Using Art Therapy Activities for Stress Management.
Video: Interview with an Art Therapist
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy activities involve a creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. For this reason, it is an excellent stress management tool.
It is based on the belief that the creative process, involved in artistic self-expression, helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.
Art therapy is a form of treatment using simple art materials.
Art therapy allows spontaneous art expression.
Art therapy is non-judgmental.
It allows free articulation of repressed thoughts and feelings.
Art therapy allows expression without the threat of repercussion.
It allows previously undisclosed feelings to be externalized.
It can be useful as a primary or secondary healing tool.
The organic nature of the materials encourages creativity.
Source: Adapted from Wikipedia.
Video Link: Art Therapy at the Mayo Clinic: Three Creative Techniques.
Click to watch this video of an art therapist at the Mayo Clinic, as she demonstrates three art therapy techniques that you can do at home to help you with your stress management efforts.
The three art therapy ideas used by the artist are 1) crayon resist, 2) mosaic and 3) soft pastels.
In each technique, the goal is to not judge yourself or your artistic ability, in any way, and to let creative, free expression flow through you.
Sign up below to start receiving our e-zine "Taking Back Control Today!"
SO, WHAT'S THESTORY ON STRESS?
STRESS is out of control! In fact, life is out of control! Effective stress management and problem solving skills may be the only thing that will keep your head above water in the next decade. It really is becoming quite serious and so should be taken very seriously. What is your plan for the next decade? Or, will you let stress win?
Maybe you thought life was crazy in the first decade of the 21st century. Unfortunately, it's only going to get worse. Experts predict 10 years of economic devastation before things improve. A whole bunch of economic factors are coming together all at the same time and the results of this trend will not be for the weak-hearted.
Your stress management skills and life coping skills may well be a key factor in deciding who wins and who loses. And, I don’t mean the lottery! I am talking about health & wellness. Poor stress management leads to serious illness.
In the past 30 years, chronic degenerative disease (CDD) has been on the rise. Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Asthma, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chrohn’s and Depression are just a few of the 200+ chronic degenerative diseases that experts say are directly caused by stress. We are fighting for our lives. How much more stress can any of us really take?
But, there is hope! Achieving and maintaining wellness is more than possible. So, come with us to learn everything YOU need to know in order to take back control of your health and your life.
