How Diamond Painting Can Reduce Stress
2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. Whether you've struggled with loneliness during lockdown, financial difficulties, 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 managing 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 begin, 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 have serious stress or anxiety issues (or just think it would help to talk to someone), seek professional help.
Focus your attention on one thing
Activities like meditation and exercise are so often recommended to combat stress because they distract the mind from whatever is worrying you. But not everyone wants to sit for a long time or do physical exertion (maybe tomorrow, no ?).
Luckily, these aren't the only types of tasks that can distract your attention from stress. Diamond painting can achieve the same thing!
Instead of worrying about the news or whatever else you have to do at work, think about putting each bead in the right place and colors that will best suit your design. You might be surprised 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 these strange times we find ourselves, booking a spontaneous vacation isn't an option. Even smaller activities, like shopping or dining 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 free yourself ? Yes, there is diamond painting!
It might not seem 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 addicted . Trust us, you will hurry through your work and household chores so you can get started as quickly as possible.
Do something you control
Adulting is difficult. Your boss and co-workers rely on you at work, your landlord/utility company/mortgage provider relies on you to pay your bills, perhaps your children or partner rely on you to take care of them - it 'is a lot.
Is the stress of trying to figure everything out difficult for you to overcome ?
There is currently a global pandemic going on, 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 unfolding around the world that we hear about every day in the news.
While we can't fix any of these things, we can alleviate our stress by giving ourselves something we control and can understand effortlessly. Like diamond painting.
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 treat yourself to the light 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 agitation won't hurt you - but it's not healthy to destroy your body (even slightly) when you feel nervous, and this can soon create a reinforcing loop. Learn to control your impulses instead, and your future self will thank you for it.
There are many things you can channel your energy into instead of getting busy, but diamond painting is definitely a great option.
You can even work on your projects while you're standing (for example, placing your equipment on a kitchen island) or place your beads a short distance from your workstation, which helps to burn even more energy.
