Art Therapy as a Stress Reliever
Creativity is a positive distraction from stressed and also from depressed mind and is a powerful destressing activity. Psychologists use art therapy as a creative outlet of emotions. The idea of art therapy is about fostering mental health through creative expressions. This therapy is suitable to people of all ages and almost has become an integral part of therapy.
It has been noted that the people having some type of mental health problems often express themselves better in some type of painting and drawing or any kind of artwork and thus this observation became a reason to develop art therapy around this idea. This was found to be more beneficial particularly in cases where verbal communication was not possible or somewhat problematic.
There are many art activities which is being widely used as therapy to deal with emotional state of patients. These can be
- Stories
- Playing music
- Photography
- Drawing & painting
- Writing
- Woodwork
- Metalwork
- Embroidery or knitting
- Sculpting
- Working with collages
Stories verbally or in digital form, Music and Drawing and Painting are some activities which can be done anywhere even at home. Outcome of any art activities provide assessment of the state of emotional health of a particular person. Through the choice of music being played or by the theme and look of drawing and painting by the patients, psychologists find it easier to evaluate the state of mental health.
Therapeutic use of art has many benefits and enhancing positivity in any way ultimately will result in reduction of stress.
- Medium of self expression
Creative art is a reflection of one’s mind and sometimes better explain a person than words particularly in cases of non-availability of better verbal communication. Psychologists find it easy to assess perception and imaginations going on in patient’s mind.
- Reduces Stress
Deeply involving in any activity is very helpful in bringing improvement in performance level and reduces stress level. Sometimes using a particular art makes the person with mental challenges sets into a flow with the ongoing activity and takes the mind off from regular stress. Any activity like drawing, painting, writing or musical instrument is helpful.
- Enhances Self esteem
Sense of accomplishment and achievement comes with any task related with creativity enhances self-esteem and confidence.
- Develops Self awareness
Art therapy is like mindfulness meditation and develops awareness to present moment. This therapy distracts mind in a positive way resulting in a disciplined, healthy approach towards life.
- Self-exploration and emotional release
Medium of art enhances level of happiness and satisfaction and allows to release pent up emotions ultimately reducing stress.
- Better self-management
Poor mental state often results into loss of control with normal life activities. Art therapy helps into such kind of situations so that one can develop discipline, focus and better resilience.
- Better problem-solving skills
Because of focussed work on any form of artwork, one learns better problem-solving skill resulting in lesser stress.
- Enhanced social skills
The feeling of joy and happiness gained through art therapy enhances mood and helps in developing better social skills.
Art therapy is found to be effective approach towards solving any mental illness. Also, art therapy is quite flexible and accessible in the sense that one can get benefit of some form of artwork according to the preferences opted and resources available.