Day 8 – Participate in an Artistic Activity: The Boho Curtain and the Beautiful Mess of Mental Health

Art therapy isn’t just about finger painting your feelings—though, let’s be honest, that does sound fun on the right day. Engaging in artistic activities is scientifically linked to numerous mental health benefits including stress reduction, emotional expression, and improved cognitive function. Studies show that creating art can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), boost dopamine (the "feel-good" chemical), and activate the brain's reward pathways—translation: art makes your brain do a happy dance.¹

For those of us who are slightly more human than machine, taking time to create something—anything—gives the mind a break from the relentless “To-Do” list and an outlet to process things we can’t always put into words. Plus, let’s not overlook the therapeutic power of stabbing fabric repeatedly with scissors or untangling a mile of yarn in the name of "macramé."

So, what did I do for today’s artistic adventure?

I officially started the Boho Curtain Project for my grandbaby’s bedroom. This is no ordinary curtain—it’s a mash-up of hippie flair, boho charm, and a splash of “let’s see if I can pull this off without hot-gluing my fingers together.” I’m using old clothes that no longer fit me (read: the pandemic happened), turning them into vibrant strips of fabric. They’ll hang from a thick dowel that serves as the curtain rod. Functional and decorative? Yes, please.

The centerpiece is a macramé design, and let’s just say, it’s a journey. I cut fabric strips for a couple of hours yesterday (and promptly added “get better scissors” to the shopping list because I value my thumb tendons). I’ve started assembling it, and while I didn’t finish—turns out I’m short on a few supplies—I made solid progress. I’ve even added some little charms, strategically placed high enough so my granddaughter can admire them without attempting a climbing expedition. She’s part child, part chaos goblin, after all.

There’s something beautifully grounding about turning old clothes into a gift. These were things I once wore, now reimagined into something for someone I love dearly. I’m imagining her face when she sees it—the joy, the curiosity, the inevitable question: “Can I touch it?” (Answer: not the charms, sweetheart. Those are for looking, not launching.)

The process wasn’t just creatively fulfilling—it was calming. Focused. Peaceful. And for someone who normally juggles seven thoughts and a half-coffee-fueled crisis at once, that’s saying something.

So, whether you’re painting, sewing, building, or hot-gluing like your life depends on it—don’t underestimate the mental reset that creativity brings.

Even if the final product looks a little more "abstract expressionism" than Pinterest-perfect.