Everyone has their own way to destress after a long day. Some people like to paint. Others like to write songs. And, if it’s your thing (it’s not mine unless it’s coffee), some like to drink. Whatever we do, it has some type of satisfaction and feeling of security for us. For me, it’s taking pictures.
“Bring positivity with doing the things you love”
One of the things I have found about photography is that it is a great outlet. I remember being at a photography seminar a few years back, and the presenter was discussing his work as a landscape photographer. He stated that if we do something creative every day—whether it be drawing a picture or creating a card—we are less likely to become depressed and more likely to increase our productivity.
Being able to transport into a realm where we can let our creativeness flourish can be very beneficial. As a photographer, every time I take out my camera, I am doing just that. I am transporting myself into a creative realm. I have found that most of my unique pictures have come during tougher times. Why? Research has stated that when people are sad or depressed, they think more and focus more on what is around them. Makes sense. Research has also stated that when people are going through a tough time, they tend to want to focus on something else.
It also makes sense. Of course, some people are natural-born deep thinkers and are like this all the time. However, I have found that taking a beautiful photograph can really lift your spirits. Seeing a vibrant budding flower can give you hope that you will blossom in time. Seeing a bee in the garden can prove that, no matter how small you may feel, you can achieve great things.
Seeing a rainbow in the sky can reassure you that the storm will pass, and beautiful things are ahead.
Feelings of positivity not only come to the photographer, but to the person looking at the photograph. Have you ever looked at a photo and got an instant feeling of happiness? Something about that photograph makes you forget everything that is going on in your life and in the world for a few seconds. And revisiting that photograph can make you feel that feeling every time. I don’t know about you, but there are some pictures on the Internet, on social media sites, and in magazines and newspapers that can really make you feel down. Of course, we need to see these images so that we stay abreast of what is going on in the world.
But, it is also important to look for good images—the ones that spread positive vibes. Flowers, animals, amazing sunsets, people helping each other are out there; you just need to look. The world isn’t just filled with pictures showing hate and discrimination.
There are If we share more positive pictures, I feel our psyches can improve. Having a more upbeat, positive attitude will help us to rid those negative thoughts that the first half of 2020 has given us and make the second half better.
I am going to end with a quote by me. I don’t typically include my own quotes on pictures or in my blog, but this one is fitting I was having a bad day at school—nothing was going right. That evening, while I was outside photographing some flowers in my garden, I thought up this quote: “I find the best therapy to be taking pictures.
After a long and stressful day, it’s great to relax with a camera in hand. Connecting to nature and realizing that, intertwined with all the craziness of life, beauty and simplicity are out there.” I hope that the next time you are feeling sad, you go to your creative outlet or Google that calming flower picture.
