by Loren Howarth
Everyone needs some alone time occasionally. Even if it’s just simply sitting back and relaxing for a few minutes a day. Watching your favourite movie or starting a new book can be good for down time. This summer, challenge yourself to spend your time off productively by expressing yourself creatively.
Even if you can’t draw a stick figure, you’ll develop new skills and might even make something you’ll treasure forever.
Draw or paint
Painting or drawing creates peace of mind whilst letting your imagination run wild. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, find a quiet place outside and draw your surroundings. This will give you inspiration until something sparks in your mind.
Buy an adult colouring book and some coloured pencils if you don’t want to paint – these are becoming increasingly popular. Colouring books are a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day. And if you stay in the lines, you might end up with a master piece.
Keep a journal
The best way to write is straight from your mind to paper. If you’ve had a good day, a light bulb moment, or just want to some goals to work toward, write them down. Try not to spend time overthinking, instead write what you feel. You can even add photographs, drawings or magazine clippings to jazz it up.
Re-reading your journal later on can help you relive some of your favourite memories. You can also tick off the goals you’ve accomplished and see what’s next on your list.
If you really want to express yourself, purchase a ‘Wreck This Journal’ – designed for those afraid to draw outside the lines. It’ll get your creative juices flowing, as each page requires you to ‘wreck’ the journal in a different way. You can tear it, poke it and even spill coffee on it.
Take photos
Photography allows you to showcase how you see the world. The possibilities are endless as you can shoot from so many different angles. If you’re up for the task, have some fun with Photoshop to learn the ropes of editing or explore free online software like Canva and PicMonkey.
Flowers, animals and people are a good starting point for photos. Grab a few friends, go out exploring and take photos together. Beaches, national parks or even cities make great spots. Technology these days allows you to use your smartphone for high-quality photos, so no need to worry about a camera. This’ll let you capture unexpected moments and edit your photos on the spot.
There are so many ways to get creative, these are just a few suggestions. Dancing, singing and even cooking might do the trick for you. It’s all about trial and error.
