I’ve had a stressful month, going through some big stuff and big changes that will ultimately be really good in the end, but now are causing me some anxiety, tension and neck pain. Ugh! So, it is a good thing that I have started my Art of Giving e-course today, reminding me to lean more towards gratitude and taking care of myself a bit more than I have been.
I have a propensity for being a highly anxious person, something that doesn’t really come across on my blog or really in my daily life, but it has always plagued me. It comes and goes and I am really good at hiding it from others. Unfortunately, it is my poor husband that sees it the most, especially when I wake up at night feeling like my heart is racing and I can’t breath.
Over the years, I have learned to deal with it with yoga, deep breathing, exercise, music and decreasing caffeine, which really does makes it a lot worse. One of the greatest things that really calms my nerves though, is making art. Even if I am just playing in my art journal, which I am now calling my de-stress journal. It is the one thing that really takes me away, like those funny calgon commercials from the 1970s. It also helps to have a good husband, friend or blog to talk to, which I am thankful to have all three.
I pulled out my watercolors last weekend to help me cope with this stress and anxiety. Here is what I’ve made so far. It has been a long time since I’ve painted with my watercolors. You can see some of my old watercolor illustrations here.
Thanks for listening.
I am happy that your eclass starts today. I know it will be great.
Being creative is a great stress release! Sewing and knitting are my thing. I’ve been wanting to start doing watercolour in a journal. Is there a certain kind of journal you use so it can stand up to the water?
This is my moleskine. Sometimes I gesso the pages first, sometimes I don’t. Sometime the watercolors take well, sometimes they don’t . There are some great art journals just for watercolor. I prefer those, but can’t find mine.
So sorry to hear that you are feeling anxious….I hope that your art truly brings you some peace! Your spreads are lovely.
you certainly DO hide it well! how wonderful you have the perfect outlet to ease the anxiety…thank you for sharing Regina
I’ve always found that being creative takes my mind off whatever might be causing me stress ~ exercise too.
I’m loving your paintings ~ everything is so beautiful ~ do hope you find some relief from the stress and anxiety in you life. Think of you.
You are so sweet to share this…..its nice to know as anxiety is something I deal with too; and I am so glad you are starting your e-course today…..I will miss doing it but creativity is definitely a balm to ones soul, and I have just got a big box of watercolour crayons to play with :-D…..big hugs xx Mel.x
I have been destressing by revisiting last years e-course and making lots of your lovely beaded bracelets…it’s working for me too! Have fun with this years class and take care Em xx
Love you dearest heart! I so understand about the anxiety yuck. I think of you every day and am sending you good and peaceful thoughts today. You are one of my anxiety helpers. Just coming to your blog fills my (sometimes pretty rough days) with a really beautiful bright spot. Thanks for sharing, and being a truly wonderful, beautiful person, inside and out. xoxox Miss you! xoxox (your rose painting ROCKS by the way :o)!!)
Art as a stress release is an amazing thing. I have had an absolute pig of a day, and the only thing that’s kept me going is knowing that when I clock off I’ll be able to go home, get my paints out and forget about everything.
Well, I say “the only thing”, but I’ve been surfing through your blog for ages!
Your watercolours are beautiful and serene. Love them. I havent done watercolors for ages. perhaps I will try some again too. Thanks for the inspiration!
regina, i am so excited for you and the big changes, but i know how that can also bring stress with it. I am so glad you are starting the e-course and yes you take care of yourself!!! i remember those commercials well:)