Come clean

DETOX FROM...

...anxiety, nonverbally

Knit New York

Drink and make…stuff
Art therapists will tell you that creativity is a productive means of channeling your anxieties—without having to put anything painful into words. If you need a little booze to ease you into a relaxing and social introduction to crafting (not too much! the therapists really wouldn’t approve), get to the Diorama Lodge, monthly at Freddy’s Bar & Backroom. Bring a shoebox, some feathers and those glitter pens that have been languishing in your sock drawer, for a laid-back evening of communal craftery. 485 Dean St at Sixth Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-622-7035, freddysbackroom.com). First Tuesday of each month 8pm. Free.

Knit one, chill two
There’s been recent buzz about the similarities between knitting and yoga: They both free the mind while keeping the body occupied. To develop these productive bliss-out skills, stop by yarn store Knit New York, where you can pick up the basics in two lessons, free with a $50 purchase. You’ll learn the knitting and purling fundamentals, all while letting your mind unravel. 307 E 14th St between First and Second Aves (212-387-0707, knitnewyork.com). Call for schedule and to reserve a spot.

Knead yourself calm
Stress balls are for amateurs: Channel your anxieties through your fingertips and into an earthy-smelling mound of pliable clay. Ceramic studio Choplet, one of the more reasonably priced clay centers in the city, will tailor a class to meet your needs, if you can find three friends to team up with (try mold-making or a raku-firing workshop). There’s also a generous open-studio policy as part of the class packages. 238 Grand St between Driggs Ave and Roebling St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (917-547-8316, choplet.com). $280 for eight two-hour classes, includes unlimited free studio time and a 25lb bag of clay. Check website for class schedule.—TJC

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