Art Therapy - Colour outside the lines

Remember that feeling of opening a brand-new box of crayons as a kid? Recall the excitement of creating art and the pride of seeing your masterpiece displayed on the wall. Somewhere along the way, we've come to believe that only talented artists should create art when that's not true! Art is for everyone and is an awesome tool to express or release emotions. In fact, Art Therapy has been found to have tons of therapeutic benefits that improve mental well-being. It's been used to help:

• Ease feelings of stress and anxiety

• Improve interpersonal/social issues

• Manage emotional distress and depression

• Sort out family/friendship problems.

So, let's get back to those days of loving art! Grab that box of crayons (or markers, pens, paint - whatever you have!) and give these art therapy exercises a shot!

Scribble Illustration:

This is a fun and chill activity that you can do solo or with a buddy. Start with a scribble - just a few seconds of random shapes and lines - Don't overthink it! If you're working with a friend, swap scribbles. Then, use your creativity to turn that scribble into something awesome (or silly!). Similar to how we can find objects in the shapes of clouds, focus on the scribble and see what it could become. Have a blast with it!

What are the benefits?

• An awesome exercise for cutting down stress, anxiety and negativity.

• A fun and engaging family activity.

Meditative Drawing - Draw Your Breath

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Drawing your breath is a quick and easy exercise you can do anywhere. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and let your breathing guide your art, like drawing up during inhale, and down for exhale. Don't try to change your breathing; just breathe normally and let your art reflect your rhythm.

What are the benefits?

• Boosts mindfulness, focus and concentration.

• Reduces anxiety.

• Expresses and releases negativity.

Photo source: https://www.mendingarttherapy.com/blog/2020/3/30/draw-your-breath

Create with Music

Need some me-time? Take some time to listen to your favourite tunes while making art. Let the music lead your art - there's no right or wrong way! It could be scribbles, doodles, patterns - anything! Try to use colours that capture your response to the music.

What are the benefits?

• Expresses your emotions.

• Relaxes and releases negativity.

• Cuts down stress and anxiety.

Photo source: https://musicworxinc.com/2021/06/21/5-ways-to-use-creative-arts-in-music-therapy/

Has this sparked your interest in Art Therapy? Well, this merely scratches the surface of what Art Therapy can offer. Please reach out to explore how we can utilize art therapy techniques to enrich your therapeutic journey.

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