great post! I’ve found blogging to be a fantastic way of clearing my mind when I’m on a low day.
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That’s great, me too!
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Positive attitude is a big plus, not always easy to achieve see my blog for a book that I recommend to all that is inspirational and uplifting and raises awareness and funds for three mental health charities, written by people suffering from or supporting people suffering from mental health.
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great suggestions! need to try some of these, thanks for sharing 🙂
Emma B
the25lifecrisis.com
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These are so great, compared to the harmful outlets many end up using. I would add exercise, reorganizing your room, and trying out clothes you haven’t worn in a long time as additional ideas
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This is such a great post! I’ll definitely give some of these a try when I’m feeling down! I blog, have a bullet journal and read when I’m feeling down!
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Thank you for sharing! Keeping a journal ha helped with my mental health and well being! It truly is the best!
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great list! i actually picked up crocheting this year to help with my anxiety and it does really help! i would love to learn how to play the guitar. this list is gonna end up really helping someone in a time of need. thank you for sharing this. hope you’re well xx
mich // simplymich.com
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Creativity has always been a great outlet for my anxiety – although my therapist told me it’s a distraction and I should learn to embrace the anxiety, as it’s the only way I’ll learn to overcome it… Hm. I enjoy doodling, adult colouring or baking. Even blogging and interacting with other bloggers has a flaming effect on me. Great post!
Kim | http://chimmyville.co.uk
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My creativity has always been my outlet when dealing with my anxiety. All things creative have been soothing when I feel overwhelmingly anxious. Thank you for sharing!
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These are great ideas. I find that anything I can do that is creative, that I don’t need people’s approval for is best. I knit, crochet, blog, make wreaths, refinish old furnature, etc.
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Hey, great article! All of these ideas are awesome. It is so important to have an outlet for all of your negative energy. I personally like to journal, blog, and edit videos as my creative outlets.
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Thank you! It’s really important to have a healthy outlet, I’m glad you have yours!
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These are all great ideas! Great coping mechanisms and tips for improving over all mental health and well-being. It’s one of the reasons I started blogging! I also like singing, and I sort of want to get back into creative writing 😂💕💖
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It’s so important to have a healthy outlet for stress – creative or not! You should definitely get back into creative writing, it’s so fun! ☺️
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I love this post – it’s such simple things that we do all the time but we don’t really turn to when we’re in a slump. I think that these are really good ideas and could help a lot of people so thank you for posting! 😊
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Thank you so much! ☺️ I hope it does help as I know it’s hard to get motivation and inspiration when you’re feeling low!
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It’s great that there are so many brilliant ways to let emotions out. I have so many, too! Singing and playing piano, writing, photography, makeup, exercising. It’s all so therapeutic!
Alice Xx
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It really is! ☺️
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It’s so true, I always start to feel down whenever I go awhile without writing :(. Its hard to feel motivated to do anything when you feel that low, so it’s nice to have this list to refer to!!
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I agree, when I feel low I’m hardly motivated to eat let alone write! I hope the list helps give you some ideas when you’re in that slump! ☺️
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Random thoughs writing paper writinh.helps me.
Pottery; art painting; poetry; social media off-loading; effective mefications; leisurely reading ; eascapism of films
So much my mind struggles to focus or concentrate on trying.
Answe for me involves body awarenesss of: mood ;restless anxiety agitation; acknowledging my best efforts on difficult days; seeeking variety by exercising.
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Exercising and mindfulness techniques are amazing for ‘grounding’ us when we experience high levels of stress or anxiety. Watching films is pure escapism and can be so helpful when I want to do something but don’t have the energy or motivation to engage in anything!
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