How diamond paint can reduce stress
2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. Whether you've struggled with loneliness during lockdown, financial hardship, political division or any other issue, chances are you've dealt with stress at some point.
You've probably tried all the usual solutions for dealing with stress and anxiety - perhaps meditating, exercising or taking a long bath. But how about trying something entirely new?
Not everyone knows what diamond painting is, but this fun and satisfying hobby is one of the most effective stress relievers! In case you need more convincing before you start, I invite you to keep reading.
Of course, as amazing as diamond painting is, it is not a substitute for mental health services. If you're suffering from serious stress or anxiety issues (or if you just think it would help to talk to someone), seek professional help.
Focus your attention on one thing
Activities such as meditation and exercise are so often recommended to combat stress, as they take your mind off whatever is bothering you. But not everyone wants to sit for a long time or do physical exertion (maybe tomorrow, right?).
Thankfully, these aren't the only types of tasks that can divert your attention from stress. Diamond paint can accomplish the same thing!"
Instead of worrying about current events or whatever else you have to do at work, consider putting each bead in the right place and in the colors that will work best with your design. You might be surprised at how captivating diamond painting is.
Give yourself something to look forward to
Few things are more stressful than knowing that the future is nothing but more stress. In the strange times we find ourselves in, booking a spontaneous vacation is not an option. Even smaller activities, like shopping or eating out, are impossible to plan.
So we do the same things day after day and end up getting stuck. Do you think there is an easy and accessible way to break free? Yes, there is diamond painting!
It doesn't sound like the most exciting way to spend your time compared to Coachella or visiting New York, but don't underestimate how much fun diamond painting can be when you're hooked. Trust us, you'll be rushing through work and chores so you can get started as soon as possible.
Do something you control
Adulting is hard. Your boss and co-workers rely on you at work, your landlord/utility company/mortgage provider relies on you to pay your bills, maybe your kids or partner rely on you to take care of them - it's a lot.
Is the stress of trying to figure it all out difficult for you to overcome?
There is a global pandemic going on right now, and there is nothing we can do about it other than take precautions and try to protect others. We also have no control over the tragedies taking place around the world that we hear about every day in the news.
While we can't remedy any of these things, we can alleviate our stress by giving ourselves something we can control and understand without effort. Like diamond paint.
It's a task that involves serious decisions, like what design you want to choose and whether you have enough skills for it, but few people would call these choices "stressful." So give yourself the slight relief you deserve.
Stop moving
Whether you're a nail biter, skin picker, hair puller or something more obscure, most of us have a nervous habit that involves our bodies. When your mind is preoccupied and anxious, it seems almost impossible not to channel that into something.
In the heat of the moment, it's easy to convince yourself that having a little restlessness won't hurt you - but it's not healthy to destroy your body (even slightly) when you feel nervous, and it can soon create a reinforcement loop. Learn to control your impulses instead, and your future self will thank you.
There are many things you can channel your energy into instead of getting restless, but diamond painting is certainly a great option.
You can even work on your projects while standing (for example, placing your equipment on a kitchen island) or place your beads a short distance from your workstation, which helps burn off even more energy.