If you are feeling a bit low it can often help to think back to a happy childhood memory as a way of lightening the mood, so it makes perfect sense that some of the activities you enjoyed as a kid could provide some useful stress relief as an adult.
Here is a look at the line of thinking that has seen coloring books and other childhood activities find their way into the mainstream of mental health therapeutic suggestions.
There are tips on how to use art to ease your mind, why the ancient art of paper folding is worth learning, and why working with clay and playing in the park should also be grown up activities.
An artistic solution
You might think that indulging in a bit of artistic creativity might not necessarily offer much in the way of easing your mind from what is troubling you, but there are a growing number of adults who are embracing this idea.
Adult coloring books have enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent times and this coloring book app has proved popular with people who want access to the option on their phone.
When you are focusing on some unique artwork it can ease your stress by diverting your attention away from any problems you are trying to deal with.
The general scientific observation is that by using your vision and motor skills you temporarily captivate your brain and push stress factors to one side while you are drawing and coloring. If you are into fashion, you might like Bouffants & Broken Hearts Coloring Book: 75 Designs Inspired by Pop Art and Fashionย by Kendra Dandy.
When you think back to your childhood, you will probably have spent hours happily working on some sort of art project, so think about recapturing those positive memories as a way of banishing your adult blues.
More to origami than you think
A lot of us know what origami is but donโt really know what it involves beyond the fortune telling model you mastered as a child.
The point about origami is that this Japanese art form manages to engage both sides of your brain at the same time, which will have the effect of driving any worries you have away while you are honing your paper folding skills.
Find out more about origami and see what it can do to ease your stress.
Calming clay
If as a child you didnโt enjoy the feeling of rolling a piece of clay with your fingers and working it into your chosen shape, it is time to get introduced to Fimo clay.
Even if you did work with this pliable clay modeling material as a kid, you will no doubt be itching to get your hands on it again as an adult.
Working with clay encourages motor development in your brain and pure and simple, spending time working shapes with this material is extremely therapeutic.
Just play
There are loads more ideas to inspire you when you start thinking back to what you used to enjoy as a child and can rekindle as an adult.
It is also good to remember that you can bring your stress levels down if you just learn to play like you did as a child. Go to the park with your kids and get on the swings with them rather than letting them have all the fun, and run around the garden, itโs free to do and will put a big smile on your face in an instant.
If you are struggling with some negative emotions, recapture your childhood with some favorite activities and see how it can lift your mood.