Free Art Therapy Exercises for Healing and Relaxation

Exercise and artistic expression are used in art therapy as a means of healing and relaxation. It is an investigation into originality and individuality. In contrast to conventional therapies, which focus mostly on explicit verbal communication, art therapy exercises can be more ethereal and subjective. Art has always been a potent, verbally impenetrable form of expression. So, these art therapy exercises can be a useful therapeutic approach if you’re having trouble verbally expressing your sentiments.

MOOD BOARD EXERCISE

This activity can be a very useful tool for introspection and emotional investigation. It can provide you with a better understanding of your feelings and mental processes and assist you in recognizing any unfavorable thought patterns that might be influencing your well-being and mood. Recall that you can repeat this practice as many times as you like, concentrating on distinct feelings or emotions each time. It may be a terrific approach to start a conversation and work through the feelings depicted on the mood board, so encourage your clients to share it with you.

Materials

• A sizeable foam board or poster board
• Newspapers, magazines, and other materials for collage
• A couple of shears
• Tape or glue
• For extra embellishment, you may also choose to use paint, colored pencils, or markers.

Instructions

After finishing your mood board, give the emotion or sensation some attention, and examine how this activity has assisted you in recognizing and altering any negative thought patterns.

Set a particular mood or emotion that you want to concentrate on first. It could be anything between a happy and sad feeling.

Start by looking for pictures and words that convey this sensation or emotion using the resources given. Place them on the poster board after cutting them out.

Once you’ve gathered sufficient words and images, start arranging them on the poster board in a way that speaks to you. You can combine similar images, make patterns, or arrange them however you see fit.

You can add embellishments to the poster board, like paint or markers.

MOBILES EXERCISE

This activity aims to use the process of creating a mobile to explore your thoughts and feelings. A mobile sculpture consists of several moving and interacting components that hang from a single point. You may complete this exercise alone or in a group. This task can be an effective means of exploring emotions and thoughts. It can help you understand your feelings and ideas by allowing you to communicate them visually and physically. Initiating a conversation and processing the represented feelings and concepts can be a terrific approach. Feel free to repeat this exercise, focusing on different emotions or thoughts each time. You should also invite your clients to share their mobile devices with you.
 
Materials

• String or wire cutters
• Various materials, such as feathers, paper, fabric, beads, or other lightweight items
• Alternatively, materials can be attached to the wire or string using adhesives such as tape, glue, or other similar materials.

Instructions

1. First, decide on whatever particular feeling or idea you want to concentrate on. It could be anything in between a happy and sad feeling.
2. Start assembling the various components of your mobile using the resources that are provided. A multitude of materials, including paper, fabric, feathers, beads, and other lightweight things, can be used to make them.
3. After you have finished creating each component, start gluing, taping, or using other adhesives to secure them to the wire or string. To ensure that the components are balanced and move smoothly, make sure to alter the length of the wire or string.
4. When your mobile is finished, hang it somewhere that it can be seen and moved about easily. Think about the emotion or notion that is depicted on the smartphone and how this exercise has helped you become more aware of your feelings and thoughts.

ZENTANGLES EXERCISE

Zentangle art, a type of meditation art, uses repeated patterns as a technique. This practice can teach you how to draw zentangles, which can aid in neuroplasticity by repeatedly drawing lines and shapes, thereby calming the mind and enhancing awareness. Zentangles’ non-representational style and emphasis on pattern-making help lessen judgment and self-criticism, allowing the mind to unwind and concentrate on the here and now. Drawing zentangles also encourages creativity and self-expression. To warm up and prepare the mind for the next session, individuals can perform this exercise alone or with one another during art exercises.

You will learn drawing skills from this practice, but more importantly, you will encourage neuroplasticity. Drawing lines and shapes repeatedly can help to calm the mind and encourage mindfulness, both of which can help one enter a meditative state. Furthermore, making something with your hands may be a soothing and relaxing experience. During art therapy sessions, you can perform this exercise individually or with clients, serving as a terrific method to warm up and prepare the mind for the forthcoming session. In addition to enhancing neuroplasticity, this activity encourages creativity and self-expression, both of which can enhance wellbeing.

Materials

• Pencil or pen
• Paper: regular, sketching paper, or heavy stock paper

Instructions

1. First, take a seat at a desk or table in a comfortable position.
2. Grab your pencil or pen and a sheet of paper.
3. Start by sketching a little, arbitrary form in the page’s middle. This might be any shape you choose, such as a square or a circle.
4. Draw lines or other shapes that relate to the original shape from this starting point. The shapes might be basic or elaborate, and the lines can be straight or curved.
5. Let the forms and lines come to you spontaneously as you continue to sketch. Refrain from overanalyzing or organizing the design.
6. Continue sketching until all of the shapes and lines are on the page.
7. After you’ve finished your zentangle, pause to observe your creation and note your feelings towards it.
8. You can choose how many times to repeat the activity.

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