Picasso, Da Vinci, and Van Gogh are popular artists whose works continue to resonate until today. Art has been seen as a way to let go of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Nowadays, practicing arts and crafts has been made accessible by many resources.
For many of us, the pandemic has been difficult to deal with. Whether physically or emotionally, the current situation has been taking a toll on our health. Due to this, there has been a growing need to have an outlet to let go of our fears and anxieties brought about by the global health crisis.
Making art is a great creative outlet for most of us. You don’t have to have a particular skill to be able to enjoy the art of creating. For those creative and brave enough to explore various expressions, making art can also be friendly on the budget.
Getting Started with Art Therapy
Practicing art therapy might not be an attractive idea because of the misconception that making art automatically means spending a lot of money. With enough creativity, though, anyone can express themselves through art therapy.
Art therapy is a form of therapy that believes in the power of creative expression as a mode of healing. This form of therapy can be beneficial to your mental health, especially during this time of great stress.
Getting started with art therapy is easy and fun, especially if you have your family to enjoy the activity with you. You might want to consider getting a craft supplies subscription so that you won’t have to go through the hassle of always heading out for craft items amid the quarantine period.
Here are some activities you can try to get started on your creative journey.
Start by visualizing your safe space. Recognize the elements that make up your idea of a safe space — the colors, textures, and relevant symbols. Try to express your version of physical boundaries, emotional needs, and comfort. This activity will allow you to process your limitations as a human being. Let this experience be a reflective activity of how you deal with your current circumstances.
Make a response towards the current situation through art. The quarantine period and the health crisis has been a difficult time for many of us. Our challenges are far from over, and we are left with barely any chance to process the situation because of daily demands. By trying to respond to the current situation through art, you will allow yourself to have the freedom to express whatever sentiments you have about the current situation.
In processing your overwhelming emotions, you can also create a feeling wheel. To do this, you have to create a pie chart, write down your various emotions in each segment, and color the segments using whatever color feels right for that specific emotion. Pay attention to how you prioritize certain emotions and reflect if these emotions dominate your current disposition.
While art therapy and exploring creative possibilities are great healing methods, what is also important in doing art therapy is the reflection part of the whole process.
Art therapy is not simply about making pretty pictures and coloring within the lines. Making art has many benefits that can help ease pandemic blues.
Benefits of Art in Dealing with Anxiety
Making art has long been known to be a great outlet for expressing emotions. Art therapy is a form of creative expression that can greatly benefit your mental disposition, especially during this time of great fear and anxiety.
Here are the physical and mental health benefits of art therapy that you should be aware of.
Art therapy can help reduce pain. Observed in adult cancer patients, art therapy can decrease symptoms of stress. Creative expression has also been seen to improve their quality of life.
Patients with dementia were observed to have had stimulated mental function brought about by the mental activity of creative projects. This is important in keeping these patients mentally active throughout their battle with the disease.
In patients with Parkinson’s Disease, there has been an indication of a reduction of depression symptoms.
Overall, art therapy can help ease the symptoms of stress and mental decline in overwhelmed individuals who are greatly affected by the pandemic. It is normal for people to feel down and unmotivated due to the current situation. Art therapy is a great way to ease these signs of depression.
Trying out art therapy does not require an individual to have great skills in drawing or painting. You need to let go and allow yourself to express the repressed emotions that may have been holding you back.
Art therapy is an accessible coping mechanism and healing method that is enjoyable for young and old individuals. Make it a regular family affair to help you and your family process the current happenings.
