5 Reasons Art for Stress Will Help You Relax

Feeling stressed out? No worries. There are plenty of art classes in San Francisco to help you step away from the strains of everyday life. Using art for stress is a well-known way of relieving tension and helping you to relax and unwind. Art classes can help you to take yourself out of a stressful environment and the hustle and bustle of life, to focus inwards on your own creativity, wellbeing, and focus.

No matter what kind of art for stress class you’d like to take, the Bay Area can provide. Whether you’re based in San Jose, San Rafael, or San Mateo, there are art workshops nearby where you can learn how to use oil paints, perfect your skills behind the lens with photography classes, and even develop your own watercolor art. Whichever class you choose, you’ll be learning from experienced, local teachers who are there to answer any questions you have while sharing their top techniques and tricks for crafting one-of-a-kind artworks. You’re guaranteed to leave your class feeling rejuvenated and balanced, as well as more confident in your own creative abilities. 

You’ll also be finishing these art workshops with a handmade piece of art and new skills that you can keep developing in your own time. Plus, as these art courses are social experiences, you may also find yourself amongst a new community of fellow creatives with who you can share your work, ideas, and passion!

Wondering which art for stress class is right for you? We’ve listed a range of different art classes in the Bay Area below, so that you can get a feel for just what kind of workshop you may want to get involved in.

1. Smile through a smartphone photography course

Okay, using social media endlessly and never being off your inbox can be a major source of stress. However, if you’ve always loved opening up your camera app and snapping away at your surroundings, an iPhone photography class may be a way of turning bad habits into fruitful ones. 

With smartphone photography courses, you’ll learn all about how to best work your device to snap some seriously enviable shots. These workshops are fun and low-stakes, so are a perfect way to fill a weekend afternoon. Plus, with the skills you learn thanks to your expert teacher, you may find yourself seeking out more interesting subjects to feature on your social timeline! 

2. Go with the flow with fluid art

Fluid art is also known as acrylic pouring art and is an abstract creative practice that involves creating truly unique art pieces. You’ll be using acrylic paints which, when poured over a canvas, create visually dynamic pieces. A class in acrylic pouring is one of the best art for stress classes, as you’ll be fully focused on the shapes, textures, and colors in front of you, and able to step away from the strains or stresses of daily life.

Our resin and fluid art workshops don’t require any prior skills, which is why they make such great art classes for beginners. With an expert instructor on hand to address any concerns you may have, you’ll learn the best techniques in a supportive environment. As pour painting is hands-on and requires focus, you’ll notice your over-stimulated brain switches off, and you’ll relax into this peaceful artistic practice in no time.

3. Take part in drawing classes with your kids

It can be tough keeping kids with cabin fever happy, which is why taking them to in-person art classes is a great way of stimulating them and giving yourself some much-needed time out. Plenty of art workshops are child-friendly, designed to engage their creativity and focus, and allow you to focus on kid-free self-care.

What’s more, you can take part in many of these art courses yourself, getting creative alongside your kids and benefiting from the mindfulness they offer. Bond with your little one, enjoy a relaxing afternoon, and make lasting memories.

4. Organize unusual bachelorette party ideas

If you’re in charge of putting together a bachelorette party for a best friend who’s less than keen on going bar-hopping, why not book them in an art for stress class? They’ll be able to connect with their friends and family in a laidback environment that allows them to chat with their loved ones and experience a moment of Zen.

A class on how to paint with watercolors is a soothing experience for stressed brides-to-be, or you could organize a sip and paint class for everyone to get involved in. With a few delicious drinks and some nibbles, the bride and her bridesmaids will have fun getting creative over an afternoon of easygoing painting.

These bachelorette party ideas will also allow the bride to step away from wedding planning to enjoy quality bonding time with her closest friends and family before the big day.

5. Hit the streets with DSLR photography classes

The Bay Area is pretty beautiful – you have dynamic cityscapes and beautiful nature all around, offering the perfect chance to snap a stellar photo or two. If you have a DSLR camera getting dusty in a closet, it’s time to put it to use in a way that will help you to destress.

DSLR photo classes will have you admiring your surroundings in a new light thanks to the expert guidance of your instructor. Plus, by wandering the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, you’re getting some sunshine and exercise in – both of which are key ingredients for a more positive outlook.

Step back from the pace of everyday life with art for stress classes

Art classes designed to destress you are not only amongst the most fun things to do in the Bay Area, but they will also benefit your overall mental wellbeing. Whichever artform you opt for – whether it’s painting with a twist at a wine art night, or getting to grips with acrylic pouring, art courses make for fun team building activities and great bonding experiences with your friends or kids. Alternatively, they can be the perfect opportunity to invest in some much-needed ‘me time’ – what could be better?