Has anyone else noticed how although we are living in an ever-contemporary world, trends and relics of the past are thriving more than ever? Now I’m not only picturing vintage clothing, old films, and records, which are part of a collective cultural history, but I’m also thinking in a more narrow context- the habits of our past individual selves. There are quite a few, but today I would like to zoom in on something that I believed was buried in the past. Chances are you’ve already heard of it- this activity’s popularity has been steadily rising. What is it? The therapy of art. Or, more commonly known as Art Therapy. That’s right- even though watching movies on Netflix or playing video games make us seem like we feel relaxed, studies prove that these activities are actually harmful to relieving stress, especially in comparison to less “modern” ways of relaxation such as, well, colouring.
Perhaps you’ve seen one of these before, while walking around the mall? In case you are still confused, this is an adult colouring book. Yup, that’s right- a colouring book for adults! You thought you’d never lay eyes (or hands) on one after Elementary school, but guess what’s back in style! Colouring books for adults were one of the most popular Christmas gifts this year (Merry Christmas everyone, by the way!) and I don’t think they’ll stop sliding off the shelves anytime soon. I recently visited the Chapters at Chinook mall, and there I discovered adult (and child) colouring books of all shapes and sizes. There were books that tell stories, books with cats, books with scenery- it seemed as if there was a colouring book individually customized for everyone. And if you don’t have time to go out and get one, by simply typing “adult colouring page” in your Google images search bar you can print off something for free!
Colouring books are only one example of a more common form of art therapy- there are many, maybe even too many to count. Other methods include colouring or drawing inside a simple outline of a shape, painting, drawing, or anything else art-related. In fact, in my opinion, art therapy is not only limited to the visual arts. Other people have found refuge in different forms of art, be they music, writing, speaking, acting, or dancing. All of these activities are amazing emotional cathartics, and if you happen to dabble in one or more I’m sure you would agree with me.
So why is it that art therapy works so well for so many people? Well, in all honesty, I think it’s partly because so many of us are super stressed out 24/7. (If you’re feeling stressed out this exam break, I dare you to give it a try!) In fact, I was trying out a different form of stress-relief when I first stumbled across art therapy. I was in a Yoga class, and my wonderful teacher had us try out art therapy. I had a test later that day, and believe me when I say that as soon as I coloured in that circle I felt surprisingly more at ease. I was pretty curious about why the art therapy worked so well, so I decided to do some research in to the science-y side of things (because who doesn’t love some good science). What I found was actually pretty interesting, and I’d love to share my brief research with you all.
It’s pretty simple, actually, and the basic reasons behind why art therapy is so helpful only make it more loveable. They’re simple, clear, and easy to understand. Art therapy gives us a different way to express our thoughts and feelings, and the sensations experienced relax the mind. For example, colouring awakens many sensations at the same time- the sound of the writing utensil brushing against the paper, the sight of the colour travelling onto the page, perhaps the smell, and the touch of your hand holding the pen. If you take the time to relax and focus only on the collective sensation of the colouring, it helps you live in the present, which creates inner peace. Often, we simply imagine doing activities, for example climbing a mountain. However, as quoted in the source below, drawing or making an image is much more powerful than only picturing it.
Art Therapy Works
I found this link to be especially helpful, as I’m sure you will as well.
Want to try something new in 2016? Try art therapy, in whatever form it takes for you!
Featured Image source