The dawn of the New Year is upon us and with that comes the anxiety of what we want to do for a resolution to improve our lives by committing to some serious changes. While some of us go into this commitment with the strength and vigor necessary to begin, and stay on top of, the things we opted to do differently, there are many who are left with an overall feeling of dread.
The thought of facing another new year may bring about memories of the past and trying to meet the challenges of implementing change in life and it can feel terribly overwhelming, ultimately leading to a feeling of failure and little strength to move forward. This can sometimes also be a time where we feel disappointed in ourselves for not accomplishing certain things we set out to do.
But having a goal in mind gives you something specific to work towards, and helps you keep away from distractions.
Try to remember the reasons you want to make changes in life. Putting pressure on yourself to change because “everyone else has a New Year’s Resolution” is not the strongest way to start things off. Making changes is possible any time of year. You can start by making a “wish list” for yourself. After taking some time to list some things you wish to change- choose one thing and create a small goal for yourself. Break it down into small parts that you can accomplish.
New challenges will also knock on our door with the start of the new year. Cut-throat Competition, striving to make ourselves better than before, and fighting our daily battles are common in everyone’s life. In such situations it is imperative to increase the stress level. As a result of which the mind gets filled with confusion. If you are also finding yourself suffering from mental stress then include art therapy in your life this new year and get rid of the negativity to achieve your destination.
Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” It’s no surprise, then, that many people around the world use art as a means to deal with stress, trauma and unhappiness – or to just find greater peace and meaning in their lives. If you’re curious about what art therapy has to offer, you can try out some of the solo exercises at home to help nurse your mind, body and soul back to health. If you like the experience, you can also seek out professional art therapy treatment in your area.
First of all, ask yourself, when was the last time you picked up a paintbrush or a colored pencil?
Maybe it’s been a while, but what about the last time you doodled on your notebook during a meeting?
For many of us, when we think of art, we tend to think it’s not for us. Perhaps you think you aren’t very creative, but there’s more to it than merely being ‘good at drawing.’
Allowing our brains the freedom for free expression, even by doodling, can have a wonderful impact on how we process, retain, and share information.
It’s no surprise that the therapy community has taken note of this, and in more recent years, there’s been a rise in the number of practitioners offering art therapy.
Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
For those who feel lost, overwhelmed, or isolated, expressing those feelings and visualizing hope can be a therapeutic and beautiful way to identify needs, feel hope for the future, and realize where they are on a specific journey.
Deal with your emotions like anger and sadness through these helpful exercises:
Make a mandala. Whether you use the traditional sand or draw one on your own, this meditative symbol can easily help you to loosen up.
Paint to music. Letting your creativity flow in response to music is a great way to let out feelings and just relax.
Finger paint. Finger painting isn’t just fun for kids– adults can enjoy it as well. Get your hands messy and really have fun spreading paint around.
Draw something HUGE. Then something very small. Getting your body involved and moving around can help release stress as you’re drawing.
Draw or paint your emotions. In this exercise, you’ll focus entirely on painting what you’re feeling.
Create an emotion wheel. Using color, this activity will have you thinking critically about your emotions.
Put together a journal. Journals don’t have to just be based around words. You can make an art journal as well, that lets you visually express your emotions.
Let yourself be free. Don’t allow yourself to judge your work. After all, there’s no way to fail and no right way to make art. Just draw, paint or sculpt until your heart’s content.
Make sock puppets. Sock puppets aren’t just for kids. Make your own and have them act out scenes that make you upset.
Use line art. Line is one of the simplest and most basic aspects of art, but it can also contain a lot of emotion. Use simple line art to demonstrate visually how you’re feeling.
Design a postcard you will never send. Are you still angry or upset with someone in your life? Create a postcard that expresses this, though you don’t have to ever send it.
Paint a mountain and a valley. The mountain can represent a time when you were happy, the valley, when you were sad. Add elements that reflect specific events as well.
Attach a drawing or message to a balloon. Send away negative emotions or spread positive ones by attaching a note or drawing to a balloon and setting it free.
Paint inside a heart. Using a heart as a pattern, fill in different parts of the heart with the emotions you’re feeling right now.
Fill your life with colours… Make it your masterpiece.