Often after a stressful or tiring day, I turn to art as a tool for relaxation restoration. This may sound odd or unrealistic for anyone who deems themselves “unartistic.” But, the best thing about art therapy is that it requires no exceptional artistic ability. All it takes is the decision to sit down and get going on a project created from deep within your mind, and your mind only.

Art therapy has been psychologically proven to foster healing from trauma as well as promote mental wellness in a variety of ways. This is because in creating art with no boundaries, people begin a process of self-discovery, uncovering deeper emotions and values with each stroke of the brush and each choice of ink color, etc. 

So, if you’ve had a stressful day, here are two simple ways to get lost in your inner psyche and forget what stressed you out in the first place: 

1. Adult Coloring Book

One of my favorite adult coloring books is the “Secret Garden,” by Johanna Besford. This is art that takes no experience or expertise... You don’t even have to stay within the lines, if that’s not your ish! So settle into a comfy seat, open the Secret Garden, and become the creator of your own majestic world. Get lost in the colors and the patterns and before you know it, the clock will read 10 pm and your subconscious will have created a beautiful masterpiece.

2. Power of the Paintbrush

Even without any previous experience, painting can serve as a de-stressor for anybody, since painting inherently involves experimentation and trial-and-error. Grab your brushes, some water, and a color palette of choice. Mix and experiment and see what happens! What shapes work on the canvas? What colors seem to work together? What have you created without even meaning to?

These are two simple ways to get lost in your own inner aesthetic that you may not have even known to exist. And it’s guaranteed that by the end of your art therapy session, your mind will be cleared of it’s stress, your eyes will be tired, and you’ll even have a degree of self-satisfaction to carry you peacefully through the day or through a full night’s sleep.