7 art therapy exercises for adults

We live connected, with almost no interruptions and without rest. Attentive to our mobile phone, our social networks and “hooked” for hours on a computer or tablet. Therefore, carrying out tasks that do not involve a screen, although it may seem difficult to make time for them, can be really relaxing and a good opportunity to disconnect. In this sense, art therapy exercises for adults can be one of our best allies.

These are presented to us as a means or a tool to express our creativity. Furthermore, without underestimating the importance of this utility, we should point out that they are in themselves a very positive way to take care of our mental health. Among their many advantages is that they can also be used with children, adolescents and the elderly.

What is art therapy?

Before delving into art therapy exercises, it is important to know what this type of psychotherapy consists of. In general terms, It is a discipline that uses artistic expression as a means to recover or maintain mental health and emotional well-being.. Among its objectives we can highlight:

The prevention, reduction or management of stress, through creative dynamics that increase conscious attention. In this way, by paying attention to the present moment, the mind distances itself from worries or mental rumination.He strengthening self-esteem through the personal satisfaction generated by the entire creation process and the final result.Promote self-knowledge through one’s own creations. Let us remember that these are a reflection of our internal world, therefore, they can show us aspects that we were unaware of about ourselves.He creativity developmentwhich has been oppressed by autopilot and constant occupancy.

Now that we know some of the benefits of this practice, below we explain 6 simple art therapy exercises for adults. Don’t miss them.

1. Color

Facing a blank page is complicated. At first, it can even be stressful if our creative side is more sleepy. At first we may not have any ideas and that also frustrates us. Therefore, a blank book to paint can be that place to organize your ideas and get out of the block. It can help us release anxiety and awaken our dormant creativity. And, with this, to travel beyond our daily thoughts.

Coloring offers adults the opportunity to feel, in part, like children again. This is because it allows you to play with the layouts and the recreation of your senses in an activity that evokes previous stages of your childhood.. It is a way to go back in time, where problems could be relativized even more.

Painting does not make problems disappear, but it does help us relieve the stress they cause us. In addition, it comforts us and frees our minds from the demands of everyday life.

2. Draw outdoors and in nature

We all have a creative part within us, but sometimes it is not difficult to find the time and space necessary for it to emerge. To overcome this absence of inertia in our favor, we need to do a small exercise of will and use stimuli that help us.

That is why drawing outdoors can give us that small opportunity for peace. Be in contact with nature, breathe deeply, fill our lungs and free ourselves through drawing. We can choose between outline a memory, an image or something that we have before our eyes and that we want to capture on a sheet of paper. Anything goes.

This is one of the art therapy exercises for adults that offers us the most benefits. With the arrival of good weather, we can do it in a park, in the countryside, in the mountains or on the beach. The important thing is to let ourselves be carried away by that moment and the sensations of freedom and creativity.

3. Write a poem

If instead of drawing or painting you feel more comfortable writing, you can let your imagination fly by making a poem. Grab a pen and paper and express your feelings, thoughts, emotions, desires or dreams. Let them come out of you, both the good ones, which will put a smile on your face, and the bad ones, which will set you free.

A variant is that of Create these verses from words cut from newspapers and magazines. Place them in a jar or box and take them out one at a time. The words will be given to you, but it is your creativity that will end up making up the poem. Seems like fun, doesn’t it?

4. Creation with our name

Surely many times In the office, in class, or while talking on the phone, you have spent time writing your name on a small piece of paper.. Sometimes it helped you escape and other times it helped you concentrate on the teacher’s explanation or what they were telling you from the other side of the line. Therefore, due to its harmony with our dynamics, this is one of the most interesting art therapy exercises for adults.

Write your name on a piece of paper and from there start producing something new. Let yourself go, use different colors, shapes, decorate with details, create shadows… Look for the best expression of yourself. Sometimes this part that we find so difficult to get out of is precisely the part that we can feel most proud of.

5. Paint on our skin

There are special paints specifically designed to be applied to our skin. Therefore, if you have never considered it and you feel like it, go ahead! If you could tattoo something for a few hours, what would it be? This type of realistic painting is a connection with yourself, with your interior, which is reflected in your exterior.

In addition to promoting concentration and creativity, it helps you put life’s moments into perspective. Remember that the storms we experience during our lives end up healing little by little, just as the paint on the skin disappears. It is a moment of connection, self-acceptance and harmony with your interior. that will help you in your personal growth.

6. Draw in the sand

As children we loved making figures on the beach: taking a bucket, filling it with sand and building a castle or a house. Well now as adults, sand can also become a toy for us. Because it invites us to develop our imagination, to experiment with what surrounds us and to remember those little childhood memories.

7. Paint the music

In this exercise the therapeutic properties of music and painting come together. In it they try to express on paper what the music that is being listened to transmits freely. Any piece of music works, since it is about capturing the emotions that it awakens in us.

Just like in a Zen garden, you can choose to make multiple drawings, shapes or words. It will bring out what we have inside, it will configure an analysis magnifying glass for those actions that we carry out automatically. In addition, it will be a very useful tool to avoid the internal censorship to which we are often subjected.

These art therapy exercises are a free expression, to channel our emotions, enhance our skills and encourage our creativity. We learn to manifest our desires, joys and fears through the different techniques presented. Thus, we connect with our inner world and generate a fertile territory to grow.

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