I’m kind of a control freak, and because of that, frustration is something I know all too well (because I can’t really control even my own life, let alone the world around me. Whether it’s from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just having one of those days where nothing seems to go right, I’ve struggled with finding ways to deal with frustration in a healthy manner. But…I’ve learned that art is one of the best ways to let it out. Whether I’m drawing, painting, writing, or even just doodling, creating something helps me process my emotions and find a sense of relief.
One of the biggest ways art helps me is by giving me an outlet. When I’m frustrated, I need to get the feeling out somehow—otherwise, it just sits there, making everything worse. Sometimes, I take a pencil and press hard against the paper, sketching out messy, chaotic lines. Other times, I write down everything I’m feeling without worrying about structure or grammar. Just the act of creating something helps me feel lighter, as if I’m transferring my frustration onto the page or canvas instead of carrying it inside.
“Just the act of creating something helps me feel lighter…”
Art also forces me to focus on something other than my negative thoughts. When I’m painting or writing, I get so caught up in the process that my mind quiets down for a while. Mixing colors, shaping forms, or playing with words takes all my attention, and…there is peace. Like magic. It doesn’t actually solve whatever problem was frustrating me, but it does give me the space to breathe and reset. Sometimes, after stepping away from my frustration for a while, I come back with a clearer perspective.
But perhaps the best part is the sense of accomplishment art gives me. When I finish a painting or write something meaningful, I feel like I’ve transformed my frustration into something real and tangible (and hopefully beautiful). Instead of just feeling stuck, I’ve created something, and that makes a huge difference.
Art doesn’t make frustration disappear, but it helps me transform it into something productive. It gives me control over my emotions, even when everything else feels chaotic. And that, to me, is incredibly powerful.
