Ways To Use Art For Relaxation
Knowing how to de-stress and relax is an essential skill for a healthy life. These art activities are excellent relaxation therapy.
You do not have to be an artist to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. In fact, most of the exercises rely not on the final product you create but on the therapeutic, meditative ritual of the creative process. If you're intrigued by the process of relaxation through artistic imagination, we've compiled a starter kit to get you on your way.
DRAW IN RESPONSE TO MUSIC
Music is a form of art that is often said to move souls. Energize, relax, and otherwise give attention to yours by simply putting a pen or pencil to paper and moving it as the rhythm dictates. Sharp, staccato music may prompt you to draw jagged edges or bold lines; softer rhythms may encourage you to draw waves. Instrumental music is generally a more effective stress-buster than music with lyrics, because the mind is allowed to relax without distraction. If more formalized or finite images begin to emerge, allow it – the point of the exercise is to allow for creation without expectation or restraint.
DESIGN A POSTCARD
Have something to say? Give your words extra dimension by literally decorating them yourself. Writing to a person who caused you pain? Consider burning or otherwise destroying the postcard when you’re finished, as a symbol of your decision to move forward. Have the need to send it, but don’t want to invite them back into your life? Mail your anonymous thoughts to Post Secret.
REDECORATE A ROOM
It is often said that healing occurs with even more speed and intensity when the external environment is adapted to facilitate and reflect healing. Burn off extra energy and adapt your environment to your needs by rearranging furniture, ridding your space of old things, and adding punches of uplifting color and texture. Remember to save room for vision boards, affirmations, and other products of your art therapy time.
CUT AND PASTE COLLAGE
Not sure what to do with those advertisements and circulars scattered around the house? Take a pair of scissors to them, and let your imagination run wild. If you are seeking encouragement in a particular area – love, finances, body image, and so on – zero in on images that cause you to feel uplifted and positive, or ones that embody your goals. Use them as pieces of the larger puzzle of both your collage and healing.
START A DOODLE DIARY
Drawing is proven to relieve stress, but rather than pressure yourself to produce a masterpiece, doodling allows your mind to relax and your imagination to flow. Each day, why not scribble down whatever comes to mind in a sketchbook or journal? These quick and often mindless drawings allow you to focus your mind and improve your artistic skill over time.
**50 Doodle Ideas That Everyone Will Have Fun Sketching
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GATHER WITH FRIENDS & CREATE IN PUBLIC
Hesitant to dive into the art world? Gather a group of friends and explore together. Art groups, like book clubs, meet regularly to explore different media and forms of expression at each gathering. Sound like too much of a commitment? Studios are popping up around the country that allow groups to create under the guidance of an experienced teacher, while enjoying both wine and food at the same time.
HELP SOMETHING GROW
Gardening is an art form that employs plants as paint and your hands as tools. Whether you build your garden in a small tabletop bowl, or take over an entire hillside for your colorful creation, let your imagination soar. Don’t know much about plants? Spend some time at a local nursery and find out what grows best in your area, and what care requirements are realistic for you. Peruse local books or visit several plant sellers to gather ideas for your arrangement.
DESIGN YOUR OWN TABLETOP ZEN GARDEN
A zen garden is part of Japanese tradition, which involves creating a small, stylized landscape composed of carefully composed rocks, sand or gravel, and foliage. Although they're intended to be enjoyed outside, you can create your own, miniature desktop zen garden to bring calm and mindfulness to your home.
The meditative nature of arranging a zen garden helps you focus and clear your mind. And there’s also plenty of opportunity to get creative with your designs. All you need is a container, some sand, and a few hand-picked rocks or shells. Add a touch of greenery with air plants or succulents, and use a mini rake or fork to create patterns in the sand.
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UPDATE OLD FURNITURE
If you’re spending a lot of time at home right now, you might have spotted a few items of furniture that could do with a little TLC. Chalk paint is the perfect medium for modernizing old chairs, sideboards, and tables, as it's easy to use and creates a soft, matte appearance once it’s dry.
You can buy chalk paint online, but it’s also easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Check out this tutorial for making your own chalk paint:
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THE MANY BENEFITS OF ART THERAPY:
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