Creative Activities to Disconnect from Stress and Remember What Really Makes You Happy
We live in a world full of responsibilities, deadlines and distractions, and we often forget to spend time on what really makes us happy.
Creativity is an excellent tool to reconnect with ourselves and revitalise that spontaneous and authentic side that sometimes gets forgotten.
Personally, I like when I can, to reconnect with my inner child, to do things without purpose, demand or judgement.
Doing to spend some time with me and get lost in the here and now.
Here are some creative activities that not only help reduce stress, but also remind you of those moments that ignite your inner spark:
1. Intuitive Painting: Release your Inner Child without Judgment
Intuitive art is a relaxing activity that allows us to express ourselves without limitations. You don't need to be an expert in painting; the key is to let the colours flow without judging the result. You can use watercolours or even finger paints. Make this experience a ritual: play music that inspires you, choose your favourite colours and allow yourself to enjoy each stroke. Intuitive painting brings us into a state of ‘flow’, helping us to clear our minds and connect with our emotions.
2. Creative Journaling: Shape Your Thoughts and Dreams
Writing is one of the best ways to draw out accumulated thoughts and reconnect with our deepest aspirations. Set aside a few minutes a day to write in a journal with no goal in mind. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Make a list of things that made you happy as a child.
Describe a place that brings you peace and happiness.
Write a message to your ‘me’ from ten years ago.
This habit not only reduces stress, but also helps you reconnect with what really makes you feel alive.
3. Crafts and DIY: Creating with your Hands to Connect with the Present
If you're a craft lover or want to explore the world of DIY (Do It Yourself), this is a great way to relax and reconnect. Whether it's making jewellery, working with clay or creating home decorations, these hands-on activities are very therapeutic. Plus, creating something with your own hands reinforces a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Try experimenting with recycled materials; not only will you be doing your bit for the planet, but each piece you create will tell a unique story.
4. Creative Getaways: Visit Art Galleries and Natural Spaces
Not all creative activities have to be at home. Exploring an art gallery, visiting a museum or taking a nature hike are great ways to get inspired and recharge your batteries. These spaces are not only relaxing, but also connect you with new ideas and perspectives. Carrying a notebook with you can be a good idea to jot down any thoughts or inspirations that arise in the moment. This way, these creative getaways become a time for personal reflection.
5. Creative Cooking: Experiment with Flavours That Make You Happy
For foodies and food lovers, a creative and de-stressing activity is to experiment in the kitchen. Try new recipes, especially those that remind you of happy moments. You can play with flavours and textures, and even choose to create your own healthy versions of dishes you love. Cooking is a great way to unwind and make something special for yourself.
It all begins with an idea.
From Lagunillas to Pak Khlong Talat: Inspiration around every corner
I was born into a family of travelers, and I think I have it in my DNA, but unlike my siblings, I chose it as a lifestyle.
And within those travels, my favorite activity is the markets.
Why? Because it's where you really see the essence of the place, where you can discover new smells, flavors, textures and colors. It is in those bustling spaces where my senses are sharpened, and I feel that I really belong to the moment and the place where my feet step on.
As I said before, the inspiration for Suplais, was born in the last markets that I had visited in 2020, and after some time re-looking at my life (as I'm sure many did in that year) I decided to create something vibrant, full of color and stimulation, and to recreate what these kind of places make me feel.
Let me take you on a tour of my 5 favorite markets around the world, sharing those peculiarities that captured my imagination and shaped my designs.
La Lagunillas Market, CDMX, Mexico:
Everyone who comes to Mexico goes to Lagunillas, it's a market full of antiques, vintage, and street food stalls.
My favorite thing is that there are always stalls with music and they make you micheladas (Mexican beer drink with tomato juice and a mixture of bitters and spicy) of different flavors, there are also hairdresser stalls and it is divided by "urban tribes". This kind of thing I had not seen before and I find it super curious.
It is touristy, yes, but it has many little gems.
Pak Khlong Talat Market, Thailand:
In Thailand, I discovered Pak Khlong Talat Market, a temple of flowers that extends beyond its physical boundaries. The flowers, which adorn everything from boats to homes, are living offerings of beauty and spirituality. It was this place that opened my eyes to the inspiration that markets breathe.
Dumbo Flea Market, New York:
In the heart of Dumbo, under the imposing Manhattan Bridge, stands a summer market that captivates collectors and art lovers. Antiques, vintage and artistic expressions converge in a New York must.
La Boqueria, Barcelona:
Despite being a tourist magnet and not noted for its gastronomy, La Boqueria is an aesthetic delight. The artistic arrangement of juices and ham cones is a tribute to the Spanish essence, captured in a spectacle of colors and shapes.
Paris on weekends:
In Paris, weekends wake up with markets flourishing in different corners of the city. The perfect routine begins with a piece of cheese, a bottle of wine, and the promise of endless discoveries.
Marché aux Puces de St-Oue
Each of these markets has breathed life into the pieces that make up Suplais, becoming a constant source of inspiration that drives me to share, through my jewelry, the essence of these places where the world shows itself as it is: vibrant, diverse, and surprisingly beautiful