6 Reasons Art Therapy is One of the Best Forms of Self Care

Art therapy is something entirely different than craft time with the kids.

If you’re like me, then supervising a craft with the kids normally consists of a lot of mess and frustration.  But ultimately, they LOVE doing it, and that’s why we put up with it.  Kids are happiest when they have a chance to be creative, get messy and use their imaginations.  And it’s time that moms take a lesson from the kids.

Art therapy is a form of therapy which incorporates the visual arts such as painting, drawing, sculpting and so much more.  Formal art therapy is done with a licensed therapist who would guide you through the process and help you to open up suppressed feelings and emotions.

But you don’t need a professional to reap the benefits of art therapy.  Simply picking up a paintbrush and letting your imagination go wild can be one of the best forms of self care.

Here are some of the benefits of art therapy.
6 Reasons Art Therapy Is One of the Best Forms of Self Care
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.

Art Therapy Art Therapy

Art Therapy


Stress Release

Putting a paintbrush to canvas is a great way to relieve stress and tension.  Create something abstract by using big, bold strokes and don’t worry about making a mess or staying in the lines.  You can even go so far as to use your fingers, hands or even your feet to create art.  Involve your entire body in your movements and let the stress melt away.

Meticulous movements also have a way of releasing stress and tension.  When life feels hectic and out of control, keeping within the fine lines of a paint by numbers canvas or detailed coloring book can give us a sense of empowerment and control. 

Winnie's Picks Paint by Numbers
Winnie’s Picks Paint by Numbers

Builds Confidence

The ability to create something beautiful gives us a confidence boost like no other.  Plus, successfully completing a project does wonders for our mental health.  It makes us feel capable and proud and as though we can tackle anything.

While some art forms take years of practice to master, beginners can still create masterpieces.  A paint by numbers canvas is a great option for the beginner artist who wants to create something that looks professional but lacks the skills.  The fine details are a great way to relieve stress and taking some time each day to work on it can easily be fit into your self care routine.  

Winnie's Picks Paint by Numbers
To make it even easier, you can get a paint by numbers set from Winnie’s Picks which comes with everything you need.

Distracts the Mind

Activities that distract the mind are great for those who are suffering from anxiety or depression.  Similar to watching television, playing a video game or listening to music, art therapy focuses our minds on something other than negative or intrusive thoughts.  This is a welcome distraction before bedtime if you’re battling insomnia or on especially bad mental health days. 

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Opens up Emotions

Formal art therapy is used to help patients open up suppressed emotions or memories that they need to deal with.  So it’s no surprise that allowing ourselves to open up our creative side also lets out a flood of emotions.  When you feel sad or angry, worried or stressed, try expressing those emotions using an art form such as painting or drawing.  Doing something creative can actually increase our dopamine levels, which makes us feel happier.  

Express Yourself Without Words

Unless you’re an accomplished writer, words are often a difficult medium for expressing yourself.  When we feel something, we picture it in our heads and then try to describe that picture to someone else.  Instead of simply describing it, draw or paint it out.   Close your eyes and imagine it.  If it was in a dream, then do it as soon as you wake up so you don’t forget. 

This is a great art therapy practice for those suffering from scary and intrusive thoughts who might be too afraid to explain them out loud.  It’s up to you whether or not you want to show it to someone, but getting it out of your head and onto paper or canvas can help you release them and feel better.

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Taps into the Subconscious

The thoughts and images in our subconscious have a strong effect on our conscious minds.  Most people seek therapy in order to tap into that subconscious mind to find out what is hidden in there.  Art therapy can work in the same way.  

Try splattering some paint on canvas or scribbling something with a pencil and then imagining what you see in it.  Create something without thinking too hard about what it is and watch what happens.  Our subconscious minds can leave us clues through another medium such as art.

Winnie's Picks Paint by Numbers
Winnie’s Picks Paint by Numbers

Art therapy is not for everyone, but those looking for an outlet for stress or anger should definitely give it a try.  Find a peaceful location and allow yourself enough time to access your creative side.  You can even try a group art therapy class which will encourage you to socialize with others.  A family or friends paint night can have a similar effect.  And most importantly, whatever you create, show it off.  Hang it up in your home, sell it on Etsy or share pictures online.  Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and who knows, it might be worth something one day…

Looking After Number One: Self Care Strategies for Moms

Moms tend to forget that they are number one.

When you’re a mom, it’s very easy to devote all your time and energy to parenting. Children have a lot of needs, especially when they’re younger.  And although their needs tend to be time sensitive and consuming, using the right self care strategies can ensure that you make yourself a priority.  It’s important to be selfless, but it’s also crucial that you find the time to look after number one.

Here are some helpful self-care strategies that moms should remember.
Self Care Strategies for Moms
*This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust.

Managing stress

Stress is a very common problem faced by parents. Sleep deprivation, having to be on the go all the time and feeling like you never have enough hours in the day can all increase the risk of stress. Other factors, such as relationship worries, money problems and trying to balance work and parenthood may also play a part.

If you’re struggling with stress, the one of the best self care strategies is to try and work out exactly what is bothering you and causing you to feel on edge. Often, there are practical solutions.

Take the example of managing your money. If you’re finding it tough to get by from month to the next, or you’re trying to figure out ways to boost your credit score to get a mortgage, or you’re attempting to pay off debt, there are steps you can take. It’s useful to see a financial adviser, to start budgeting, and to use services like my fico to monitor your credit score.

There are myriad causes of stress, but if you let them take hold of you, even the most innocuous-seeming problem can spiral into something all-consuming. Learn to spot signs of stress, and try and manage it before it gets worse. Everyone is different, but popular self-care strategies include exercise, meditation, and creative activities.

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Taking time out

It’s no lie that parenting is a full-time job. Even when kids are fast asleep, as a parent you’re still thinking about them and probably worrying about them too. Children do take up a lot of time, but there’s always room in the day for a bit of ‘me time’ too.

Make sure you take advantage of breaks.  Schedule in half an hour to do yoga, an hour to catch up with friends or a night off from time to time to go out with your partner. It’s so important to be able to have that time out to recharge your batteries, relax, and connect with others without the kids in tow.

We all love our children, but there’s no harm in having a breather now and again.  Scheduling some alone time is one of the most important self care strategies a mom can do.

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Doing what makes you happy

When you become a parent, you tend to focus on what makes your kids happy, but try not to lose sight of what perks you up or brings a smile to your face.  None of these self care strategies even matter unless they’re bringing you joy.

It’s crucial to work on your mental health and to find time to pursue hobbies and interests, engage in social activities and enjoy time doing things you love. Whether you like reading, painting, writing, dancing, or running, give yourself time to do what makes you content.

As a mom, you probably spend most of your time looking after your children.  While they may feel like your number one priority, remember that you are still responsible for taking care of yourself too.  And you will only be able to take care of them if you also take care of yourself.