Emotional Healing through Creative Activities

When one creates art, whether it's a painting or another form that follows an intuitive process, it touches on certain emotions that were stored deep inside us somewhere. Perhaps it's something that needs to be expressed or something that one has not been wanting to face for a while, it does come to the surface.

The beauty of doing artwork is the way that the unheard emotions get expressed is mostly through the art itself; as in the art that one makes carries a signature of that emotional state in terms of the colors chosen or the vibe that the art piece gives off. Another subtle way that one can feel emotions shift within oneself is through observing mood shifting. A lot of the time, one starts the process of art creation with a certain mood and by the time one is nearly done with the art piece, one feels different. Possibly uplifted and more in harmony with one's own emotions. It feels 'wholesome'.

A comparison can be made to states of mind before starting to exercise or do yoga and post completing the yoga practice; as in one feels more relaxed and connected to oneself. It's an inexplicable feeling but feels positive and real. Exercising gives you health benefits in the long-run and fitness is mostly viewed as a way to get healthier or look better. But one of the instant benefits of working out lies in the process of doing the exercises. The process itself is relaxing and gives a positive boost to one's mood. Similarly, the process of doing something creative is rewarding in itself. The subtle mood shifting or feeling more in tune with one's self are real benefits that are sometimes hard to attain with months of traditional therapy.

So, engaging in creative activities is a good way to feel happier and more present. It's a good way to gently follow the trail of your emotions that may otherwise be hidden from you. How we feel in the process of creating art is a good indication of what kind of emotions still lie within us; some of which might call for gentle exploration and healing.

Sometimes, the process is the healing. Some creative activities for you to try, that are relaxing as well:

1. Coloring in mandala art books.

2. Making intuitive, abstract art (it does not need fancy colors or knowledge of painting; just a sheet of paper and basic acrylic colors are enough to begin with).

3. Dressing up well (dressing yourself up in subtle colors can bring healing and recognition of your moods).

4. Gardening is very much a creative process. The feeling of watching seeds turn into small plants and acknowledging your role in it is uplifting.

5. Keeping you room clean and organised helps keep anxiety at bay. Minimally decorating one's space is a fulfilling activity and the process itself is rewarding.

6. Making fresh or dry flower arrangements for home decoration.

7. Organizing the space around you.

8. Baking & cake decoration

   
   

& many more... as per your interests...