I had every intention of starting this new series next year. But I know what will happen. Life will happen. Life will get hectic and all the sudden, I’ll miss a week of posting and then maybe two and suddenly you’ll be left with 23 ways to relax instead of 52. I figured I’d give myself a head start on this series for that inevitable week where I forget to post. Plus, I’m pretty sure the holidays are the time of the year that I need frugal ways to relax the most so it seems fitting :)
The 52 Frugal Ways to De-Stress series is pretty self-exaplanatory, but it stems from something I struggle with. I am notorious for getting myself so worked up over things that I can’t relax. It’s tiring, frustrating, and an all around drain on my mood. My original solution was to create a list of things I could easily relax with and if I was feeling overly stressed, spend even 10 minutes doing one of these things. And I did that, but I realized something really important as I was compiling the list. There’s no way I’m alone in this feeling.
So I want to share my list. And add to my list with your ideas. And hopefully, 2016 will yield a less stressful year for us all!
The first one I’m sharing is something that I’ve started doing over the past couple months that I totally disregarded when it first came out: coloring books! When the coloring books for adults first hit the market, I was positive that would not be “my thing.” But it didn’t take long for me to get sucked back into something I used to love as a child.
To be honest, I have never been able to truly meditate. I can’t seem to sit still long enough and clear my mind of my never-ending to-do list. However, when I’m coloring, that’s probably about the closest I ever come to any sort of meditation.
There is something powerful about seeing my creative process bring to life a black and white picture. I’m (mostly) able to tune out the rest of the world while I’m focusing on what color goes where and what pattern will form by doing so. It’s therapeutic and keeps my mind busy when all I seem to want to do is daydream about the responsibilities I have (who does that?!)
And if you’re looking to enjoy this engaging activity without breaking the bank, I found some really awesome coloring books from Oriental Trading Fantastical Styles brand. I got to try the Celtic Flowers, Flowers, and Ocean ones and I am in LOVE!
They’re all hand drawn designs that are filled with intricate designs and patterns that are perfect for losing yourself in for even 10-15 minutes. Something I love about these books is that they’re actually filled with two of every design so if you can test out different color patterns for each one. Pair these Fantastical Styles coloring books with your favorite colored pencils or markers and you’ve got an easy, inexpensive and relaxing evening.
Have you tried out coloring books as an adult (especially the awesome Fantastical Styles ones)?
What are some of your favorite frugal ways to de-stress?