The definition of art is the expression of human creativity and imagination. Art can express a multitude of emotions from various different forms. Whether creating art for the first time, or it being a hobby, it can be a powerful way to cope with stressful times.
I believe people truly saw the impact arts had during this COVID 19 pandemic. Many could not visit family, conduct their businesses, go to dinner, participate in any activities or some even go outside. People started working less hours or just became unemployed. This kind of situation can take a tremendous toll on one’s mental health, but with access to the internet people got to order supplies right to their front door.
Thank god for online ordering though because people went crazy ordering art supplies! While we found ourselves in isolation many resorted to at therapy. Evidence has shown art therapy can reduce feeling of stress and anxiety. Supplies were sold out everywhere or took weeks to arrive because of the amount of people ordering them daily. This is evidence in itself that everyone depended on art therapy to help them through this pandemic. Me being an arts lover, I would try to order supplies such as paint, tie dye, canvases, the circuit machine, baking supplies but they were all sold out. I would have to check every single day for restocks. While I was loving everyone tapping into their inner artistic self, finding art supplies for my family and I was very difficult.
Everyone discovering their inner creative talents can bring feelings of relief and adventure. What started out as a depressing quartered turned out to be a unique opportunity for everyone to explore their inner artist. They got to tap into things they did not know they liked; art is just one of many. Yes, being out of work was most likely difficult but with losing that job there was more time for self-reflection. People got to have one on one art time with their children or post their crafts on a platform such as tiktok to inspire other people or even start their own businesses of selling things they have made. In life before COVID 19, we were all far too busy to explore the things we truly enjoyed or even to try something new.
Exploring the mental health benefits of art
Art therapy is using visual elements as the therapeutic remedy, which can improve one’s mental health. In clinical setting, it would be provided by a licensed art therapist. However, you do not necessarily have to be a professional to experience the benefits artistic expression can have on mental health. Some might consider painting their house as a form of art therapy while others create intricate crafts such as sculpting. Other forms can be journaling, painting, or sketching. Art is anything you make it. During this pandemic, my sister started to create friendship bracelets and sold them for a dollar. That was her form of art that helped her cope during quarantine. These different art styles help cope with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and a variety of other mental health issues.
Of course, during the pandemic, you might not find many in person experiences in your area. However, who better to create your own group than with your family members or roommates. Perhaps with everything being virtual, there might also groups waiting for you to join in their zoom or whichever platform they might use.
Expressing yourself in front of other may be intimidating but participating in art therapy can also be so rewarding and can often lead to an amazing road to self-discovery. If you’re feeling down with emotions during these troubled times, art therapy might want to be something you try. It will allow you to let go and divert attention away from all the bad news or even allow yourself to express the bad news through your art. Art therapy is about the process, no one should be judging! As long as you are comfortable and relaxed you are succeeding in every aspect.
Benefits:
· Personal development – Art therapy helps people discover their inner creativity buried under negative emotions or feelings of self-doubt. Most people have no idea how creative they are until they learn how to concentrate and control their emotions.
· Confidence – By being in an environment that promotes creative thinking, individuals can have more confidence in their ideas and passions. Normally, we suppress these feelings because we are afraid of what others will think about us. Art therapy helps you find release and feel comfortable in your skin.
· Emotional stability – Art can be a safe and healthy way to release negative emotions. Often people will resort to drugs or other harmful activities to help them escape these feelings. Art therapy allows you to face your demons head-on and express your emotions as a visual sensation.
· Stress relief – During the outbreak of COVID-19, people are experiencing higher levels of stress than usual. Art therapy is a way to detach from things you cannot control. By using your unwanted free time to do something you are passionate about, you may discover that your stress levels will normalize, and you will experience more clarity.
You do not need to be artistically gifted, its all about your process and your results. We all have a creative bone in our body, even if it is small and we have to dig deep for it. Take some time to explore your imagination and express it through any art form you desire. Here is another challenge for you guys, any free time you have just try expressive art, it can change your life!
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