10 Art Therapy Ideas to Help You De-Stress

Art Therapy is a form of therapy that uses self-expression and the creative process to improve a person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. There are numerous studies that show that creating art helps boost our self-esteem, relieves tension and stress, and can also be a very effective tool for managing our emotions.

While Art Therapy is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other ailments, some of the methods can also be utilized by folks who simply want to de-stress. Here are 10 effective Art Therapy ideas that can help you relax after a tiring day:

1. Paint to music.

Put on relaxing or happy tunes and paint what you hear! This therapeutic art project allows you to explore your emotions by associating it with the sounds you hear. Let your brush strokes move to the beat of the music and allow the auditory experience to translate onto your canvas!

 
2. Draw or paint a relaxing scenery.

Are you a mountain or an ocean person? Draw or paint the type of scenery you find most relaxing! You can also find a picture of your favorite vacation spot and put it on paper.

3. Doodle or create line art.

Doodling or creating line art is one of the most easiest therapeutic art projects. You can draw straight lines, random scribbles, and a variety of shapes to express whatever it is you're feeling. Just allow yourself to be as free and as spontaneous as you can be to get the full benefit of the exercise.

4. Paint a rock.

A rock is often associated with strength and hardiness. This therapeutic craft idea should make you feel empowered. Paint the rock with images or words that inspire and motivate you. Concentrate on the emotion this activity brings and allow your worries to wash away.

5. Make a collage about an inspirational quote.

Cut and paste different images that represent your favorite inspirational quote or saying. By focusing on the quote, you're allowing positive energy to flow through your artwork. Be as creative as you can by using different medium for this art therapy project!

6. Create a huge artwork.

This ingenious art therapy idea allows you to make art using your whole body - the goal of this exercise is to release stress by moving around!

7. Get a coloring book and color.

Aside from doodling, coloring is one of the easiest art therapy projects anyone can do. It's also a great way to switch off all the worries and troubles of the day and focus on the present moment instead. Adult coloring books are all the rage right now, so it's very easy to shop for one you like. 

8. Paint your emotions.

This therapeutic art project can get you to think about your feelings in a more critical manner. Associating your emotions with different colors or images also allow you to observe and express whatever's happening internally without judgement. Creating abstract art works well with this activity.

 
9. Create a postcard that you don't intend to send.

If you're feeling stressed out because of a certain person, get everything you want to say off your chest by creating a postcard! While writing is also therapeutic, designing the card itself makes it more personal and meaningful. You don't need to send it to the person if you don't want to - just as long as you get all your feelings out is enough.

10. Make Origami

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper. It's one of the most relaxing art activities you can choose to do and it also helps develop hand-eye coordination and mental concentration. Following the folding instructions help you become mindful of every step and extremely focused with the task at hand.

Did our list help you relax? Let us know in the comments below!