Is stress getting to you? It's time for some art therapy! Whether you're dealing with a stressful job, relationship, or schoolwork, people use many ways to relieve stress. However, sometimes it is hard to find the time and resources needed to get these activities done. Maybe you feel like you just can't take it anymore. That's where art therapy can help! Art therapy is an expressive way to relieve stress through activities such as drawing or painting. It sounds unusual at first, but the benefits are numerous! Read on for more information about how art therapy has helped others with their day-to-day lives and what you might expect from it.
What is Art Therapy and How Does it Relieve Stress?
Art therapy can be defined as a type of therapy that uses activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or crafts to improve mental health. It's been used by people from all walks of life for many years. Some studies have shown that art therapy can help people reduce pain symptoms! In addition, the psychological benefits of art therapy include giving someone a way to express their emotions. This helps them cope with stress by releasing bottled-up feelings. Finally, engaging in an activity that they enjoy allows the person to focus on something else besides their current situation, which reduces anxiety and stress further.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Art therapy has numerous benefits for people that include:
1. Acts as a form of self-care
Art therapy can be a great way for people to care for themselves mentally and emotionally. When people have pent-up feelings, it is important for them to get them out healthy so they don't interfere with everyday life or their relationships. In addition, this activity allows them to express themselves openly and honestly, which increases self-awareness. This leads to more opportunities for growth and change.
2. Helps you tap into a "state of flow"
When people are stressed out, they tend to get wrapped up in their own heads, which makes it hard for them to be fully present in everyday life. Sometimes they become so preoccupied with their thoughts that they don't realize what is happening around them. This is also known as a "state of flow," which can improve quality of life! The term "flow" was first coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who described flow as being completely immersed in an activity where you lose track of time and feel energized by the task at hand. This concept relates to art therapy because people create something while letting go of distractions and focusing solely on the moment. As a result, this type of distraction leads to an overall improved sense of well-being.
3. Takes your mind off things
When it seems like you just can't take on more stress, finding a way to take your mind off things is important. It allows you to relax and recharge, which is necessary for overall well-being. Art therapy provides an alternative place where you can forget about the worries of life and simply focus on creating something beautiful with your own hands. Art therapy may be the answer when people feel they aren't getting enough time for themselves or alone time.
Sketchbooks for Stress Relief
Having sketchbooks is among the simplest ways of relieving stress. This can be in kind of journaling, can be creative, cathartic, and stress relieving. A journal can be used for individual art therapy and management of stress in the following ways:
Begin a dream journal
A dream journal is a great way to process the experiences and feelings you might not want to discuss with others. It can be an opportunity to explore unresolved issues, express your emotions and record your favorite dreams.
Draw what you feel
Drawing can help you process your emotions and feel as though you are taking back control over them. In addition, it is a way to display your feelings which could be helpful if you tend to repress them. These images may also trigger memories that give the person a sense of resolution.
Start coloring
This type of coloring book allows people to focus on the present moment, which can be a nice change of pace. Coloring removes you from the stressors that may be surrounding you and allows for an escape into your imagination. It is also great for people who suffer from anxiety or high levels of stress since it provides them with ways to cope with their emotions rather than bottle them up.