Drawing Your Stress Away: Tips From An Art Therapist

Stress is a commonly shared experience that impacts even the most resilient among us. Experiencing headaches, anxiety, and depression are some of the physical and emotional issues that may arise as a result of it. Art therapy is one way to help alleviate stress and promote mental wellness.

Here are some tips from an art therapist on how to relieve stress through drawing:

Create a safe space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus on your art. Make sure it is free from distractions and that you have all the materials you need within reach.

Engage in material experimentation: Endeavor to explore various materials. Experimenting with different textures and colors can help you express yourself and release pent-up emotions.

Let go of judgment: When drawing for stress relief, it’s important to let go of any judgment or expectations you may have about your artwork. Maintain your focus on the act of creating rather than the final outcome.

Draw what comes to mind: Allow yourself to draw whatever comes to mind. You don’t need to have a plan or idea before you start. Just let the pencil move across the paper and see what emerges.

Use repetitive patterns: Creating repetitive patterns in your drawing can be calming and meditative. It can even assist in regulating breathing and heart rate.

Reflect on your artwork: After you finish your drawing, take a moment to reflect on what you created. Think about what emotions came up during the process and how you can apply the insights gained to your daily life.

The activity of drawing has the potential to be an effective tool for alleviating stress and enhancing mental well-being. By creating a safe space, experimenting with different materials, letting go of judgment, drawing what comes to mind, using repetitive patterns, and reflecting on your artwork, you can tap into the healing power of art therapy.