When was the last time you engaged in a creative activity? As adults, we often neglect creative endeavors such as art-making, assuming they’re only for children. However, creative pursuits offer significant benefits for mental health such as stress reduction, improved emotional expression, and increased self-awareness.
GETTING STARTED
If it’s been a while since you dabbled in art-making, you might be wondering, “How do I begin?” Exploring different art media is a wonderful way to initiate this process and discover what resonates with you. Art offers a vast array of media, such as acrylic and watercolor paints; colored pencils; markers; oil or chalk pastels; collage; and graphic design. Experimenting with these media allows you to discern your preferences. When trying new art forms, practice mindfulness. Pay attention to how each tool feels and the unique experiences it offers.
A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE
This form of art-making differs from what you may have encountered in an art class. Traditional art classes often emphasize specific techniques, composition, and the final product, which can induce stress and anxiety associated with judgment and criticism. Creating art for self-care shifts the focus to the experience of the creative process itself, reducing stress about the outcome.
Key to practicing creative self-care is mindfulness, i.e., approaching it with a nonjudgmental mindset and staying in the present moment. This thoughtful approach to art-making leads to a
more meaningful experience. The intention is not about the appearance or skill level of the
end product but the process of creating art and connecting with oneself.
BENEFITS OF CREATIVE SELF-CARE
Engaging in this form of self-care can enhance self-awareness, facilitate the integration of
emotional conflicts, reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and boost self-esteem. Mindful art-
making has been shown to provide insight, offer a means to express thoughts and emotions, and stimulate personal growth and change.
IDEAS FOR ART-BASED SELF-CARE
Collage with magazine pictures.
- Collect old magazines and cut out images and words that resonate with you.
- Arrange and glue them onto a canvas or a piece of paper to create a collage that reflects your thoughts and feelings.
Start a drawing journal.
- Dedicate a journal to your drawings, sketches, and doodles.
- Use it as a space to express your thoughts and emotions visually, without judgment.
Paint in nature with watercolors.
- Take your watercolor paints and brushes to a park, garden, or any natural setting you enjoy.
- Allow the beauty of nature to inspire your watercolor creations.
Experiment with different paintbrushes and acrylic paint.
- Explore the variety of brush shapes and sizes.
- Experiment with different techniques and textures using acrylic paint on canvas or paper.
Draw different shapes, lines, and patterns with colored pencils.
- Create a relaxing and meditative exercise by drawing various shapes, lines, and patterns using colored pencils.
- Let your creativity flow without any specific goal in mind.
Color with markers in a coloring book.
- Adult coloring books offer intricate designs to color.
- Use markers to add vibrant colors to the pages, promoting relaxation and focus.
What type of art-based self-care activities pique your interest? If you’re keen on delving deeper into the fusion of art creation and mental well-being, consider following @artfulpsych on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and inspiration.