As the seasons change, so do our energy levels, moods, and even our stress levels. For many of us, the hustle and bustle of the winter months can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to let seasonal stress creep in. But here's the thing—creativity can be your surprising secret weapon to combat that stress! I’ve experienced firsthand how creative activities can bring calm and focus to even the busiest of days, and I would love to help you find that same sense of peace.

So, let’s dive into how using creativity to help combat seasonal stress can transform not only your mood but also how you approach those hectic days ahead. We’ll explore the benefits of creativity, some fun stress-relieving activities, and tips to integrate these into your daily routine. Let’s get started!

The Benefits of Creativity During Busy Life Seasons

I’m a firm believer that creativity isn’t just about making pretty things—it’s a powerful tool for mindfulness and emotional well-being. Especially during the colder months, when stress and overwhelm can hit hard, leaning into your creative side can do wonders for your mental state. 

Here’s why:

1. Mindfulness and a Calmer Mind

When you’re engaged in a creative activity, whether it’s painting a simple landscape (more on that here) or doodling in a sketchbook, your mind tends to quiet down. Creativity demands focus, which naturally helps you stay present in the moment—almost like a form of meditation. I’ve found that watercolor painting, in particular, has this magical ability to slow my thoughts and let me breathe a little deeper. It’s like hitting the pause button on all the chaos around me, even if just for a little while.

Looking for more ways to use art to enhance your meditation practice? I’ve got you!

2. A Sense of Accomplishment

Additionally, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a creative project. Even if it’s something small, like a quick doodle or a piece of hand-lettering, that sense of accomplishment boosts your mood and gives you a little hit of confidence. And during stressful seasons, when things feel out of control, this feeling of achievement can make a big difference. It’s proof that you can create something beautiful even when life feels chaotic.

Creative Activities to Combat Seasonal Stress

The great thing about creativity is that it comes in many forms, so you can choose the activities that suit you best! Here are some of my go-tos, plus some other creative outlet ideas that can help combat seasonal stress:

1. Arts and Crafts

You probably guessed this one! For more than a decade, painting with watercolors has been my ultimate stress-buster. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, putting brush to paper can be incredibly soothing. Sound like something you’d be into? I’ve got you covered! My course, The Art Within, is designed to teach the basics of art, from color mixing to layout, helping you discover your own unique style. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check it out here.

But beyond painting, there are so many other crafty avenues to explore—knitting, scrapbooking, DIY home decor, you name it! The point is to engage your hands and your mind in a way that feels relaxing to you.

2. Writing and Journaling

Sometimes, all you need is a blank page to let your thoughts spill out. Writing and journaling (you can find the journals I use in my Amazon shop) can be such a cathartic experience, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. I like to think of journaling as a way to declutter my mind—clearing out all those to-do lists and worries to make room for more creative ideas.

You could try gratitude journaling, creative writing, bullet journaling, or even sketching out your thoughts if words don’t come easily. The key is to let your feelings flow without overthinking.

3. Music and Movement

Creativity isn’t limited to what you can do with your hands; it also lives in how you move your body. Whether it’s playing an instrument, dancing around your living room, or singing in the shower, music and movement have this amazing way of lifting your spirits and releasing tension. I personally love to sing.

I find that putting on a playlist of my favorite songs while I paint really helps set the mood—it’s like one big creative energy boost!

4. Gardening and Being in Nature

Gardening might seem like more of a spring or summer activity, but even in the colder months, being close to nature can work wonders for your stress levels. Whether you’re tending to indoor plants, arranging a small herb garden in your kitchen, or simply going for a walk outside, connecting with nature has a grounding effect.

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I love to step away from my desk and take a breath of fresh air. It’s like nature has this magical ability to clear my head and refill my creative cup.

Tips for Integrating Creativity into Your Daily Life

Now, I know what you might be thinking—who has time to be creative when life is already so busy? Trust me, I get it. But the trick to relieve seasonal stress with creativity is making it a part of your daily routine. Here’s how you can do it:

• Schedule Time for Creativity: I always tell my students to treat their creative time like an important meeting that can’t be missed. Whether it’s 15 minutes in the morning before your day gets crazy or a relaxing hour in the evening, put it on your calendar. This way, you’re making creativity a priority, not an afterthought. Even the smallest pockets of time can lead to big breakthroughs in your art and your mindset!
• Create a Space that Inspires You: Creating a space in your home dedicated to creativity can make a world of difference. It doesn’t have to be a whole room—a small desk or a corner with your favorite art supplies will do. When you have a cozy, inviting space, it’s so much easier to get into that creative flow. My studio makes my creative time feel special and something I look forward to every day.

Got your art space picked out and ready to organize it? Here are some tips to help get you started!

Final Thoughts on Relieving Seasonal Stress With Creativity

As we head into this busy season, remember that creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about finding a sense of calm and joy in the process. When life feels chaotic, creativity is your anchor. It’s that little slice of peace where you can focus, breathe, and let go of the stress around you. Whether you’re painting, journaling, dancing, or just taking a walk in nature, let yourself be present in the moment. Let creativity be the way you combat seasonal stress and reconnect with what truly makes you feel alive.

If you’re looking for more inspiration and tips to stay creative during the winter months, I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram for a peek behind the scenes of my painting process, watercolor tips, and a whole lot of artistic encouragement. Let’s support each other as we combat seasonal stress with creativity!And if you're ready to dive deeper, check out my course, The Art Within, where I teach art basics and help you discover your own unique style. Find out more about it here.