Anxiety is a feeling that often affects the lives of many people. Although there are many tips and tricks to help anxiety, including small exercises or talking to a loved one or therapist, today we will be going over more creative ways to reduce anxiety. Since an increase of anxiety is often caused by our imaginations, we can use our imagination in a different way, and actually decrease these feelings of anxiety. Thus, we can bring a creative aspect into reducing our feelings of anxiety.

1. Use the “balloon breath” method

   1. The “balloon breath” method is when we imagine a balloon is inside our abdomens, just below our belly buttons. Within this exercise, we breathe in, slowly, for three seconds. While we do this, imagine a balloon inflating in your abdomen. Then, after three seconds, we breathe out slowly, and the balloon deflates.

2. Visualize an animal, or person, that is protecting you

   1. Within this method, allow yourself to think about the situation that is causing you anxiety, but imagine someone, or something protecting you. Think about who or what it is, and what they look like. Allow your mind to be imaginative and bring you to another world. Let this someone protect you from your worries. Let them guide you into achieving your goal of overcoming those anxious feelings.

3. Use body movement

   1. Try doing a dance or movement that relaxes you. Take the time to think about what this movement would be. Try different movements to see which works best in decreasing your anxious feelings

4. Listen to music

   1. Allow yourself to get lost in your favorite song or music from your favorite artist. Really let yourself feel this music and immerse yourself in it. What’s the meaning of the lyrics? How does it make you feel?

5. Draw or paint

   1. You don’t have to be an artist in order to enjoy art! Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and just let yourself be locked in. Draw your favorite place, your favorite food, anything that brings you joy. If you don’t like how it looks, just focus on different strokes or colors. Allow yourself to focus on the movements of your hand, and eliminate those anxious feelings.

References:Gilbert, C. (2022). 7 creative ways to reduce anxiety. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heal-the-mind-heal-the-body/202201/7-creative-ways-reduce-anxiety