10 Soothing Crafts To Calm Your Anxiety

10 crafts to get you in touch with your creative side and bring you some peace of mind

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the United States, and they affect nearly 1 in 5 American adults. Many people struggle to manage their anxiety, and it often manifests itself in unhealthy ways. Studies show that crafting can relieve this anxiety by allowing you to reach a meditative state. By allowing your mind to focus on the task at hand, you will find your worries become less apparent. Crafting can be a great outlet for people with anxiety-related disorders, and studies have shown that it can lead to elevated dopamine levels in the brain, granting you a sense of reward and an uplifted mood. That being said, if you’re looking for a way to relieve your anxiety or stress levels, or if you’re simply looking to find a relaxing hobby to keep you balanced, here are 10 crafts to get you in touch with your creative side and bring you some peace of mind.

Craft 1: Family Photo Magnets

Crafts by Amanda / Via craftsbyamanda.com

Tons of photos taking up space on your phone? This craft is a perfect way to showcase your memories while taking your mind off everyday stressors.

To get started you’ll need:

• Mod podge podeable shapes

• Photos printed on regular copy paper

• Decoupage

• A sponge applicator

• A pair of scissors

• Acrylic sealer spray

• White craft glue

• Round magnets.

Follow the link for this super simple craft that will take you on a trip down memory lane. https://craftsbyamanda.com/family-photo-magnets/

Craft 2: Pressed Flowers

Better Homes and Gardens / Via bhg.com

Are you the type of person that sees a gorgeous flower while walking and you have to pick it? Well now you can preserve your flower into art!

For this craft, you’ll need:

• 2 frames

• 2 fire bricks

• Cotton fabric or paper towel

• Flowers

• Hot glue

https://www.lilyardor.com/how-to-press-flowers-quick/

Craft 3: Water Marble Mug

The Sweetest Occasion / Via thesweetestoccasion.com

Tired of plain ole’ coffee mugs? Look no further. Brighten up your mornings with this creative way to personalize your daily cup of joe or wind down with a relaxing cup of tea.

This craft only requires 3 supplies:

• A blank mug

• Your favorite color nail polish

• Warm water

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCWkh-CmsIU

Craft 4: Paint Pouring

A Colorful Journey / Via acolorfuljourney.com

Start your all new painting with a twist by introducing paint pouring! It has found to be very soothing by watching the paint swirl and drip off the canvas! This exercise also allows you to be free through your colors & creative expression.

For this craft, you’ll need:

• Any canvas of your choice

• Acrylic paint

• Water

• A tray

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWp-pkzt-nQ

Craft 5: Homemade Wind Chimes

Simply Darrling / Via simplydarrling.com

Is music usually your go to? Do you use sounds to relax you? Wind chimes and provide the perfect melody that can always raise your spirits! A lot of people even believe that wind chimes brings good luck and fortune into your life! This craft can require a lot of different materials based off the different sounds you’re trying to create.

Some super common tools are:

• Nylon string

• Wood

• Tape

• Pencils, seashells, etc. can be used for the noises

https://www.diyncrafts.com/26281/decor/40-relaxing-wind-chime-ideas-fill-outdoors-beautiful-sounds

Craft 6: DIY Stress Balls

Red Ted Art / Via qualitylogoproducts.com

Are you starting to feel some tension building up and soon you’re about to erupt? This old schooled, yet powerful craft can help with just that! Not only does squeezing the ball allow you to release that negative energy, but it has also been found to be really relaxing and fun with just designing the stress ball.

The only things you need to make your stress balls are:

• Rubber balloons

• Playdoh

• Scissors

• Pens/markers.

https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/promo-university/do-stressballs-work.htm

Craft 7: Homemade Candles

The Spruce Crafts / Via thesprucecrafts.com

Making candles is a lot easier than it sounds, and it comes with a huge reward. Use your favorite essential oils to make a candle that you can light to make any environment more mellow. These will also last you ten times longer than any store-bought candle. On a budget? This could be a great Christmas gift for friends and family that won’t break the bank.

Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• A mason jar, or any other jar/container of your choice

• Parafin, soy, or other types of candle wax

• Essential oils/fragrance

• Candle wicks

• Dye (optional)

• A pot to melt the wax

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/basic-candle-making-instructions-516753

Craft 8: Tie Dye

Amazon / Via amazon.com

The beauty of tie dye is you can tie dye just about anything. Do you have plain white shirts, pants, blankets, or pillowcases? They make a perfect canvas for your tie dye art. This craft is extremely low effort and expense. Plus, who doesn’t associate tie dye with peace? A lot of stores carry tie dye kits, but you can still purchase the materials separately.

Here’s what you’re going to need:

• A t-shirt or other fabric canvas of your choice

• Fabric dye

• Rubber bands

• Gloves

• A tarp/sheet to protect your floors if you’re doing this inside

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm6qYaz_H_U

Craft 9: DIY Essential Oil Soap Bars

Events High / Via eventshigh.com

Soap is something none of us can live without (if you don’t want to be stinky), and it’s also super fun to make. You can use your favorite essential oils to make any scent you’d like and choosing a calming scent such as lavender or eucalyptus can relax your breathing. You can even add natural vitamins and moisturizers to keep your skin healthy. These soap bars will also help you avoid harmful fragrances and chemicals in store-bought soap.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Essential oils of your choice

• Soap base

• Vitamin E oil (optional)

• Oatmeal (optional)

• Dried herbs (optional)

• Dye (optional)

https://kyndraholley.com/diy-homemade-bar-soap/

Craft 10: Bath Bombs

Inspired by Charm / Via inspiredbycharm.com

After a long, hard day, who doesn’t love to take a warm bath to wind down? A scented bath bomb can help you relax with aromatherapy and can also help soothe your skin. This is another super easy recipe that you can use for yourself or give as a gift.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking soda

• Citric acid

• Sea salt/Epsom salt

• Cornstarch

• Essential oil of your choice

• Witches hazel (optional)

• Vanilla extract (optional)

• Water

https://wellnessmama.com/8350/bath-bombs/