Creative Healing: Art Therapy Exercises That ANYONE Can Try
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” —Pablo Picasso
Whether you consider yourself an artist or you haven’t picked up a pencil or brush since 6th grade, you can absolutely benefit from (and are capable of) making art! Don’t think about how it will look in the end… The goal isn’t to display your art or show it to others… This is something personal for YOU. So relax, enjoy, practice awareness as you create, and start to heal with these art therapy exercises.
*** Emotions ***
Deal with emotions like anger and sadness through these helpful exercises.
- Put together a journal. Journals don’t have to just be based around words. You can make an art journal as well, that lets you visually express your emotions.
- Use line art. Line is one of the simplest and most basic aspects of art, but it can also contain a lot of emotion. Use simple line art to demonstrate visually how you’re feeling.
- Paint a mountain and a valley. The mountain can represent a time where you were happy, the valley, when you were sad. Add elements that reflect specific events as well.
- Paint inside a heart. Using a heart as a pattern, fill in different parts of the heart with the emotions you’re feeling right now.
Create a sculpture of your anger. For this activity, you’ll make a physical manifestation of the anger in your life.
*** Relaxation ***
Art therapy can be a great way to relax. Consider these exercises if you’re looking to feel a little more laid back.
- Paint to music. Letting your creativity flow in response to music is a great way to let out feelings and just relax.
Make a scribble drawing. With this activity, you’ll turn a simple scribble into something beautiful, using line, color and your creativity.
- Make a mandala. Whether you use the traditional sand or draw one on your own, this meditative symbol can easily help you to loosen up.
- Draw in the dark. Not being able to judge what you’re drawing or having to worry about whether or not it’s “right” can be very liberating.
- Draw in sand. Like a Zen garden, this activity will have you drawing shapes and scenes in the sand, which can be immensely relaxing and a great way to clear your mind.
- Draw outside. Working en plein air can be a fun way to relax and get in touch with nature while you’re working on art.
*** Happiness ***
Art can not only help you deal with the bad stuff, but also help you appreciate and focus on the good. Check out these activities all about reflecting on your personal happiness.
- Draw your vision of a perfect day. Think about what constitutes a perfect day to you and draw or paint it. What about this drawing can you make happen today?
- Take photographs of things you think are beautiful. No one else has to like them but you. Print and frame them to have constant reminders of the beautiful things in life.
- Make a drawing related to a quote you like. Take the words of wisdom from someone else and turn them into something visually inspiring.
*** Portraits ***
Often, a great way to get to know yourself and your relationships with others is through portraits.
- Choose the people who matter most to you in life and create unique art for each. This is a great way to acknowledge what really matters to you and express your gratitude.
- Draw a portrait of someone who changed your life. If someone has ever helped change your path, for better or worse, draw this person.
- Create a future self-portrait. This drawing or painting should reflect where you see yourself in the future.
- Draw yourself as a warrior. Start thinking about yourself as a strong, capable person by drawing yourself as a warrior in this activity.
- Draw yourself as a superhero. If you could have a superpower what would it be? This project asks you to depict your own image as a superhero with these powers.
*** Some Of Our Favorites***
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)):
https://mymo...doodle-ideas/
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.
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.