Unleash your creativity as you unwind your mind
By: Monica
Celebrating the new year, coming back from a break, and jumping into the Winter term can feel a bit fast and overwhelming. We need a moment to slow down, hit pause, and remind ourselves that our wellness matters. What better way to do that than through art and creativity right at home! It’s easy, simple, and can feel very therapeutic. I’ve listed some fun DIY art activities to try out this winter. Enjoy the process and get lost in the flow!
1. Collage or Vision Board Making
Have you ever heard of a vision board? Well, it’s a three-step process: cut, paste, and display! Think of it as storytelling. Vision board is a visual reminder of your goals made from different photos, magazine cutouts, and printed materials. It’s very therapeutic because it helps you be intentional with the images you are looking for. It helps you reflect on what it is that you want to achieve in life, and from that, you start to search for photos, cutout letters, and design your board. Hang your finished vision board on a place where you could see it every time!
2. Origami
Who knew folding paper could be very relaxing? Origami is a great way to practice focus and concentration. Each fold helps you be in the present moment, and once you get into the rhythm, you find yourself one fold closer to the outcome. And there’s something satisfying about seeing the result of every fold that you made. I found this website that can help you choose which model to start from. Get that paper and have fun folding!
3. Doodling
You know those random stars and squiggles you doodle during class? Well, it turns out it helps with clearing your mind. It keeps your hands busy, your thoughts present, and your imagination flowing. Let your thoughts wander freely as you draw random shapes, lines, and patterns. Unlike origami and vision boards, doodling doesn’t need to have a plan or an end result — and that’s the beauty of it. Sometimes what starts as a blank page of aimless doodling can turn into a whole sheet of creative and honest expression. Remember, doodling is not about perfection, it’s about being present. You simply enjoy and get creative in the process.
4. Bullet Journaling
It’s words and paragraphs but with spice! Bullet journaling lets you be creative and organized at the same time. Think of it as a planner with endless possibilities. It’s expressing yourself through words and crafts. When I first started bullet journaling, I would set aside time to design my weekly and monthly layouts, making it different theme for each month, and adding fun pages like “movies to watch” or “books to read.” The first step I take is to get inspiration and ideas from Pinterest. After that, I dive into creative mode. The best part about it is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It could be a calendar, a tracker, a diary, or whatever you set it out to be! It’s a blank canvas that’s waiting to be filled with moods, memories, and moments.
With these DIY art activities you can try at home, you’re giving yourself some deserved “me time.” See which activity you enjoy the most and let yourself get fully immersed in the process. Bonus tip: Do this while listening to music to help set the mood! 🎵
I’ve also created a FREE printable creativity worksheet that’s filled with simple prompts to help your imagination flowing and some positive affirmations to give you a boost. Download the worksheet, grab your pens and markers, and treat yourself to some reflective “me time!”
Winter Wellness is at your campus!
January is all about wellness month. Join the night of Vision Boarding, unwind at Spa Day, or move your body at these SSU wellness events. Choose what fits right and make space for your wellbeing. Check out these upcoming wellness events instore for you:
