Art for Mental Health
Art for Mental Health
In this hectic world of work & school stress, exam stress, home stress and lack of connection many of us go through bouts of poor mental health and anxieties due to the daily stressors of life.
Using art as a therapeutic and cathartic outlet can be very helpful. It can be a mindful activity that focuses the brain on positive expression, it boosts dopamine (a happy hormone) and improves motivation.
Guided sessions provide an escape from these daily stressors through expression (another way to communicate when words just aren’t cutting it!); through focusing on one task and putting everything else to the back of the mind (or perhaps brain dumping into a journal before beginning your art practice); by being present in the moment (controlling the now when you have no say over the past and worry about the future);
Examples:
Mindful breathing- painting or drawing whilst concentrating on the in and out flow of your breathing. Releasing creativity onto a large piece of paper whilst inhaling and exhaling allows the world to fade into the background and calms you down whilst grounding you. That feeling of being able to take that big breath, to release your shoulders and to unclench your jaw!
Mindful Whims- mark making to take your mind off of everything else, helps get you into a meditative state where you are focused on moving your pens or paintbrushes and gets you into a soothing creative zone. You get lost in a no pressure process that gives you perfect opportunities for reflection.
Zentangles- creating soothing lines, repetitive patterns and marks that help you to relax and escape from external worries. These can be monochrome or colourful, whatever you are feeling in the moment.
Neurographic Art – creating well rounded lines and curves and filling with marks or colours to add interest, going back in curving any lines that may appear too harsh or straight edges.
Art Journaling -putting thoughts onto paper in graphic form with words in a note form. The onus being on the drawings more than the writing. An art journal may be for everyday daily use perhaps documenting that coffee shop visit; it may be for a specific event or thing such as a travel journal or gratitude journal. These journals help you to live in the moment and connect with your surroundings.
Sketch booking -keeping a book of drawings, doodles and drawing exercises. This gives you a way to devote time to your creativity whilst improving your mindful moments and reducing your stress levels as you create.
Take away:
Art can be helpful in creating good mental health and wellbeing. It aids in reducing anxiety, lower stress levels, helps provide clarity, encourages emotional regulation, psychological wellbeing and emotional wellbeing. Art for mental health can provide a sense of accomplishment, a positive sense of self (a nice little self esteem boost) and provides space for discovery.
Disclaimer- art therapy should not be used as a replacement for seeking help. If you need to speak with someone reach out. If you can’t speak to friends or family, try your GP or a charity such as Mind, Samaritans, Papyrus.
