Using Art for Stress-Free Holidays

With all-time Christmas spirits at high, the holidays can be a season of joy and light for many people. As the end of the year rolls right around the corner, we can’t help but reflect on all our memories and achievements throughout the past months. But, as surprising as it sounds, the jovial Christmas spirit can quickly deteriorate when in competition with feelings of stress and anxiety during this time.

Holiday stress, or stress that arises during November and December is a common phenomenon that can quickly overwhelm people of all ages. A Harvard-published article titled “Holiday Stress and the Brain” indicates that a 2015 survey conducted by Healthline discovered that 62% of respondents in San Francisco revealed to have escalated levels of stress during the holidays. Only 10% indicated experiencing no stress during this time. 

This startling contrast in numbers reveals the negative impact of the holidays on the mental well-being of people. Holiday stress can sprout from a variety of reasons. Unrealistic goals, familial expectations, and never-ending to-do lists for Christmas can all easily contribute to stress. Let’s not forget about financial pressures to buy the perfect gifts and time constraints to meet deadlines! 

What’s more, teenagers also experience this stress, except that it can occur for different reasons. With teachers cramming final exams and projects before the semester ends, teens have to worry about finishing the year strong while studying for ridiculously stressful exams that can easily push them to their limits. Social obligations to attend holiday gatherings while balancing a demanding schedule can also be challenging.

Use Art to Combat Holiday Stress for Teens

Engage in low-stress art activities  

Pop open a coloring book or a sketchbook. Draw and color whatever comes to your mind to ease yourself and destress. Free-flow drawing can relieve psychological distress.

Visit an art museum

Visiting an art museum can help stimulate positive emotions through immersion and engagement. Walking around looking at different portraits and creations can help us form new perspectives and contemplative reflections.

Create holiday cards

Homemade gifts can be heartwarming and authentic as they come from genuinity. Making holiday cards allows teens to channel their imagination in creative endeavors.

Incorporating art during the winter time can be a rejuvenating experience for teens as it helps them significantly lower their holiday stress levels.