Page 22 - TR RVO Extra 2020

22SS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS AND RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITIONS OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXTRA
FAMILY
Explore
these relaxing
hobbies
Pottery can be a fulfilling hobby that allows people to work with their hands and be creative.
Stress is a part of many people’s daily lives. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 44 percent of Americans believe their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Children also struggle with stress, with almost one-third reporting that they have experienced a health symptom associated with stress, such as stomach aches, trouble sleeping and headaches.
Calming activities that can tone down the body’s stress responses are great ways to alleviate stress. The following hobbies and other interests can help tame stress by promoting calm.
START PAINTING OR CRAFTING
Engaging in a creative hobby sharpens the mind and improves focus. People may also want to try focusing their emotions onto a canvas to help release tension. A 2014 study published
in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that 81.5 percent of respondents with depression reported feeling happy after knitting.
Hobbies can help a person unwind after a long day. It can be a good idea to attend a class or a workshop for any hobby one might be interested in. This will give people a chance to “dip their toe in” without spending a lot of time or money.
Melt Art Studio in Searcy offers classes and materials for pottery, stoneware, painting and more. The studio has classes for children and adults.
“Painting pottery allows you to create and relax at the same time,” said Tammy Morris, owner of Melt Art Studio.
“I opened this shop to provide a safe environment for all ages to be creative and release the stress of life. When friends and family come together in a creative environment, they are making memories and spending quality time