Taking a breather
To say the holidays can be stressful is an understatement.
To the hobby artist or professional crafter, they can be a nightmare.
Some people work full time, have kids and a social life, and create art in the spare time, because it completes them.
Some people mass-produce crafts, on their own or with small staffs, to meet quotas for the stores selling their art. Much of the time, they’re also trying to juggle their family and social life at the same time.
With pressure mounting, artistic endeavors can fall behind. Projects sit half-finished on easels, pottery wheels collect dust.
Creating eases stress and keeps the mind active. Making art is a great way to take a breather and protect the soul.
On days you can’t dedicate the time to finish a full project, stop the rat race you’re caught in for a half hour or an hour. Work on a painting, sculpt something small and fun, or write a bit in your journal. Even if you’re behind, it’s important to stop the stress before it reaches your breaking point.
If the muse refuses to come, or you just can’t dedicate the time for what you want to do, go for a short walk outside or read something you find uplifting. Look at your favorite masterworks. Even better yet, flip through a magazine or pictures you find inspiring and file them for later.
Taking a hot bubble bath with a glass of bubbly and a good book or lighting a few candles and relaxing for a few minutes can also help.
Remember, when you’re stressed, the rest of your life can fall apart, which can lead to a block. It’s easier to keep creating when you don’t break the flow.
When I get stressed, I eat more sweets, can live for days off of Cherry Coke, and am lucky if I get a shower scheduled in every day. Everything suffers until I sort myself out.
If you guys have any tips on staying de-stressed for the season, let me, and the other readers, know what they are!
At the worst, mindless internet distractions might help a bit with the holiday frazzle. Check out the PacMan Christmas tree. Or, veg out in front of the new Deelishis video.
