It may be surprising to think that art can be used as more than just a way to express your creative side but truth is art therapy has been used for many years as a way to help people heal mentally and treat a wide range of physiological disorders. So it shouldn’t be very surprising when I tell you that art therapy is a very effective way to reduce stress.
Just think about it for a moment! When you find yourself immersed in your hobby, doesn’t it seem to take your mind off of everything else? I know for me, I enjoy the effects painting seems to have on me mentally and how it can helps me focus on my task at hand allowing me to just forget about whatever may be bothering me, even for a moment.
However, there are many different reasons art therapy can be beneficial and we will take a look at those benefits and how you can use art therapy to help lessen some of the stress in your life.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy requires the process of art making to improve mental, physical and emotional well being. Treatment is one type of psychotherapy that allows people to express themselves during the invention of drama, music, poetry and visual arts. Treatment involves a customer utilizing art as a way to express ideas and their subconscious feelings.
The artwork uses a wide range of substance that is artistic but doesn’t require an artist ability. The activities can be a type of painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other activity.
By assessing an image that is repressed, conflicts and emotions could be shown that, consequently, provide a point of view between the therapist and the client. Discussing this process might help somebody make changes and to understand the origin of what is causing the problem.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Many individuals use Art Treatment as a stepping stone for raising their well-being and increasing self esteem. As a psychotherapy method, it mainly benefits people who find it almost impossible to express themselves verbally.
Art treatment sets itself apart using the process of art and it is easy for anyone to achieve. As people are capable and comfortable expressing themselves art therapy can be beneficial to children. While art treatment may benefit kids greatly, it could also be very helpful to adults.
Really, everyone can benefit from art therapy. When you’re using arts without the aid of an art therapist as a way of expression, you might find lots of benefits to be had simply from the comforts of home.
By expressing yourself an art therapist might help you see things which you might not have understood. Art therapists may help you process emotions that you’re struggling with, so that you can begin healing. Since art therapists are trained in treatment and, of course, in the arts, they’re effective at guiding you throughout the process of expression.
They’re also quite effective at providing insight into your creations and assisting you to understand some aspects of yourself that perhaps you didn’t know existed, whether bad or good. It’s this idea of self exploration that may frequently lead an individual to some insightful conclusions about themselves.
Do not be surprised if the end results of art therapy is an overall sense of relief and a better mental wellness.
Below is a list of some of the mental and physical conditions that art therapy can help:
- Addictions, Alcohol &Drugs
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Amnesia
- Phobias
- Chronic Pain
- Separation
- Depression
- Sexual Addiction
- Habitual Behavior
- Stress – Emotional &Physical
How Does Art Therapy Reduce Stress?
One theory behind Art Therapy is our imagination and capacity to heal our self arise through our minds. During treatment, these processes both are triggered and it offers a communication medium which may assist with beating stress or emotional conflict. Therapy may provide a solution to controlling your behavior, coping with stress or enhancing relationships.
How to Use Art Therapy to Reduce Stress
It is important to remember that art therapy does not require a therapist in order to get the ultimate benefits. This is only really a necessary requirement for one who is shy or has trouble expressing oneself. One can still achieve the same results at home with the right conditions.
So here is a few tips to help you achieve those conditions at home and get the same benefits of art therapy to help you reduce some stress.
- 1.Choose a designated area. It is first essential that the environment you use is one that promotes a high comfort-level. Choose an area in your home where you are most comfortable and you can get the most peace and quiet.
- 2.Choose activities that work. There are many different art activities that are great for reliving stress but we all have are own preference so choose an activity that you like and what works for you.
Stress Relief Activities
Draw your feelings. This is an activity that is important to your stress therapy. Draw what is causing you stress, whether is be literal or abstract, the entire painting should focus on this emotion.
Make an art journal. Journaling is a great way to gather express your thoughts and write down what you feel so why not make an art journal? Use a sketchbook to keep a journal of your art emotions.
Finger paint. Okay you may be thinking, “Finger painting is an activity my kids did in school!” But, it is a very fun and effective way to to express yourself. Spread some paint around on paper and you will see after a few minutes how your mind will have forgotten about your problems.
Start coloring. Again this may look like a child’s activity but you ever wonder how adult coloring books got so popular. Coloring is a very relaxing activity and it can take your mind off of things for hours. Coloring those Mandalas are a great way to kill some time!
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Art Therapy
Art therapy as a treatment from a licensed therapist or practiced at home is a great way to improve your mental and physical health. The benefits you get from expressing yourself through this method of creativity is worth taking a look into.
Art therapy can be a great way to reduce stress and there are many different activities you can explore but if you still find yourself struggling with stress it is important to find ways to get your stress under control. If you find yourself overwhelmed by stress it is important to express this to your doctor or a therapist because chronic stress can cause many health conditions.
What is your favorite way to use art to reduce stress? What tips work best for you? Share your thoughts or tips below!
