Ideas for Art Therapy
Starting your own creative activity can be fun and rewarding. There are lots of different activities depending on what you like to do, which can include: design, photography, music, cooking, knitting, painting, drawing and various types of crafts. Recently coloring books for adults have become a popular way of releasing stress from the day and giving yourself time to relax.
There are no rules to art therapy. You just need to find something that helps reach your goals, whether that is to relax, express creativity, reduce stress or just to fill your time. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do your activity. It’s completely up to you how often you create and for how long.
If you still do not know where to begin, take these activities into consideration:
– Purchase an adult coloring book and your choice of coloring utensils (markers, watercolors, color pencils). Spend about 20–30 minutes either daily or whenever you feel stressed.
– Go for a walk around your neighborhood or park and bring along a camera. Take time to reflect on the nature around you.
– Take on a new medium that you’ve never tried before. Always working on art on your computer? Try creating art in a hands-on medium. The action of making things on paper with your own hands will create a more personal experience.
– Do you usually work alone? While it may be intimidating, try your activity in a group. Take an art class, or do something with your friends. You may learn something new.
– Make a list of your feelings after your daily art activity. Keep a journal of your thoughts.
– Do you keep your artwork? Hang it up on your walls.
– Create a daily drawing. Keep a portfolio or sketchbook to reflect and look back at. Take this time to reflect how you may have felt during that day or week.
– Make a collage. Gather old magazines and newspapers to create a collage on a certain topic or feeling. This can be used as healing or as inspiration for other projects you are working on.
– Look up a new recipe to make for either yourself or someone else. Cooking and baking requires concentration, but could also relax the mind.
