Here’s one tip for a better start to your week. 

If you want to craft a calmer week — and honestly, who doesn’t? — consider taking matters into your own hands with an art project. Not only does making art offer a break from the screen (and scrolling), but it’s also been shown to lower stress and anxiety and spark a state of flow. Plus, you don’t have to be a museum-worthy artist to experience the benefits. Get started with one or more of these creative ideas...

• Bracelets. Relive easy, breezy summer camp days by making your own bracelets. If you’ve got some embroidery floss, you could go old school with a simple spiral staircase, before working your way up to chevrons, diamonds, and diagonals. Or, for those with a bit less patience, stick to beads and charms, which are particularly trendy this summer.

• Totes. With room for almost everything, tote bags are, well, tote-ally perfect for summer. To avoid getting carried away with all the different colors, fabrics, and styles, start with a plain cotton or canvas. Then decorate with pins, patches, paint, even embroidery.

• Pottery. If it feels like everyone is indulging in some clay time, you’re not wrong. Across the country, people are getting their hands dirty at pottery classes and workshops. Of course, you could join them — or, you could make your own vases, plant hangers, or candlestick holders right at home. 

• Dried flower arrangements. Sure, you could try your hand at arranging fresh flowers. Or, you could try your hand at a dried bouquet and admire your work for months, even years, to come. All you need is a variety of dried grasses and blooms (which you can buy or dry yourself), a stunning vase, and a spare hour.