Stress and big emotions can sometimes feel difficult to express. However, keeping those emotions bottled up can make things harder to handle. Studies show that finding a creative outlet — like art, writing, or other hands-on projects — can provide a healthy way for clients to release emotions, regain focus, and restore inner calm.
The Creative Outlets coping skills handout lists different activities young people can choose from to express themselves. These include drawing, writing, taking photos or videos, and crafting, which are all meaningful ways to let feelings out. To get started, the handout suggests not worrying about being perfect at their chosen activity, and instead focus on expressing themselves.
Kids and teens engaging in creative outlets may learn valuable skills such as problem-solving, self-expression, and resilience. Once they find something they enjoy, they can continue building it into their routine.
To make this practice even more meaningful, caring adults can introduce new outlets such as cooking simple recipes with supervision or starting a small gardening project.
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References:
- Jeffery, G. (2017). Creative outlets empowering at-risk youth: Cultural expressions through recording technology and multimedia productions (Master’s thesis, California State University, Monterey Bay). Capstone Projects and Master’s Theses, 103. https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/103
- Kumar, V., Pavitra, K., & Bhattacharya, R. (2024). Creative pursuits for mental health and well-being. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 66(Suppl 2), S283-S303. https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_781_23
- Renzulli, J. S., & De Wet, C. F. (2010). Developing creative productivity in young people through the pursuit of ideal acts of learning. Nurturing Creativity in the Classroom, 24-72. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511781629.004
