This weeks Blog was written by Marcus Lansky, founder of Abilitator
Recovering from stressful times can be a long and difficult process. Newer methods have proven to be helpful, including art and music therapy. While they won’t solve the problem on their own, they can help people find a sense of calm.
Read on for tips from Scarlet River PR about the benefits of art and music therapy to soothe the soul.
Learn More About Art and Music Therapy
Art therapy takes place when an art therapist works with a client to create art through drawing, sculpting, painting, or any other visual form in order to build creativity, decrease stress, increase self-esteem, and work through emotional conflicts. Music therapy uses music to treat the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of individuals, usually through playing, singing, or dancing to music.
How They Help
One of the biggest benefits of art and music therapy for those recovering from stressful life events, is that they can reduce stress and anxiety. Art and music therapy provide a positive, healthy outlet, a way to feel good without self-medicating. According to Psychology Today, these creative outlets can provide a pathway through shame when it’s difficult for a person to express themselves with words. For some, showing their feelings in images can be less traumatic. Achieving milestones while learning to play an instrument, for example, can lead to improvement in other areas, thanks to the confidence that comes from learning a new skill.
Immersing oneself in the arts can help lighten the mood, increase playfulness, and help people connect with a more lighthearted, fun version of themselves. Focusing on the creativity required for art and music is a good way for those bearing heavy stress to feel more present and fulfilled.
Create Your Space for Creativity
The benefits of having a hobby can be incalculable. To take full advantage, it will help you to create a space for your art and music. The Money Pit notes that such a space doesn’t have to break the bank; it can be as simple as using existing spaces: “Think about how you’d use closet space with the doors removed. Look for space in basements and garages. Also, reimagine existing spaces in your home that don’t see a lot of daily action.”
This dedicated area can be a space to display art, or to store instruments and sheet music. To give the space an inspirational look of its own, try wallpaper. It’s much easier to apply and to remove than it used to be, and there are endless designs. You can even use the online tool to create your own patterns. Best of all, updating this space could eventually pay off in other ways, like helping to increase the value of your home.
How to Incorporate Art and Music Therapy
When moments of crisis come, turn to music or art. Try adult coloring books or meditation as a way to get started. The goal is not so much the product as the activity to help you become centered and focused.
The very act of creating something artistic, even if it’s not a masterpiece, can be really helpful. You don’t have to show your paintings or play your songs for anyone if you don’t want to. The point is to work through your emotions and express yourself in ways that will uplift.
While art and music therapy aren’t cure-alls, they can play a vital, supplemental role in helping people manage severe stress. No matter what a person’s experience is with art or music in the past, these creative pursuits can make a big difference. Working toward goals, developing a routine, and eventually creating new muscle-memory patterns are all good for the suffering soul. And once you’ve developed a craft, why not join a group of musicians or artists to be around like-minded people, and to harmonize?