5 Soothing Crafts for Stress Relief
With so much change in the world right now, we could all use a little stress relief! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a craft project could be just what you need to ease your mind.
This list of relaxing crafts will give you and your family something calming and soothing to do at home, plus you can get almost all the supplies at Goodwill!
Clothing Rack at Goodwill
#1: Aromatherapy Sachets
Have you ever noticed how certain smells can lift your mood? From lavender to lemon to peppermint, there are many scents that provide calming and relaxing effects. Now you can get all the feel-good benefits of aromatherapy by making your own scented sachets! All you need is fabric, rice, essential oils, and ribbon or twine. Shop at Goodwill for clothing and fabric you can repurpose into scraps for the sachets. Then, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to uncooked rice and mix. Spoon some of the rice mixture onto the fabric, then fold it and secure it closed with the ribbon or twine. Place your sachets anywhere you could use a soothing scent “” in your closet, dresser drawers, near your pillow, and even in the car!
Glass jar from Goodwill
#2: Mindfulness Glitter Jars
A mindfulness jar is a perfect calming activity for children! Simply fill a glass jar with water, then add glitter or glitter glue and a small amount of dish soap. Seal the jar shut with its lid and some tape. The idea is that the jar represents the mind, and the glitter represents our thoughts and feelings. When the jar is shaken, all the glitter swirls around, just as our thoughts and feelings can do when we’re feeling upset. But, when the jar is still, the glitter settles to the bottom. Encourage your kids to use the jar to help them calm their minds and express their feelings. As they watch the glitter fall to the bottom, it can help them feel more calm, relaxed, and ready to talk about their feelings.
Green glassware from Goodwill
#3: Homemade Bath Bombs
Bath bombs turn any bath into an at-home spa day! But did you know you can make dozens of bath bombs for the price of a single store-bought one? To make your own, whisk together baking soda, Epsom salt, and cornstarch, then quickly mix in lemon juice or vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oil and food coloring. Finally, mold the mixture into a circular shape and let it harden. It’s that easy! Store your collection of bath bombs out of reach of children and pets by placing them in a small basket or container in your bathroom. Goodwill has great storage options!
#4: Upcycled Candles
There’s something about the warm glow of a candle that’s so cozy and calming. Instead of paying for brand-new candles, check your local Goodwill store first! You can often find new or gently-used candles for your relaxation routine. To upcycle a used candle, melt the old wax in a double boiler and pour it into another container. Add a new wick from a craft store and you have a good-as-new candle! For a fun twist, pour the wax into a unique container, like a teacup or decorated mason jar.
Porcelain teacup with white and pink flowers
#5: DIY Zen Garden
Zen gardens originated in Japan as a place to go for peace and tranquility. These large, beautiful gardens usually have sand, rocks, small plants, and rakes to create soothing ripples in the sand. To bring the same serenity into your home or office, you can create a mini zen garden using thrift store finds! Start with a flat glass dish “” you can find all shapes and sizes at Goodwill! Then, fill the dish with sand, rocks, and small succulent plants. Include a miniature rake from a craft store for the finishing touch. Your zen garden will be a perfect addition to your coffee table or desk!
Feeling inspired to create a relaxing craft? Head to your local Ohio Valley Goodwill store to find unique craft supplies at incredible prices! With our ever-changing selection, you’ll always see something new no matter when you visit.
As always, your Goodwill purchases help support our life-changing job skills training and employment services for individuals with disabilities. Thank you for your support in helping us put people to work in our community!
Find an Ohio Valley Goodwill location near you and start shopping today!
