Art for Mental Health
- Little Plaza
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
By Yasmin Shorter
In this hectic world of work & school stress, exam stress, home stress and lack of
connection many of us go through bouts of poor mental health and anxieties due to
the daily stressors of life.
Using art as a therapeutic and cathartic outlet can be very helpful. It can be a mindful
activity that focuses the brain on positive expression, it boosts dopamine (a happy
hormone) and improves motivation.
Guided sessions provide an escape from these daily stressors through expression
(another way to communicate when words just aren’t cutting it!); through focusing on
one task and putting everything else to the back of the mind (or perhaps brain
dumping into a journal before beginning your art practice); by being present in the
moment (controlling the now when you have no say over the past and worry about
the future);
Examples:
Mindful breathing- painting or drawing whilst concentrating on the in and out flow of
your breathing. Releasing creativity onto a large piece of paper whilst inhaling and
exhaling allows the world to fade into the background and calms you down whilst
grounding you. That feeling of being able to take that big breath, to release your
shoulders and to unclench your jaw!
Mindful Whims- mark making to take your mind off of everything else, helps get you
into a meditative state where you are focused on moving your pens or paintbrushes
and gets you into a soothing creative zone. You get lost in a no pressure process
that gives you perfect opportunities for reflection.
Zentangles- creating soothing lines, repetitive patterns and marks that help you to
relax and escape from external worries. These can be monochrome or colourful,
whatever you are feeling in the moment.
Neurographic Art – creating well rounded lines and curves and filling with marks or
colours to add interest, going back in curving any lines that may appear too harsh or
straight edges.
Art Journaling -putting thoughts onto paper in graphic form with words in a note
form. The onus being on the drawings more than the writing. An art journal may be
for everyday daily use perhaps documenting that coffee shop visit; it may be for a
specific event or thing such as a travel journal or gratitude journal. These journals
help you to live in the moment and connect with your surroundings.
Sketch booking -keeping a book of drawings, doodles and drawing exercises. This
gives you a way to devote time to your creativity whilst improving your mindful
moments and reducing your stress levels as you create.
Take away:
Art can be helpful in creating good mental health and wellbeing. It aids in reducing
anxiety, lower stress levels, helps provide clarity, encourages emotional regulation,
psychological wellbeing and emotional wellbeing. Art for mental health can provide a
sense of accomplishment, a positive sense of self (a nice little self esteem boost)
and provides space for discovery.
Disclaimer- art therapy should not be used as a replacement for seeking help. If you
need to speak with someone, reach out. If you can’t talk to friends or family, try
your GP or a charity such as Mind, Samaritans, or Papyrus.
About Yasmin:
Yasmin, an artist hailing from the heart of London, has claimed Scotland as her
creative sanctuary. Yasmin enjoys acrylic painting, wielding the medium with
remarkable skill and creativity. Her art reflects a deep connection with nature,
exploring the intricate beauty of diverse ecosystems. Her impressive portfolio
showcases her talent through vivid wildlife portraits, breathtaking landscapes, and
mesmerising seascapes. Each piece captures the raw magnificence of the Earth's
powerful yet serene presence.
In addition to her painting, she aims to bring joy to others through painting classes
Workshops and her art club.
You can connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and BlueSky or via her
website at www.TheCharismaCafe.com
Comments