7 fun DIY projects guaranteed to relieve stress
Go ahead, get crafty!
Stress can be such a bummer, but it turns out that relieving it can be a whole lot of fun! Here are 7 DIY projects that are fun to make and give to a friend going through a hard time, an anxious child who has difficulty calming down, or even to keep for a relaxing moment all to yourself.
- Lemon and Lavender Salt Soak
As a busy adult, I had forgotten about the magic of baths, until one day I was housesitting for a friend who had a big beautiful tub I couldn’t resist. I was surprised to discover just how soothing, satisfying, and utterly relaxing a nice, long, warm bath could be, and vowed to stop neglecting my tub. To really up the relaxing benefits of a bath, throw in a salt soak featuring your favorite herbs or essential oils. It turns out that you don’t need to pay big money at a store—salt soaks are easy and cheap to make yourself, and it’s fun!
Try this recipe for a lemon and lavender salt soak.
2. Glitter Sensory Bottles
When you feel a case of sensory overload coming on, simply shake a glitter bottle and get lost in the all-encompassing tiny universe of stars. These bottles are great for anxiety relief as they give you something to focus your thoughts and energy on. Make one for yourself, or for a child—they’re great at any age!
Try these instructions for easy DIY rainbow glitter bottles.
3. Easy Zen Garden
Tending to a tiny Japanese zen garden at the end of the day is another great way to relax and let go of your worries. Creating wave-like patterns in the smooth sand has an oddly satisfying affect. All you need to make your own zen garden is a shallow tray, a bag of fine sand, a few pretty stones, and a miniature rake.
Try these easy instructions for a DIY Zen Garden.
4. Calming Lavender Play Dough
Play dough isn’t just for kids! There’s something so relaxing about kneading the soft, pliable dough. It’s almost as if you’re channeling all your stress out of your body and straight into the squishy substance, where it can be absorbed and disappear forever! For added benefit, make your homemade play dough with soothing essential oils, like lavender or mint. Play with it for a few moments throughout the day or right before bedtime to melt that stress away!
Try this recipe for lavender play dough.
5. Herbal Eye Pillow
If you suffer from headaches or have a hard time falling asleep, then a natural solution is to use a calming herbal eye pillow. Containing only rice and herbs of your choice, these easy-to-make stress-relievers are also customizable with the fabric of your choice. They can be heated in the microwave for a warming sensation that relaxes headaches away, or kept in the freezer to reduce eye puffiness and fatigue.
Try making this recipe for lavender eye pillows.
6. Essential Oil Shower Bombs
If you’re like me, and don’t generally have time for a long bath with a calming bath bomb, then a great alternative is soothing shower bombs. They’re simply made from baking soda, water, and your favorite calming essential oils. The fun part is that you can choose whatever mold and color you want to make them your own. When finished, simply let them melt in your hot shower and release their refreshing scent. Instant relaxation!
Try this recipe for peppermint shower bombs.
7. Stress Balls
If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious at work, a great item to keep at your desk is a stress ball. Just squeeze it for instant relief! You’ll feel a relaxing sensation that starts at your fingertips and spreads through your whole body, creating a sense of wellness. While these can be purchased at stores, it’s a lot of fun to make your own.
Try these instructions for a DIY stress ball using orbeez.
BONUS: While you use your new homemade relaxation items, watch a soothing video on Moodica to up your stress relief game!
Moodica is a vacation for your brain, bringing you the most soothing sights and sounds on earth. Watch more oddly satisfying videos on your desktop, Amazon Fire and Apple TV!
