Sometimes it’s challenging to put our emotions into words; thus, art is a form of release. Creativity allows you to see new perspectives and provides a moment of relaxation to collect and reflect on the way you feel. There’s different mediums to use such as clay, pencils, paint, wood, stickers and anything that suits you best. Art therapy can help with your mental health, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, communication skills, and so much more!
The process of creating art is just as important as the result, because you can learn from the colors and juxtaposition you choose. I personally tend to draw or paint eyes, regardless how I’m feeling, because I can express my emotions through the small but many details of an eye. In a literal way, I would draw sad or crying eyes to display sadness and, during the process, I find myself feeling better. There is a sense of validation when you display and accept how you feel. Instead of hiding your emotions or not knowing how to cope, art is a platform to express yourself without judgement because there are no rules. If you feel like everything is out of control, art allows you to make your own decisions so that you can control the direction of your piece.
To help you express yourself this way, here are different art projects to try at home that are fun and beneficial for self-care. In the end, we are creating something beautiful out of the way we feel. We are creating a cultivation of our energy. I hope you find a sense of happiness and healing throughout these exercises!
The mountain will represent a moment of happiness and the valley of sadness (your highs and lows). This activity will allow you to reflect on those moments as you add specific elements that contribute to those times.
There are no restrictions or rules to this activity. You simply play your favorite music and paint away. This will help you relax as you let your imagination take the lead.
Create a visual representation of encouraging quotes or things you love. You can do this through cutting or tearing out magazines, creating a mood board on Pinterest, or nature findings (anything really). This should be a fun experience as you put together pieces that make you happy.
Draw yourself as a tree: the roots being your strengths, the trunk being elements that make you happy, and the leaves being the things you want to change. You can also make a gratitude tree, with the leaves representing things you are grateful for.
This journal will be a collection of random drawings, cut outs, stickers, or pieces of nature. This is your safe space to write and express how you feel. Allow yourself to be vulnerable by using your energy to create anything. I would recommend a small/medium sized journal so that it is easy to carry and take out whenever you are inspired to do so.
