10 Tips for using design to overcome anxiety 😥

Feeling anxious and stressed out? It’s time to tap into the power of graphic design to help manage those feelings. In this article, we’ll explore 10 simple yet effective ways that design can be used to reduce anxiety and increase calm in your daily life.

Experiment with color: The use of color can have a big impact on our mood and the atmosphere of a space. By choosing calming shades like blue, green, and purple, you can create a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. These colors are often associated with peace and serenity, making them a good choice for reducing stress and anxiety.
Make a mood board: A mood board is a visual way of representing your goals and aspirations through images and words. This can help to refocus your thoughts and give you a sense of purpose, which can reduce anxiety and improve your mood. You can create a mood board by hand or use an online application to make it digitally.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that involves paying attention to the present moment in a conscious and non-judgmental way. By taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and the present moment, you can reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and tranquility.
Incorporate nature: Adding elements of nature, such as plants or pictures of natural scenes, to your environment can help create a peaceful and calming atmosphere. This is because nature has a calming effect on our brain and can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Try different fonts: Typography is the design and style of letters in text. By using different fonts and typefaces, you can communicate different moods and emotions. For example, some fonts may convey calm and tranquility, while others may be more aggressive or exciting. By experimenting with typography, you may find a style that helps you feel more relaxed and peaceful.
Use white space: White space is the empty space around the elements of a design. Incorporating plenty of white space into your designs can help create a sense of openness and calm. By giving the eye space to rest, you can reduce visual overload and decrease anxiety.
Doodling for relaxation: Doodling is a simple activity that involves drawing or sketching without a specific goal in mind. It can be a great way to relax and unwind, as it allows you to express yourself creatively and let go of stress. Doodling can also help to increase focus and concentration, making it a useful tool for managing anxiety.
Take breaks: It’s important to remember to take breaks and give yourself time to rest and recharge. Taking regular breaks can help to reduce stress and prevent burnout, both of which can contribute to anxiety. Make sure to schedule in breaks throughout your day to give yourself time to relax and recharge.
Get creative: Engaging in creative activities like drawing or painting can be a great way to express yourself and let go of stress. These activities can also help to increase feelings of accomplishment and purpose, which can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
Use positive affirmations: Positive affirmations are statements that are meant to be repeated to oneself in order to change negative thinking patterns. Creating positive affirmations or mantras and using them as part of your daily routine can help boost your mood and reduce anxiety. For example, you might try repeating affirmations like “I am capable and worthy” or “I am in control of my thoughts and feelings.” Using positive affirmations regularly can help to reprogram your brain to think more positively and reduce anxiety.

Graphic design can be a powerful tool in managing anxiety and finding peace in daily life. From experimenting with color to incorporating nature and practicing mindfulness, there are many ways that design can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of calm.