Have you ever heard of creativity therapy? Creativity therapy is the use of drawing, painting, writing, sculpting, or playing music as a form of stress relief. It is similar to art therapy, but creativity therapy is a more general term for using creativity on your own to help relieve your own stress. Similar to meditation, it teaches your mind to concentrate for long periods of time on a single thing. Not only can creativity therapy help you feel good about who you are, it gives you a space solely for yourself, during which you can express your innermost thoughts, feelings, problems, anxieties, joys, and the imagery that sits deep within your subconscious waiting to be released.

How do you do it?

You want to set aside thirty to sixty minutes each day. Choose your creative outlet. Maybe you will write in your journal, or practice an instrument, paint, draw the flowers in your garden, or dance like no one is watching. Whatever you choose, commit to this time the same as you would to a meditation time. Then sit down in a quiet place where you are unlikely to be disturbed and start creating (or dancing!), whatever you decide to do!

Is this something you do in a group setting?

You want to let your creativity therapy be a private event, just you. No matter what you’re doing, you want to promise yourself that you won’t show it to anyone for at least a month, and then you can decide. For now, just let it be for you and remember that it doesn’t have to be a “masterpiece.” It is not work to be judged, analyzed, or displayed. It is work that comes directly from your subconscious and is a process of releasing what you are holding onto, mentally, deep inside. When the month is over, look at what you have created. Do you see patterns or themes? Images and words that recur in painting, drawing, or writing are your personal themes. Sounds and movements can also have meaning for you if you are dancing or playing music. Spend some time thinking about what these themes could mean for you.

What if you’re someone who doesn’t see themselves as a “creative” type?

Don’t think that you can’t do creativity therapy because you “aren’t creative!” That’s nonsense! Everyone is creative; some people just haven’t developed their creativity as much as others, and creativity therapy is just as helpful for those who consider themselves non-artists. Most importantly, it’s about enjoying the process! Creativity therapy is illuminating, interesting, and fun – in addition to being a great from of stress relief!

Sources: Adamson, E. (2002). The everything stress management book: Practical ways to relax, be healthy, and maintain your sanity. Adams Media Corporation.

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