Welcome to the second post in my Staying Positive series!
In my last post, I talked a little bit about my journey and how I learned over time to look on the bright side of every situation. But I want to remind you that it wasn’t an easy journey. There are numerous steps you have to make in order to make a habit of always staying positive when life throws challenges your way. One way, which I covered, is through keeping a gratitude journal. The second one that I’ll be talking about today is using a creative outlet to channel your feelings into and help yourself break free of those negative thoughts and feelings and look on the bright side.
Before I get started going over different creative outlets I recommend and which ones I find most beneficial for me, I want to remind you of something: you don’t have to be great at any of these things in order to use them as a way to stay positive!
Here are a few great examples of creative outlets and how you can use them to stay positive:
- Cooking & Baking – I’m not the best cook, but I love baking. I always find that it lightens my mood and also distracts me if I have a lot on my mind. Check out Pinterest for new recipes then give it a go. And then you have a yummy treat to eat, fresh out of the oven!
- Reading – When you’re overwhelmed with the events happening in your own world, dive into the drama of someone else’s world instead. Reading always helps me relax and acts as an escape from the real world when I need a break. Check out my Goodreads profile for some of my recommendations!
- Writing – This is my personal go-to to help me stay positive and get creative. Not only is writing a great way to get out your frustrations, it’s also a way to express yourself or escape your struggles. For example, I like to write poetry and fiction stories, as well as keep a journal, to get my thoughts out or just to vent about how I’m feeling and then start look forward and thinking positive again. Sometimes people ask why my poetry is so depressing and angsty when I’m such an optimistic and hopeful person, and I have to explain that I use it as a channel to vent in order to remain optimistic!
- Dancing & Singing – I don’t care if you’re tone deaf or the next Beyonce… nothing feels better than singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs. Music has such a big impact on your mood, so putting on a fun song to sing and dance to is always a great mood booster. For those who know me well, they can vouch that I’m always singing out loud or dancing around.
- Video Editing – This one is more advanced, but if you’re good at editing videos or just have the patience to mess around with iMovie or Premiere or any video editing software to learn, it’ll distract you and help you channel your emotions into something creative and productive while also learning a new skill.
- Roleplay or Acting – An acting class or just roleplaying in general is an obvious escape… you’re stepping out of your real world and jumping into another person’s mind to help play out scenarios from a whole new perspective.
- Drawing/Painting – When it comes to drawing, I can barely draw a stick figure successfully. However, doodling is still something that I find calming and it always helps me feel more creative and hopeful.
- Makeup – This is similar to painting and drawing if you think about it. You’re being artistic and basically using your face as a canvas. Check out a new makeup look on YouTube and then try it out on yourself. It’s fun and you might learn a thing or two!
- Coloring Books – If you aren’t big on painting or drawing, pick up a coloring book from the dollar store. They’re extremely relaxing and also have great benefits on your well-being.
- Puzzles – My last creative outlet I’ll throw in here is puzzling. It keeps your brain sharp while also being fun and relaxing. Pick one up at Target or order one on Amazon… my personal favorite are the Thomas Kinkade Disney puzzles!
What creative activity do you find to be most beneficial for your mood and overall well-being? Do you have any others you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments!
