21 Different Art Therapy Exercises For Different Emotions

art therapy

How can art therapy be a solution to your problems? Sometimes, the solution to your problem just won’t come into your head, yet your thoughts are spinning at 100 kilometers an hour, and you feel like your brain is going to explode.

It’s times like this that you could do with trying some ‘art therapy’.

At its most basic, the only preparation you need to carry out for this is to grab a pencil and a sheet of paper. Then, just start drawing. It doesn’t even matter what you draw. Within a certain amount of time, your thoughts will become more harmonious and you’ll calm down.

To help you get started, here’s what to do if you’re feeling…

21 Different art therapy exercises for different emotions

1. Tired: draw flowers.

tired

It helps re-energize your mind and clear brain fog.

2. Angry: draw lines.

angry

Use simple lines (the most basic aspect of an art that contains a lot of emotions) to demonstrate how you are feeling.

3. In pain: build a model.

in pain

It help you express yourself and is fun and calming.

4. Bored: color a sheet of paper in various colors.

bored

Coloring is a great way to relax and be happy.

5. Sad: paint a rainbow

sad

It’s all about happy colors that will remove sadness from your mind.

6. Scared: knit something.

scared

The repetitive and rhythmic motions that make up knitting is the key to calming anxiety and relieving stress.

Related: 15 Art Therapy Exercises to Control Your Mind and Channel Your Emotions

7. Worried: make a doll

scared

Transfer your anger or worries to an inanimate object.

8. Indignant: tear a piece of paper

indignant

Tear a piece of paper and arrange it into a pattern, which will act as a symbolic release whenever you feel enraged.

9. Anxious: do some origami.

anxious

As the design comes into fruition, you will be able to solve your problems and feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

10. Tense: draw patterns.

tense

Drawing patterns help you express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.

11. Nostalgic: draw a maze.

nostalgic

It helps you pour out your feelings of confinement and emotional barriers and feel relaxed.

12. Disappointed: copy a portrait or painting.

disappointed

It helps you become more tolerant and accepting towards your disappointment and anxiety.

13. In despair: draw your way out.

in dispair

You will feel a sense of satisfaction.

14. Confused: draw an Indian mandala.

confused

Mandala is known as meditative symbol that can easily help you to loosen up and clear your confusions.

15. To restore your strength: make a landscape painting.

restore your strength

It will calm your nerves when feeling listless, as painting causes flowing of creative juices in your brain.

16. To make sense of your feelings: paint a self-portrait.

sense of your feelings

Your self-portrait will help you find your hidden feelings. And creating a future self-portrait, reflecting where you see yourself in the future.

17. To remember this moment: draw some colored patterns.

remember this moment

It improves your mood and emotions and leaves a meditative effect on mind.

Related: Ichigo Ichie: The Japanese Art of Living Every Moment

18. To put your thoughts in order: draw honeycombs or squares.

thoughts in order

Drawing cells or squares will help you deal with difficult situations by putting your thoughts in order.

19. To make the right choice: draw waves and circles

right choice

Drawing circles help you find unity and peace.

20. If you’re stuck in a rut: draw spirals

stuck in a rut

You will achieve a clarity in thoughts and progress in life.

21. To make sense of your most important goal: draw target symbols.

most important goal

Help you realize, focus on your goals and keep moving..

Are you ready to try art therapy exercises? Or if you have already tried, then let me know your experience in comments.


21 Different Ways To Do Art Therapy and Put Your Thoughts in Order
art therapy pin

— About the Author —

Responses

  1. Roberta ShoemakerBeal Avatar
    Roberta ShoemakerBeal

    Are you a trained art therapist or an intuitive artist healer? Great list.



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