DIY art therapy for the mind and body

Presented by Riot Art & Craft

Just over a year ago, the world was flipped upside down. We suddenly had time to reflect, slow down and learn to find balance amongst the chaos, with the chance to pick up new hobbies, set up trendy home offices and bake enough banana bread to last a lifetime.

Amid these unprecedented times, stress, anxiety, and worry skyrocketed as feelings of isolation, loneliness and uncertainty settled in. To cope with these feelings, we gave the term self-care a whole new meaning and created unique self-care rituals to enhance self-love, reduce stress, and restore our peace of mind.

Protecting our mental health is now more important than ever. And with DIY therapies like journaling, mindfulness and art therapy, we’re able to keep calm and collected. According to Psychology Today, art therapy involves using creative expressions such as drawing, painting, and colouring to help people explore their emotions and relieve stress.

Research suggests that art therapy works by facilitating cognitive disruption by moving attention away from worry, regulating the nervous system. For some, talking through anxiety can be challenging, but art exercises can help people visually work out what they’re going through.

Looking to de-stress? The following DIY art exercises are a great place to start.

1. Draw or paint your emotions

The easiest place to start using art to help reduce stress or worry is drawing or painting how you’re feeling. The best part of this exercise is that there is no right or wrong creation. Just a clearer mind that can focus on what’s important. Don’t overthink your art supplies; basic paints and pencil crayons are a great start.

2. Create an emotion wheel

Psychologist Robert Plutchik founded the emotion wheel. To start the exercise, you’ll create a circle and then divide it into eighths. Then fill each slice of the pie with a colour and an emotion. The wheel will help to uncover your feelings and understand why you’re experiencing them.

3. Paint to music

Art exercises mixed with music can be a great way to relax. When you paint to music, you’re using both visualisation and audio to help you uncover how you’re feeling and cope with any stress or worry you might be experiencing.

4. Finger paint

We can all remember how fun finger painting was as a kid, right? Painting with your hands is a great way to let go and express yourself through art. While it can get a little messy, it can help you to feel stress-free and laid back.

5. Make a mandala

Research suggests that structured colouring of an intricate design may induce a meditative state and ease anxiety symptoms as it requires focus and attention to create the pattern. Beginner drawing supplies are perfect for making this ancient art form!

6. Build your comfort castle

The comfort castle is up to your interpretation! Use whatever craft accessories you can get your hands on and create the ultimate chill zone that includes many of the personal comforts you enjoy. It’s the place you’d rather be when things get tough.

DIY art exercises are the perfect addition to your self-care routine to help the mind relax and even reduce stress and anxiety. Don’t worry about your artistic talent and instead, focus on exploring your emotions through creative expression.

For all of your art supply needs, check out Riot Art & Craft.