Becoming Stress Free with Art

Stress is not a feeling reserved for adults! Children can experience stress or anxiety for a variety of reasons, such as changes in routine, interpersonal conflict, or a result of expectations placed upon them. Children can also take on stress from their surroundings. The factors at the root of stress for young children are endless and too much stress- known as toxic stress- in a child's life can be harmful.

Children experience stress differently than adults, and they don't always have the words to express their feelings. This means that stress can show up in a variety of ways – such as mood swings, irritability, acting out, poor sleep or concentration, bathroom accidents, and even physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches.

The process of creating art can be relaxing!

Stress and anxiety can also lead to unhealthy habits, such as overeating or substance use. Teaching young children healthy ways to handle their emotions from an early age can provide them with skills they will need as they get older. Some simple tips include: having open communication, encouraging good sleep and eating habits, exercising, providing activities that are enjoyable, using calming breathing techniques, creating art or journaling, spending time outside, and encouraging positive thinking.

Art is just one approach to helping relieve stress. When we create, our minds are actively engaged in the process of creating. Without even realizing it, we release the worry and stress that are occupying our minds and we only focus on the task at hand. When we combine the act of creating with some mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and bringing attention to what is in front of us, the ability to relax is strengthened. Additionally, we often do not have words to express what we are feeling. Art's direct expression allows the feelings to make it onto the paper without any need for words.

Art is a perfect stress relief for children and adults!

ART ACTIVITY:

Supplies:

Scholastic

  • Paintbrush

  • Cup or Bowl

  • Liquid School Glue + Water

  • Scissors

  • Tissue Paper (most dollar stores have a great selection that allows for color bleeding)

  • Plain White Paper (thicker paper works best)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix equal parts liquid glue and water in a disposable cup

  • Tear or Cut Pieces of Tissue Paper

  • Use the paintbrush to brush the glue mixture onto the plain white paper where you'd like to place the tissue paper. You can try to create an image or you can lay the tissue on the paper randomly

  • Add a bit more glue on top of the tissue paper.

  • Observe what happens as you "paint" with the tissue paper! Sometimes the colors will bleed off of the tissue, creating some wonderful abstract designs and giving a lovely watercolor effect. Other times the tissue will stay exactly where you've placed it. The possibilities are endless!

As you create, focus on your breathing, be mindful, and see if you can slow it down a little bit. Take slow, deep breaths, and try to let your mind focus on what you are seeing and feeling as you work on your art. Try to relax your posture- roll your shoulders back, keep your feet flat on the floor, and roll your neck and head. Take a few more deep breaths. Try to empty your mind of thoughts, and when new ones pop in just try to push them away, and breathe.

If you are doing this activity with a young child, verbalize the relaxing techniques outlined above... "Let's put our feet flat on the floor and take a few deep breaths together" ... "I'm feeling really calm while I paint- how about you?". Just try to relax and enjoy the process with those around you.

Relax and Create!

Susan Dannemiller