Using Art as a Form of Rest

 Lying on a beach is a form of rest. Sleeping in on a lazy Saturday followed by brunch with friends is also a form of rest. There are as many ways to rest as you can imagine. Did you know engaging in an art project is also a form of rest?

 YES!

 Art is an activity that releases tension and fires up the brain in exciting ways. Working on an art project uses parts of the brain that calm, energize, and create enthusiasm. The act of creating restores your energy and excites the brain. Participating in an art activity might be the best form of rest you’ve had in a very long time.

 Art is subjective - one man’s art project could be another man’s chore, but there is some form of art that is sure to light your fire. Obvious forms of art could be:

• Watercolor
• Sculpting with clay
• Papiermaché
• Wood carving

 These traditional forms of art might appeal to you and get you excited to put brush to canvas, hands to clay, or a knife to wood but there are limitless forms of art. Half the fun is exploring ideas and trying a few things out.

 Some less traditional and trendier forms of art could be: 

• Crochet
• Metal working/welding
• Stage makeup
• Mosaic sculptures
• Paint-N-Sip classes

 Art isn’t just about creating with materials; you can create art in other ways. Consider these ideas as an option:

• Spoken word poetry
• Song writing
• Screen writing
• Videography
• Photography

 Movement can be considered art as well. Get your body moving and create art through:

• Interpretive dance
• Yoga
• Tumbling
• Ice skating

 Participating in an art activity can be done independently or in a group. Depending on your preference, you could:

• Take a class
• Hire a tutor
• Watch a class online
• Take a course
• Teach yourself

 Sometimes it is refreshing to join a group of like-minded people (even on Zoom) for a learning experience and sometimes it feels good to get lost in your own world while you create. There’s no wrong way to produce art.

 Anything that causes your mind to create can be a form of art. The sky truly is the limit. Unplugging from your regular world and exploring the world through art can restore your mind and spirit - unlike other forms of rest. Consider trying an art activity the next time you want to freshen up your mood or shake things up for a fun activity. 

Until the next time...

Lisa

P.S. What are you creating? I'd love to see...post a picture at www.facebook.com/coachlisamcgrath